Fourth Annual Chicagoland Workforce Development Symposium Convenes on October 23 at Malcolm X College
“Building a Resilient Workforce: Thriving in Change and Uncertainty”
Symposium features discussions on strategies for fostering workforce and workplace resilience
CHICAGO – Cook County, World Business Chicago, Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance, Chicago Jobs Council, The Innovation Nexus, and The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) are convening the fourth annual regional workforce development symposium tomorrow, Thursday, October 23rd. The day-long symposium offers a unique chance for workforce development professionals to explore strategies for fostering workforce resilience amid rapid economic, technological, and societal change to help individuals and organizations adapt, grow, and succeed in times of uncertainty. The symposium, meant for workforce practitioners, is being held at Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago.
This year symposium’s opening speakers include, in speaking order: Veronica Herrero, Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago; Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson; and Matt Bruce, Executive Director, Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance. The keynote speaker is Willette Benford, Senior Advisor to the First Lady of Illinois MK Pritzker. The closing speaker is George Wright, CEO of The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.
“Chicago’s resilience comes from its people — their talent, drive, and commitment to building a stronger future,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Our economy grows when our people have the skills and opportunities to succeed. This symposium embodies the spirit of my administration’s economic and neighborhood development initiative, Build Better Together: uniting business, philanthropy, education, and community to expand opportunity, strengthen pipelines, and prepare the next generation. By lifting up our residents with opportunity, we ensure Chicago’s future is both equitable and resilient.
Attendees have a choice of breakout sessions throughout the day, featuring public and private sector leaders sharing ‘real world’ examples of building a resilient workforce. Topics range from “Innovative Program Models Supporting Worker Outcomes” and “Mastering the Art of Adaptive Leadership” to “Practical AI: Demystifying Emerging Technologies”.
“Workforce development continues to open doors and opportunities, both for employers in need of talent and for residents looking to take the critical first step into meaningful careers,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This symposium is a valuable opportunity to increase the collaboration that is essential to fostering a thriving economy throughout Cook County.”
“We host our annual symposium not just to share knowledge, but to spark connection, inspire innovation, and build a community that grows stronger each year,” said Matt Bruce, Executive Director of the Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance. “In a world that’s constantly evolving, the Symposium is a yearly reminder that resilience grows when we gather, share, and push boundaries together,“ he added.
About The Partnership
The Partnership is the non-profit umbrella organization that oversees one of the largest public workforce systems in the country. As the designated administrator of federal workforce development funding for the City of Chicago and Cook County, The Partnership manages a network of approximately 70 community-based organizations, including American Job Centers and Career Centers, serving youth and adults. We also oversee a diverse portfolio of workforce initiatives representing corporate and philanthropic funds leveraging non-federal workforce development funding. For more information, visit https://chicookworks.org/.
About The Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance
Since its founding 13 years ago, the Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance (CWFA) has engaged over 30 funders to advance its shared mission of collaborating with employers and other workforce stakeholders to increase employment, earnings, and racial equity for underprepared workers in the Chicago region. The Funder Alliance is known as the region’s principal convener of the philanthropic community interested in workforce development and employment. Through grant-making and civic leadership, CWFA has used this role to carve out a unique position at the complex intersection of workforce development, social justice, education, and economic development. In its first 10 years, CWFA has invested more than $20 million across a diverse set of initiatives and projects, close to $7 million of which came from national funding partners who might not otherwise have invested in Chicagoland. Learn more about CWFA and its initiatives at www.chicagoworkforcefunders.org