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 |

A new era is rising in Southern Nevada. When Danielle Casey, President and CEO of LVGEA, takes the mic, she reveals what it really takes to transform a region. From her climb through Arizona, California, and New Mexico to leading the charge in Las Vegas, Casey shares insider stories on power, progress, and the people building the economy of tomorrow. Get ready for strategy, vision, and a front-row look at how industries like Haas Automation are shaping Nevada’s next big chapter.

Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA):
https://lvgea.org/

In this special episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, host Jaime Cruz sits down with Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a former sheriff, soldier, and lifelong public servant, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, accountability, and workforce transformation. From his early life in Japan to championing education reform and second-chance programs like Hope for Prisoners, Lombardo shares how collaboration and innovation are shaping Nevada’s future.

Hope for Prisoners
https://hopeforprisoners.org/

National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWDP)
The Forum 2026 | NAWB

What if Southern Nevada could not only manage homelessness but truly solve it? In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, host Jaime Cruz talks with Kim Jefferies, President and CEO of Campus for Hope, and Erik Hansen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Wynn Resorts. Together, they share their personal journeys, the San Antonio model that inspired this effort, and how a new public-private partnership is coming to life in Las Vegas to create lasting change. 

Campus of Hope Foundation
Campus for Hope

Wynn Resorts
Welcome to Wynn Resorts | Wynn Resorts, Limited

Vegas Chamber- MAC Night Out
https://vegaschamber.com/events-programs/mac-night-out/

Across seasons of uncertainty and growth, Stephanie learned to build doors where walls once stood. In this episode, she shares a practical playbook for turning vision into results people can feel, with strategy, community, and accountability at the center.

City of Henderson:
Henderson, NV | Home

From moving across the Midwest to commanding one of the Air Force’s most advanced wings, Brigadier General Lawrence T. Sullivan’s story is one of resilience and leadership. In this episode, he reveals how Nellis Air Force Base operates like a city, the powerful ties between the military and Las Vegas, and the lessons that shape the next generation of airmen. 

Nellis Air Force Base
https://www.nellis.af.mil/

U.S. Air Force:
https://www.af.mil/

57th Wing Fact Sheet
https://www.nellis.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/284155/57th-wing/

Vegas Chamber – MAC Night Out:
https://vegaschamber.com/events-programs/mac-night-out/

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we hear the story of Tam and Kerry Larnerd, two long-time educators whose careers shaped thousands of students in Southern Nevada. Kerry, originally from South Africa, grew up in Carson City before moving to Las Vegas to attend UNLV. She began teaching English at Silverado High School and went on to serve as an administrator at schools like Vo-Tech (now Southeast CTA), where she helped build industry partnerships with companies like Tesla. Even after retiring, Kerry returned to the classroom and now teaches English at Del Sol Academy, where she continues to inspire students with her focus on relationships and real-world readiness.

Tam grew up in Binghamton, New York, where he first worked as a DJ before turning to education. After earning a degree in health education, he moved to Nevada and began teaching at Basic High School before becoming a principal at both Bob Miller Middle School and Spring Valley High School. At Spring Valley, he helped transform the campus into an International Baccalaureate magnet school. After retiring, Tam shifted to national advocacy, working with Peer Helpers Plus, a program that trains students to support peers through challenges like mental health struggles and suicide prevention. His work has expanded into Texas, New Jersey, and beyond, supported by foundations dedicated to youth mental wellness.

Beyond their professional impact, the Larnerds live a full and active life. They enjoy hockey games, pickleball, card nights with friends, and summers at their family cabin on Lake Ontario. Together, they’ve driven across the country multiple times, embraced outdoor adventures like Sea-Dooing, and made space for family and travel as part of their balance after decades in demanding school leadership roles.

When asked what advice they would give young people, Kerry emphasized that education is a “people business” and urged future educators to always keep students and relationships at the center. Tam advised patience, encouraging teachers to spend time in the classroom before moving into administration so that they can balance career growth with family. Their shared message is clear: teaching is a calling that requires passion, perseverance, and heart.

Peer Helpers Plus:
https://thriveway.com/

Tesla Guided Education:

Tesla - Education Benefit | Guild