MARC News

Dec 13, 2022

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12th Annual Workforce and Education Summit

More than 150 representatives from workforce, economic development, civic organizations, educational institutions, and local governments from across the region attended the Mid-America Regional Council’s (MARC) 12th Annual Workforce and Education Summit on Nov. 16 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The event focused on developing a more effective and equitable workforce system – one that both helps workers obtain the skills necessary for economic mobility and grows our regional economy.

Keynote Presenter

Stephen Goldsmith presents at Workforce and Education Summit

Former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government

Former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, a member of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government faculty, shared his insights on workforce development reforms and practical ideas that meet the needs of both workers and employers. His presentation focused on findings from a recent book he co-authored on Growing Fairly – How to Build Opportunity and Equity in Workforce Development.

Panel Discussion

Miles Sandler from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation moderated a panel discussion that included Earl Phalen from KC Scholars, Andy Bowne from Johnson County Community College, and Doug Cowan from Community Services League. The panel shared their perspectives on the region’s workforce challenges and ideas on how to address them.

New Research

Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, The DeBruce Foundation

Leigh Anne Taylor Knight discussed new research from the DeBruce Foundation that explores the role of job literacy and networks in building resilient careers. The report, Working Smarter: Driving Employment Empowerment with Career Literacy + Networks, provides actionable insights for workforce development professionals, educators, and stakeholders invested in helping individuals build a thriving career.

Event Sponsors

This year’s summit was sponsored by the DeBruce Foundation, KC Rising, MARC and its Regional Workforce Intelligence Network of Greater Kansas City, and the GradForce KC groups. Learn more about the workforce development issues facing the Kansas City region at marc.org and debruce.org.

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