E59: Beyond WIOA: How Workforce Boards are Transforming Their Role
CWA Today
This episode explores the evolving role of workforce development boards in driving economic growth and community impact. Join hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes as they discuss the "Real Role of Workforce Boards" training with special guests from Solano and Madera Counties. Discover how these boards are moving beyond WIOA limitations to address broader community needs, engage board members in strategic planning, and align initiatives with local economic challenges and opportunities. Learn about the importance of rebranding workforce development to focus on positive impact and success stories,...
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E58: Harnessing AI for Workforce Development: A Conversation with Wesley Brach
CWA Today
Tune into another episode of CWA Today, as hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes are joined by entrepreneur and AI expert Wesley Brach to discuss the exciting world of artificial intelligence and its impact on workforce development. Wesley shares his journey into AI and explains the buzz surrounding generative AI, which is creating new content and revolutionizing industries. The conversation delves into the potential fears and optimism surrounding AI's influence on jobs, as well as the ways in which AI can help job seekers and employers connect more efficiently. Wesley also discusses his work...
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E57: Life Skills and Leadership: 2024 CWA Youth Conference Preview
CWA Today
This episode of CWA Today podcast previews the upcoming 2024 CWA Youth Summit conference happening February 7-8th in Long Beach, California. Host Bob Lanter interviews CWA's Matt Hidalgo about the event's "Expanding Horizons" theme focusing on providing youth career counseling, life skills training, and leadership development. The episode highlights dynamic workshops, opportunities to engage with state political leaders, and details on registration.
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E56: Turning Interviews into Offers: Creative Job Interview Strategies
CWA Today
In this episode, hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes interview workforce development expert Larry Robbin about best practices for job interviews and the hidden agenda employers have when hiring. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed hiring practices, making flexibility and profitability key employee traits. Larry explains common mistakes job seekers make with canned responses and insufficient research, and the power that bringing innovative ideas demonstrates to an employer when they are making hiring decisions.
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E55: Beyond Federal Funds: How Workforce Boards Diversify Resources and Maximize Impact
CWA Today
This special episode marks the refresh of CWA Today, and features CWA Executive Director Bob Lanter and Program Director Matthew Hayes discussing an overview of research they have conducted into the impactful work being done by the state’s 45 local workforce development boards. Discover the positive impact of boards moving beyond just operating federal WIOA programs and focusing on addressing economic opportunities and socioeconomic challenges in their communities, and how this can lead to greater change and attracting more funding. Bob and Matthew also reveal plans to use these findings to...
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E54: WORKCON 2023: Clarity through Action
CWA Today
Tune in as CWA's Matt Hidalgo and professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant Aaron Golub join the program to discuss WORKCON 2023, CWA's annual spring conference. Discover the meaning behind this year's theme, "Clarity through Action" and some of the organizations that are participating in this year's conference. Aaron shares how he became an expert on the topic of overcoming adversity and reveals his own story of becoming the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a game. To register for WORKCON, visit
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E53: Creating Collective Community Solutions- Part Two
CWA Today
Tressa Dorsey, TAD Grants President & Founder, joins the program for a 2-part conversation about a board development training, being offered in partnership with CWA, about creating collective community solutions. Tressa shares her thoughts about how boards can best position themselves to access federal dollars and create innovative solutions for their communities. She also shares the leadership practices and principles of highly effective workforce boards. To sign up for the training, visit
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E52: Creating Collective Community Solutions- Part One
CWA Today
Tressa Dorsey, TAD Grants President & Founder, joins the program for a 2-part conversation about a board development training, being offered in partnership with CWA, about creating collective community solutions. Tressa shares her thoughts about how boards can best position themselves to access federal dollars and create innovative solutions for their communities. She also shares the leadership practices and principles of highly effective workforce boards. To sign up for the training, visit
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E51: Helping Youth Develop a Success Mindset
CWA Today
Training consultant K-Rahn Vallatine joins the program to discuss the work that he does with teachers, psychologists, and other youth service professionals to strengthen their insight and skillset in trauma informed youth engagement. He also discusses his "Live Above the Hype" life skills curriculum, which builds critical thinking skills, encourages reflection, and ultimately supports positive shifts in value systems. You'll hear details about the Live Above the Hype Success Academy and the partnership between K-Rahn and CWA.
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E50: CWA Youth Symposium 2023
CWA Today
In this episode, you'll hear details about the CWA Youth Symposium 2023. The virtual symposium will bring together youth workforce service providers, youth job coaches, community-based organizations, educational entities, adult schools, youth workforce allies, and youth participants from across the State of California and the US to discuss, network, and ponder what it takes to remain relevant to participate and thrive in the workforce. To register for the event, visit:
info_outlineThis episode features a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, as they discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has effected the economy and the labor market. They also discuss the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and what can be done to ensure greater equity in the workforce system.