Hector Fernandez, chief executive officer of IGT, returns to the Workforce Connections Podcast to share the remarkable journey of leading one of the gaming industry's most iconic companies. In this episode, Hector reveals how betting on yourself, embracing innovation, and building a culture of excellence are helping shape the future of IGT and the gaming industry, while also sharing his passion for the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's.

IGT:
Home | IGT

Walk to End Alzheimer's – Las Vegas (October 17):
2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Las Vegas, NV | Walk to End Alzheimer's

Dr. Bobbi Damrow, chief executive officer of the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, shares the remarkable journey that brought her from the manufacturing floor to the role of leading Southern Nevada’s most transformative workforce training organization. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, she reveals how hands-on training, industry partnerships, and life-changing career opportunities are opening doors for thousands of students while helping power the future of Las Vegas’ hospitality industry. It’s an inspiring story of second chances, purpose, and the people behind one of the city’s greatest workforce success stories.

Culinary Academy of Las Vegas:
https://www.theculinaryacademy.org/

Westside Bistro:
Located at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas
Open Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Victor Wakefield, Nevada State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Nevada Department of Education, shares the inspiring journey that took him from teaching middle school students to leading Nevada’s education system. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, he reflects on the power of education to change lives and the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy. From workforce readiness and career-connected learning to preparing students for the opportunities of tomorrow, Victor offers an inside look at the vision helping shape the future of education across Nevada.

Nevada Department of Education:
https://doe.nv.gov/

Leo Bletnitsky, president of Healthy Technology Solutions and longtime Workforce Connections board member, shares an incredible journey from immigrating to the United States from Ukraine to building a successful technology company in Las Vegas. From an unexpected career in IT and a near-miss with the FBI to the rise of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of work, Leo offers a fascinating look at how innovation, resilience, and curiosity are reshaping both business and technology. 

Healthy Technology Solutions:
Healthy Technology Solutions

College of Southern Nevada Cybersecurity Program:
CSN Cybersecurity Programs

Mitch Cloward, region president of Intermountain Health, shares a powerful story of leadership, compassion, and purpose in this inspiring episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast. From starting his healthcare journey as a hospital housekeeper to leading one of the region’s largest healthcare systems and helping bring Nevada’s first standalone children’s hospital to Las Vegas, Mitch reveals how empathy, innovation, and service are transforming the future of healthcare in Southern Nevada.

Intermountain Health:
Intermountain Health

Intermountain Children’s Health / Primary Children’s Hospital:
Primary Children’s Hospital

 Scott Muelrath, president and CEO of the Henderson Chamber, shares the story behind Henderson’s explosive growth and the vision helping shape Southern Nevada’s future in this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast. From the arrival of Haas Automation and major development projects to workforce challenges, small business growth, and the rapid transformation of Henderson, Scott gives an inside look at the leadership and momentum driving one of the region’s fastest-growing communities. 

Henderson Chamber of Commerce:
Henderson Chamber of Commerce

From transforming office spaces into inspiring experiences to surviving stage four colon cancer, Karey Spransy, Vice President of Sales at Felt Right, shares a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and purpose in this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast. Through her work with Felt Right, Karey reveals how design, sustainability, and human connection can transform the way people feel in the spaces where they live and work, while reminding listeners that life is too short not to chase what lights them up.

Felt Right:
Felt Right

It starts in motion with airports, early mornings, and a relentless pursuit of purpose as Doug Cotter shares in this episode how his journey from the U.S. Army to leading a national workforce organization became a mission to change lives at scale. He reminds us that success comes down to belief, consistent action, and the power of helping people find dignity through work.

Equus Workforce Solutions                                                                                                          Equus Workforce Solutions Homepage

From combat zones to the heart of Nevada’s future, Caleb Cage shares a story shaped by service, leadership, and relentless purpose. In this episode, he opens up about his journey from West Point and Iraq to leading statewide initiatives and building Arc Dome Strategies, while helping drive Nevada’s lithium loop and economic transformation. It’s a powerful reminder that meaningful work, humility, and taking action can shape not just a career, but an entire state’s future.

Arc Dome Strategies
https://arcdomestrategies.com/

Two paths, one mission, and a system quietly transforming lives across Nevada. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Nevada Labor Commissioner Brett Harris and Apprenticeship Council Director Toni Giddens reveal how registered apprenticeships are opening doors to high-paying careers without debt. It’s a powerful look at how earning while learning is reshaping the future of work. 

Apprenticeship Week No-Debt Career Fair (April 28 & May 1):
https://labor.nv.gov/Apprenticeship_Council/No_Debt_Career_Fair/

Nevada Labor Commissioner’s Office:
https://labor.nv.gov/

Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, interim president of Nevada State University, leads a powerful story shaped by service, education, and a defining moment for Nevada’s future. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, she shares how her journey through public service, labor, and higher education led her to one of Southern Nevada’s fastest-growing institutions. She highlights efforts to expand access, strengthen workforce pipelines, launch Nevada State’s first-ever athletics program, and build a new North Las Vegas campus, showing how saying yes, showing up, and staying curious can transform both a career and a community.

Nevada State University:
https://nevadastate.edu/

Nevada State Athletics:
https://nevadastate.edu/athletics