KRA's The Hub
Business & Finance
About
The official podcast of KRA Corporation-Discover workforce topics and trends you need to know on the go!
Episodes
- E89: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Van Freeman, Sharon Bonney and Matt Weis
Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, episode E89 of KRA's The Hub includes conversations with Van Freeman, Sharon Bonney, and Matt Weis. They discuss the future of workforce education, adult learning, and developing pathways to opportunit…
- E88: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Darrell Andrews and Karla Coleman
In episode E88 of KRA's The Hub, recorded at the 2026 NAWB Forum, Darrell Andrews and Karla Coleman share insights on leadership, opportunity, and innovative strategies for workforce development.
- E87: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Denise Reading, Anthony Murphy and Anthony Gagliano
This episode, recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, features conversations with Anthony Murphy, Anthony Gagliano, and Denise Reading. They discuss leadership, workforce innovation, and partnerships.
- E86: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Brent Balog and Thurman Roberts
Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, E86 features Brent Balog and Thurman Roberts discussing workforce development, community partnerships, and innovative ideas for future workforce systems.
- E85: Getting to Know KRA: Turning Numbers into Impact: The Power of Data
Kevin Mayo, Corporate Data Analyst at KRA Corporation, explains how data integrity, team culture, and quality assurance convert numbers into actionable insights for workforce programs. The episode emphasizes managing for results by telling…
- E84: Navigating Workforce Transformation: A Conversation with Ron Painter
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9927dd0d-21d1-46cc-b646-b0b61a3c6a67" data-testid="conversation-turn-5" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--…
- E83: Ignite, Innovate, Impact: Lessons from Las Vegas Workforce Leadership
In this episode of KRA's The Hub , host Jonathan Overall sits down with Jaime Cruz, Executive Director of Workforce Connections in Southern Nevada, to discuss how Las Vegas is transforming its workforce system to meet a rapidly evolving ec…
- E82: Getting to Know KRA: Strengthening Workforce Systems Through Consulting
In this Getting to Know KRA episode, we turn the tables and interview KRA's The Hub host Jonathan Overall, Director of Communications and Innovation at KRA, to explore the organization's expanding work in consulting. Jonathan shares how KR…
- E81: Leading Workforce Boards into the Future: A Conversation with NAWB CEO Andrew Bercich
Tune in for a conversation with Andrew Bercich, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), as he shares his vision for the future of the workforce system and the leadership needed to navigate a rapidly…
- E80: Getting to Know KRA: Knowlton Atterbeary, President & CEO, on 45 Years of Leadership, Mission, and Impact
In this special episode of Getting to Know KRA , we sit down with Mr. Knowlton Atterbeary, Founder, President, and CEO of KRA, to celebrate the organization's 45th anniversary and reflect on the vision that launched KRA in 1981. Hosted by…
- E79: Getting to Know KRA: Zaskia Ruiz on Operational Leadership and Organizational Excellence
In this episode of Getting to Know KRA , we sit down with Zaskia Ruiz, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, for a behind-the-scenes look at how KRA's operations support its mission and nationwide impact. Hosted by Jonathan O…
- E78: Work With Dignity: Designing Pathways That Matter
In this episode, we're joined by Jermaine Donaldson, Director of Business Development for Genesys Works, to explore how human-centered leadership and intentional workforce design can turn access into real opportunity—and jobs into sustaina…
- E77: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity: Employer Solutions from the Front Lines
Recorded live at the 2025 Raising the Bar Conference , this episode features Fahim Karim, Manager of Business Services for Employ Prince George's, sharing insights on how effective employer engagement drives stronger workforce outcomes. Fa…
- E76: Getting to Know KRA: Reena Singh on Building a Client-Centered Workforce System
In KRA's The Hub E76, Reena Singh, Program Director for KRA's Northern Nevada region, joins host Jonathan Overall to discuss building a client-centered workforce system. The conversation focuses on how EmployeeNV Career Hubs coordinate res…
- E75: Raising the Bar 2025: How Maryland's Workforce System Responds, Adapts, and Leads
Recorded at the 2025 Raising the Bar Conference, this episode features Kirkland Murray discussing Maryland's workforce system's response to challenges like AI disruption and economic shifts. Murray highlights the crucial role of workforce…
- E74: Guiding the Next Generation—and Yourself: A Blueprint for Sustainable Leadership
This episode features Dr. Erin Anderson Williams discussing how leaders can effectively support young people through engagement and authentic connection. Dr. Williams also addresses the issue of leader burnout and emphasizes self-care for…
- E73: Getting to Know KRA: Mike Longo on Elevating Career Services and Expanding Community Impact
KRA Program Director Mike Longo shares insights into how his team supports job seekers with empathy and structure, leveraging decades of workforce development experience. The episode explores the collaboration between career coaches, busin…
- E72: Augmenting, Not Replacing: Using AI to Empower Workforce Professionals
Host Jonathan Overall talks with Brandon Tigges, CEO of Job Machine, about an AI platform that automates job searching tasks like resume creation and applications. They discuss how AI can support, not replace, workforce professionals and t…
- E71: Fearless Forward: Redefining Workforce Pathways with Nia Ford
Nia Ford of Alameda County Workforce Development Board joins KRA's The Hub to discuss innovative workforce development strategies including apprenticeships, medical assistant training, and a new wellness initiative. She also shares insight…
- E70: Getting to Know KRA: Donna Eissoh and Thomas Thornton on Building Authentic Partnerships and Driving Business Success
Donna Eissoh and Thomas Thornton discuss how KRA
- E69: The Courage to Evolve: Building Workforce Systems for What's Next
This episode features Latoya Reed-Adjei discussing how to lead through change with courage and purpose. It examines evolving workforce systems from compliance-driven to proactive engines of equity, using social capital to close access gaps…
- E68: Innovate, Integrate, Inspire: Best Practices from the 2025 Business Services Academy
Alexis Franks and David Barch of NAWDP share insights from the 2025 Business Services Academy, focusing on best practices for workforce professionals to enhance employer relationships and reimagine business services.
- E67: Getting to Know KRA: Patrick Boxall on Strategic Alliances and Community Impact
In E67 of KRA's The Hub, Patrick T.J. Boxall, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at KRA Corporation, explains how strategic partnerships foster workforce innovation. He details KRA's methods for integrating mental health resources, enhancing b…
- E66: Connecting Resources and Entrepreneurs: Building the Summit County Black Chamber with Robert DeJournett
Robert DeJournett, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County, Ohio, discusses the chamber's role in closing opportunity gaps and empowering Black entrepreneurs. The episode highlights community partnerships, workf…
- E65: Raising the Bar: Maryland's Workforce System Celebrates and Innovates
This episode of KRA
- E64: AI, Opportunity, and Empowerment: The Future of Career Services
This episode of KRA's The Hub features Lubna Hanif discussing the evolution of workforce development, focusing on innovation, inclusion, and resilience. Hanif shares insights on mentorship, cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed care, le…
- E63: Getting to Know KRA: Operational Excellence in Action
Derrick Colbert and Shanavia Moore from KRA share insights on the organization's mission, operational excellence, and leadership strategies in workforce development, highlighting their impact on businesses, workers, and communities.
- E62: Reaching Jobseekers Where They Are: Innovation in Workforce Tech
This episode of KRA's The Hub discusses how workforce organizations are using mobile tools like texting to engage jobseekers. Max Schelkopf from Engage by Cell explains how their platform improves communication, accessibility, and supports…
- E61: Getting to Know KRA: People and Principles
In E61 of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall talks with Kalandria Thompson and Ryan Rand about KRA's core values (knowledge, responsibility, achievement) and how they foster a people-centered culture. The discussion covers employee devel…
- E60: Beyond the Numbers: Human-Centered Workforce Solutions
In E60, recorded at the JFF Jobs for the Future Conference, Kim Tesch Vaught discusses human-centered workforce solutions, emphasizing mental resilience, personalized support, and reimagining career services. She shares insights on leverag…
- E59: Hiring Reimagined: Voice Technology and the Fight Against Turnover
In E59, KRA's The Hub features Jonathan Overall and Rich Simmerman discussing Cantaloupe AI's voice interview technology. The episode explores how this approach aims to improve hiring processes, reduce early quits in the hospitality sector…
- E58: Partnering for Progress: How KRA and Malcolm X College Empower Learners
Host Jonathan Overall speaks with Dean Barbara Goodall Meschino about how KRA and Malcolm X College collaborate with community colleges to advance workforce development in Chicago through hands-on training and community outreach.
- E57: From the Ground Up: Redefining Workforce Development
Claudia Cattouse-Regalado discusses the evolution of workforce development, emphasizing mentorship, preparation, and economic transformation. The episode covers building shared language, aligning services, and supporting the next generatio…
- E56: Building Connections: Virginia's First Workforce Development Conference
This episode covers the first Virginia Workforce Symposium, detailing its origins, success, and focus on collaboration for workforce development. It highlights keynote speakers and breakout sessions on topics like data and AI.
- E55: Balancing Passion, Purpose & Policy: With Carrie Amann
Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the PA Workforce Development Association, shares her experiences in workforce development and policy work. She reflects on leadership, authenticity, resilience, and the importance of self-awareness and a…
- E54: Leading with Compassion: JaVette Pettaway's Workforce Development Journey
In this Women's History Month episode, JaVette Pettaway shares her career path in workforce development and discusses KRA's Rancho Dominguez AJCC initiative. She highlights her leadership style and KRA's approach to employment resources, c…
- E53: Workforce Leadership in Motion: Insights from NAWDP CEO Melissa Robbins
Host Jonathan Overall interviews NAWDP CEO Melissa Robbins about her path from fiscal assistant to national leader. Robbins shares insights on leadership, mentorship, resilience, work-life balance, and empowering women in workforce develop…
- E52: Purpose, Partnership, and Impact: Serving Foster Youth in Prince George's County
This episode features Yolanda Johnson discussing CASA of Prince George's County's mission to support foster youth via volunteer advocacy, transitional programs, and community partnerships, highlighting their work with KRA on Project LIFT.
- E51: Authentic Leadership: A Woman's Leadership Journey in Workforce
MacKenzie Garvin, Director of Baltimore City's Mayor's Office of Employment Development, shares her journey in workforce development, exploring the challenges and opportunities for women in leadership. The episode offers advice on resilien…
- E50: Second Chances: Effectively Engaging Returning Citizens in the Workforce
Derrick Colbert explains how returning citizens can be valuable employees when given opportunities. The episode covers challenges faced during incarceration and reentry, and strategies for reintegration, emphasizing the role of employment…
- E49: The Employer-First Approach: A Conversation with Rick Beasley of CareerSource South Florida
Rick Beasley, Executive Director of CareerSource South Florida, shares his journey and the employer-first philosophy guiding workforce development, where employers are seen as customers and job seekers as products. He details how strategic…
- E48: AI, Agility, and the Future of Workforce Development with SCPa Works CEO Jesse McCree
Jesse McCree, CEO of SCPa Works, speaks with host Jonathan Overall about South Central Pennsylvania's economic landscape, including manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and logistics. They explore the connection between workforce and economic de…
- E47: From Steel to Silicon: Pittsburgh's Economic Evolution with Deputy Chief of Staff Felicity Williams
Felicity Williams, Pittsburgh Deputy Chief of Staff, shares her path from law to politics and discusses Pittsburgh
- E46: Empowering Ohio's Workforce: A Discussion with KRA's Cory Vojack
In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall interviews Cory Vojack, KRA Project Director for Summit and Medina Counties, Ohio. They discuss KRA's workforce development strategies, including customized training, partnerships, an…
- E45: Building Success from the Ground Up: Rick Record on Youth Workforce Development
Rick Record discusses his career in workforce development, sharing insights on program design, performance management, and supporting youth by focusing on individual strengths and understanding their environments.
- E44: Technology Meets Talent: New Frontiers in Youth Employment
This episode features discussions on how VR technology is enhancing automotive technician training and how behavioral assessments are improving job retention for young people.
- E43: Transforming Youth Workforce Development in the Digital Age
Host Jonathan Overall sits down with workforce development consultant Darrell
- E42: The Future of Youth Workforce Development: Insights from NAWDP's Training Director
Kimberly Meadows, NAWDP Training Director, discusses her journey into workforce development and NAWDP
- E41: Next Generation Workforce: Reimagining Youth Programs
Laurie Larrea, Senior Advisor with NAWB, shares insights on the evolution of youth workforce programs, discussing challenges in recruitment, the importance of early intervention, and emerging trends like skills-based hiring.
- E40: Voices of Workforce Development: Live from the 2024 Raising the Bar Conference- Part 6
KRA's The Hub episode E40 features hosts Jonathan Overall and Derrick Colbert interviewing David Barch and Kara Fritz live from the 2024 Raising the Bar conference. They discuss workforce development, current challenges, and future perspec…