A Las Vegas upbringing, a historic first, and a leader shaping the future of the NFL.  In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Sandra Douglass Morgan, president of the Las Vegas Raiders, shares how growing up on the east side of Las Vegas, a deep commitment to education, and the courage to bet on herself led to one of the most influential roles in professional sports. From public service to the Raiders front office, her story is a powerful reminder that the biggest breakthroughs come from believing in your path before anyone else does.

Las Vegas Raiders:
https://www.raiders.com

A bold leap, a coffee shop competition, and a diner built on heart. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Mallory Gott, co-owner and CEO of Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner, shares how an unexpected career turn and a leap of faith with her chef husband led to one of downtown Las Vegas’ most beloved scratch kitchens. From winning the Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway to building a thriving small business and team in Southern Nevada, Mallory’s story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from taking the biggest risks.

Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner:
https://www.winnieandethels.com

Las Vegas Aces President Nikki Fargas shares the powerful journey that took her from a small town in Tennessee to the helm of one of the most successful franchises in women’s professional sports. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, she reflects on leadership, resilience, and the championship culture helping shape the future of sports in Las Vegas. Her message is simple and powerful: bet on yourself, work hard, and never stop competing.

Las Vegas Aces:
https://aces.wnba.com/

From a Reno native with a business degree to Director of Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR), Christopher Sewell shares the real story behind Nevada’s workforce transformation. In this dynamic episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, he unpacks how partnership, innovation, and bold leadership transformed a once-fractured system into a nationally recognized model. 

Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR):
https://detr.nv.gov/

EmployNV (Nevada’s workforce system brand):
https://www.employnv.gov/vosnet/default.aspx

From Queens to the Strip, Marc Badain, President of the Las Vegas Athletics, shares a cinematic journey through sports leadership, analytics, and the vision behind Las Vegas’ next iconic ballpark. In this compelling episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Marc reveals how legacy, innovation, and community power are shaping the future of Major League Baseball in Southern Nevada. It’s a powerful look at how vision and community come together to shape the future of sports in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Athletics (Oakland A’s MLB team relocating to Vegas):
https://www.mlb.com/athletics

Las Vegas A’s Ballpark Experience:
https://ballparkexperience.athletics.com/experience-center

Tyler Merritt returns home for a raw, powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and survival. In the electrifying first episode of Season 6 of the Workforce Connections podcast, the bestselling author and Las Vegas native reflects on his viral video Before You Call the Cops, surviving cancer, and the power of storytelling. It’s a fast-moving, unforgettable episode about owning your story and turning adversity into meaning.

Tyler Merritt Project:
 Published Author ─ The Tyler Merritt Project

“Before You Call the Cops” (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/wKeITMzMn7w?si=9tTz4cL-IZQxZ5UT

 In this inspiring episode, Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, the new president of the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), takes us on a powerful journey from his Montana roots to the helm of one of the region’s most impactful institutions. As he shares his vision for CSN, the future of workforce development, and the growing alignment across Southern Nevada’s education and economic partners, the episode unfolds like the story of a leader built for this moment. It is an honest, energizing look at how community colleges shape lives, communities, and the region’s future. 

CSN Website:
https://www.csn.edu/

In the final episode ever recorded in the original WC studio, host Jaime Cruz sits down with entrepreneur Jason Briggs, who went from a garage in Chino to building and selling multimillion-dollar companies. Their conversation unfolds like a real-life comeback story as Jason reveals how raw talent, relentless drive, and a deep shift in purpose carried him from a young technician to a leader shaping the future of AI and mental wellness. It is a gripping look at transformation, ambition, and the power of choosing who you want to become.

ControlWorks BAS:
ControlWorks

Superintendent Jhone Ebert has led education systems from Nevada to New York and now oversees 300,000 students in the nation’s fifth-largest school district. She joins the WC Podcast to share the journey that shaped her and the vision she is driving at the Clark County School District. This episode uncovers the moments, challenges, and decisions behind one of the most influential roles in public education. 

Clark County School District:
 https://ccsd.net

 In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, Mark and Samantha Steele are the powerhouse siblings behind The Blooming Bistro and the Restaurant Hospitality Institute. Their mission is to transform lives in Las Vegas through hospitality, hope, and opportunity for at-risk youth and adults. 

The Blooming Bistro
https://www.thebloomingbistro.com/

Restaurant Hospitality Institute
https://rhinstitute.com/

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) President Dr. Chris Heavey shares his inspiring journey from Chicago to Las Vegas and how he’s leading the charge to align higher education with Southern Nevada’s workforce needs. From groundbreaking programs in cybersecurity and healthcare to innovations that turn desert air into water, Dr. Heavey highlights how UNLV is driving the region’s growth and opportunity.

UNLV:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas |