What does it take to shape a city’s future and create real opportunities for the next generation? Join Las Vegas City Councilwoman Nancy Brune as she shares her journey and takes on Southern Nevada’s biggest challenges, from affordable housing and youth jobs to preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

College of Southern Nevada’s (CSN) Jyoti Senthil & Kevin Mitchell share how community voices, emerging careers, and AI are shaping the college’s strategic plan—and offer inspiring advice for building a meaningful career.

An Update:  CSN’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
https://news.csn.edu/an-update-2026-2030-strategic-plan

From working Louisiana cotton fields at age seven to co-founding KME Architects, Melvin Green shares the determination and empathy behind his remarkable career. He explores “listening architecture,” the importance of preserving the human touch, and how mentorship can inspire the next generation.

To contact KME Architects about projects or mentorship, visit kmearchitects.com or call 702-888-2088.

Lisa Burkhead, President of Cristo Rey St. Viator, and student Daniella discuss how the school’s Corporate Work Study Program gives students hands-on experience, mentorship, and essential career skills. Learn how local businesses can help empower students and strengthen Southern Nevada’s future workforce.

Cristo Rey St. Viator:
Official Website

Corporate Work Study Program:
 Learn More

Explore Corporate Partnerships:
Learn More

Adrian Reaux, general manager of Corporate Talent Development for Empire Cat and Doug Brost, training manager for Empire Machinery, share how an innovative workforce partnership is transforming the future of skilled trades. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, they reveal how the Think Big and Go Big programs are connecting K-12 education, community college, and industry to prepare the next generation of heavy equipment technicians for high-paying careers with little to no student debt. From hands-on training and paid internships to life-changing career opportunities, this episode offers a powerful blueprint for building tomorrow's workforce. 

Empire Cat:
Empire Cat ThinkBIG

NV My Future Workbook:
NV My Future

Olivia Diaz, Mayor Pro Tem and Ward 3 Councilwoman for the City of Las Vegas, returns to the Workforce Connections Podcast to share her journey from the classroom to public service and the vision shaping Southern Nevada's future. In this episode, Olivia discusses expanding access to education and workforce training, creating pathways to high-wage careers, and investing in opportunities that empower the next generation. From the Westside Education and Training Center to the future Eastside Education and Training Center, she shares how these transformational investments are expanding educational opportunities and preparing Southern Nevadans for tomorrow's workforce.

City of Las Vegas: https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/

Westside Education Training Center: https://news.csn.edu/wetc/

¡Ándale! 5K Run/Walk: https://www.andale5k.com/

 Molly Hamrick, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty and Coldwell Banker Commercial Premier, shares the inspiring journey that took her from a Las Vegas native with big dreams to one of Southern Nevada's most respected business leaders. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Molly reveals how leadership, mentorship, and a passion for helping others build generational wealth are creating opportunities for families while strengthening Southern Nevada's future. From affordable housing and economic development to giving back through service, her story is a powerful reminder that success is built on relationships, hard work, and investing in others.  

Coldwell Banker Premier Realty:
https://www.coldwellbanker.com/nv/las-vegas/offices/coldwell-banker-premier-realty/oid-P00400000FSjgReMm6QdnalpsrlEjFvrDbXlNtLV

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

Tom Burns, executive director of Nevada's Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), and Dr. Dorian Stonebarger, deputy director of GOED, share the bold vision driving Nevada's next era of economic growth and innovation. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, they reveal how workforce development, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and strategic partnerships are creating new career opportunities and strengthening Nevada's economy for generations to come. It's an inspiring look at the collaboration, leadership, and forward-thinking strategies shaping the Silver State's future.

Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED): https://goed.nv.gov/

Nevada Business Magazine (June issue featuring GOED's 16-page article on critical minerals): https://nevadabusiness.com/

Christine Maddela, founder and chief executive officer of Storyville RD, shares the inspiring journey that took her from award-winning journalist to building one of the nation's leading video production companies. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Christine reveals how the power of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and workforce development are helping businesses, brands, and communities connect in meaningful ways. From partnering with the NFL to creating opportunities for local talent, her story is a powerful reminder that every great journey begins with a story worth telling.

Storyville RD:
https://www.storyvillerd.com/

EmployNV Business Hub:
https://employnvbusinesshub.org/

Brian Knudsen, Ward 1 Councilman for the City of Las Vegas, shares the experiences that shaped his journey into public service and the bold vision helping transform Southern Nevada's future. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Brian discusses strengthening the healthcare workforce, advancing biotechnology, fostering regional partnerships, and creating opportunities that will shape the future of Southern Nevada for generations to come.

City of Las Vegas:
https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/

Las Vegas Medical District:
https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Business/Economic-Development/Medical-District

Dale Erquiaga and Caleb Cage return to the Workforce Connections Podcast for a fascinating conversation about the stories that shaped their books, the life experiences that inspired them, and the deeply personal moments that found their way onto the page. From Nevada history and Basque family legacies to military service, leadership, and the healing power of storytelling, this episode offers a rare look inside the minds of two accomplished Nevada authors and public servants. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply love a great story, you'll leave inspired to preserve your own.

Books Featured:
• Three Wives' Tales by Dale Erquiaga
• A Soldier's Road by Dale Erquiaga
• Desert Mementos by Caleb Cage
• The Gods of Diyala by Caleb Cage

Find the books:
https://www.amazon.com/amz-books/store?ccs_id=d3ef965a-9eeb-4274-9ae1-f928118c7b67