Today Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, sits down with Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion from Precinct One for an inspiring conversation about workforce development and youth opportunity. Commissioner Travillion brings decades of public service experience and a deep commitment to education rooted in his background as a teacher's kid. His focus centers on creating pathways for young people to access meaningful careers while ensuring businesses that receive tax incentives hire locally and invest in community talent development.

The discussion covers the recently passed tax rate election that funds childcare and after-school programs, the importance of connecting students directly with major employers like Tesla and Samsung, and creating a GI Bill-style local contract between young people and their community. Commissioner Travillion shares insights on building partnerships between schools and businesses, addressing workforce challenges through policy, and his vision for ensuring every child has guided access to career opportunities. The conversation also touches on systemic challenges and the cyclical nature of public policy.

Commissioner Jeff Travillion serves as Travis County Commissioner representing Precinct 1, bringing over 30 years of public service experience including 16 years with the City of Austin where he retired as team lead for the Code Department's Neighborhood Enhancement Team. His operational reviews of state agencies contributed to Texas Legislature recommendations resulting in over $8 billion in cost savings. A Jackson State University W.E.B. DuBois Honors Program graduate with a master's degree from UT's LBJ School, he's also earned fellowships at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Tamara sits down with Commissioner Travillion to discuss businesses and schools speaking different languages
• (03:32) Commissioner Travillion shares his first job as a lifeguard and key life lessons learned
• (06:22) Key workforce challenges keeping Commissioner Travillion up at night within K-12 education
• (08:11) Investing in workforce through partnerships between local government companies and schools
• (13:33) Benefits of after-school programs and how new Travis County funding connects students with employers
• (18:15) How November 2024 Tax Rate Election Proposition A will build pipeline of future talent
• (20:13) The one big challenge Commissioner Travillion wants solved in the community
• (24:02) Workforce trends on the horizon employers and education system should focus on
• (28:39) Commissioner Travillion discusses his desired legacy and fighting for what you believe in
• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:
Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected off...

What do time management, mental wellness, and child care have in common? They're among the biggest hurdles facing working adults in Central Texas trying to rise out of poverty—and Capital IDEA is helping them clear the path to high-demand careers.

Tamara Atkinson hosts Alyssia Palacios-Woods, Executive Director of Capital IDEA, on Austin Hires Local. With a background in tennis that earned her a place in St. Edwards University Athletic Hall of Fame, Palacios-Woods brings a unique journey from graphic design to nonprofit leadership. As Executive Director of Capital IDEA, she shares how the organization lifts low-income working adults out of poverty through education and career advancement "from start to hired," serving 1,000 students annually.

The episode explores Capital IDEA's alignment with Workforce Solutions' Hire Local Plan, supporting industries like healthcare, IT, and skilled trades. Palacios-Woods discusses the critical importance of community collaboration to provide wraparound services, particularly childcare support for working students. The conversation also delves into innovative approaches to integrate AI in nonprofit operations and Capital IDEA's vision for growth beyond 2025 as they continue to connect local people with local careers in Central Texas.

Alyssia Palacios-Woods is a community builder and non-profit leader with 15+ years of experience supporting workforce development initiatives in Central Texas. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) dedicated to best practices in non-profit operations and fundraising. Prior to joining Capital IDEA, Alyssia served as the President & CEO of the Austin Young Chamber, where she championed regional collaboration, entrepreneurship, talent development, and workplace diversity. Alyssia was recognized as an Austin Business Journal Profiles in Power Nominee in 2019 and an Austin Under 40 Finalist in 2023. She received her bachelor's degree from St. Edward's University and her master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Previous board service includes the Austin Chamber of Commerce, Transit Forward, and Capital IDEA. She currently serves on the Advisory Council for The New Philanthropist, the Regional Advisory Council for Austin Community College, and the Education and Workforce Councils for the Austin Chamber and Round Rock Chamber.

In This Episode:

● (00:00) From the Court to College: Guest's tennis career and Hall of Fame induction
● (05:58) Capital Idea in Action: Success stories illustrating mission and impact
● (07:51) Industry Alignment: Healthcare, IT and trades supported in Hire Local Plan
● (09:22) The Capital Idea Journey: Serving 1,000 students "from start to hired"
● (14:21) Community Collaboration: Meeting workforce needs through partnerships
● (18:12) Access to Child Care: Critical support strategy for student success
● (22:41) AI Integration and Future Vision: Technology adoption and growth beyond 2025
● (27:14) Career Reflections: Guest's path from graphic design to nonprofit leadership
● Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate...

What might be possible for Austin’s workforce if every employer saw talent the way the Urban League does?

Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, hosts Quincy Dunlap, President and CEO of the Austin Area Urban League (AAUL), on the Austin Hires Local podcast. Dunlap shares his remarkable journey from working the McDonald's fry station to working in the manufacturing and aviation industries, before finding his purpose in nonprofit leadership. Through these experiences and roles with the New York and National Urban League, Dunlap developed the servant leadership approach that eventually brought him to Austin, where he now leads AAUL in impacting over 30,000 local people annually.

The conversation explores Dunlap's entrepreneurial approach to navigating Austin's booming economy and affordability challenges while maintaining organizational integrity. Listeners gain insights into AAUL's comprehensive job-readiness programs, which provide business partners with measurable ROI through well-prepared employees. Dunlap shares powerful stories like Luke's transformation from homelessness to managing an AAUL resource center, and discusses the importance of "code-switching" to meet clients where they are. Looking ahead, Dunlap emphasizes his commitment to elevating vulnerable populations through collaborative partnerships with other service-oriented nonprofits.

Quincy Dunlap has spent the last 20-plus years working for the advancement of underserved, underrepresented and under resourced communities. Through various leadership roles at renowned non-profits, developing and implementing strategic programming, and partnering with entities in the public and private sectors, Quincy has proven a dynamic and inspirational leader with an unwavering commitment and passion for service and impact. Quincy earned his B.A. in political science from Lincoln University of Missouri and his Master of Education degree from William Woods University.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Quincy's career journey from McDonald's fry cook to airlines, building his foundation for leadership

• (14:35) From running a nonprofit on campus to serving in the New York and National Urban League

• (20:33) The pivotal moment: sitting at "the right hand of power" and asking for access to leadership opportunities

• (27:38) Leading the Austin Area Urban League and impacting 30,000 local people annually through five empowerment areas

• (32:24) Luke's success story: from experiencing homelessness to managing an AAUL resource center

• (35:46) Creating ROI for AAUL business partners through comprehensive job-readiness programs

• (38:52) Building soft skills and the importance of "code-switching" to meet clients where they are

• (41:04) Navigating Austin's booming economy, affordability challenges, and changing federal landscape with an entrepreneurial mindset

• (44:32) Looking ahead: Quincy's vision for the resource center while staying collaborative with other service-oriented nonprofits

• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our ci...

“Make a Living, Making Austin.” That’s the promise behind the new Austin Infrastructure Academy—and it’s answering a big question: How do we connect local talent to the 10,000+ jobs being created each year in one of our region’s fastest-growing sectors?

In another special mini-episode, host Tamara Atkinson explores the untapped potential of this dynamic sector at the inaugural launch of Austin's Infrastructure Academy. On March 26, 2025, Workforce Solutions Capital Area hosted the Austin Infrastructure Academy Launch Event & Job Fair. Supported by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Judge Andy Brown and numerous community partners, the event offered a one-stop-shop for Austinites to explore careers in mobility and infrastructure (M+I), evaluate their career readiness, and connect to next steps to start their journeys either directly into employment or skills training.

M+I is the second largest industry sector in our region, adding 10,000 quality job opportunities for Austinites each year to work on projects like the Airport Expansion, Project Connect, IH-35 and more. The Austin Infrastructure Academy is a new marketplace that provides customized navigation to help local talent either begin their career journeys or upskill and grow in their current M+I roles.

Join Tamara as she speaks with a career seeker, employer partner, and labor union partner to learn about their motivation to attend the official Austin Infrastructure Academy launch, their experience growing their networks; and advice for anyone in Austin thinking about a career in M+I.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Introduction to Austin's Infrastructure Academy launch event

• (01:20) Errin Evans discusses career seeking in mobility and infrastructure

• (04:05) RJ Endsley shares Halff's involvement in the local mobility and infrastructure sector partnership

• (06:47) Matthew Gonzales explains LIUNA's support for Austin’s mobility and infrastructure workforce

• (09:26) Closing remarks and information on getting involved

• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.

Resources:

Austin Infrastructure Academy: https://wfsca.co/infrastructure-academy

Halff: https://halff.com/

Laborers' Local 1095:

In this special mini-episode, host Tamara Atkinson explores Austin's critical workforce challenges and the evolution of the Hire Local Plan. She discusses how addressing the skills gap is essential for sustaining regional economic growth and shares impressive results from the plan's most recent year of implementation, including 16,000+ residents trained in the region’s top industries and significant wage increases for graduates. Atkinson highlights key insights from industry leaders about childcare accessibility, non-linear career paths, and industry-classroom connections, while inviting listeners to contribute their input on the plan's future direction.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Addressing Austin's dual workforce challenge: building worker skills while meeting employer talent needs
• (1:35) Workforce Solutions Capital Area unveils refreshed Hire Local Plan strategy
• (3:01) Plan impact: 16,000+ residents trained with 230% wage increases for employed graduates in most recent year
• (04:14) Industry insights on childcare needs, non-linear careers, and classroom-industry connections
• (05:16) Join us: Share your input on the Hire Local Plan's future direction
• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leaders from booming sectors like tech, healthcare, and skilled trades, and educators shaping young minds in our schools and post-secondary education programs. So, tune in and get ready to be informed, inspired, and maybe even surprised by the future of work in Austin.

Resources:

Give input on the Hire Local Plan refresh: https://www.wfscapitalarea.com/hire-local-plan/
Workforce Solutions Capital Area
Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn

Thank you to our sponsor: Texas Mutual

About Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions is the state-designated authority for the data-driven planning, oversight, and evaluation of workforce development activities in Austin-Travis County. They connect local people to the most in-demand industries with quality jobs. These specialized services are provided at no cost - including car...

Did you know you could own a home in Austin for $152,000? Discover how Austin Habitat for Humanity is making the impossible possible for Austin's workforce.

Join host Tamara Atkinson and Michele Anderson, CEO of Austin Habitat for Humanity, as they discuss Austin Habitat’s mission to provide affordable housing for the local workforce. Austin Habitat is ramping up efforts to build 75 homes per year for the next 7-10 years, focusing on making homeownership accessible to those earning $63K-$97K in median income. With homes starting at $152,000 for condos and $245,000 for single-family homes, Austin Habitat is helping essential workers like teachers, firefighters, and single parents achieve long-term financial stability.

Michele also highlights the importance of community building alongside affordable housing. Austin Habitat homeowners gain an average of $45,000 in equity over seven years, a step toward building generational wealth. The upcoming 2025 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in October will further strengthen local communities by engaging volunteers to help build homes. With down payment assistance and credit programs, Austin Habitat is breaking down barriers to homeownership while creating stronger, more stable communities throughout Austin and Central Texas.

Michele Anderson serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Austin Habitat for Humanity, overseeing operations across five counties, including Travis, Bastrop, Blanco, Caldwell, and Hays. After relocating from Virginia, Anderson has positioned Austin Habitat as a national innovator in affordable housing solutions, fostering partnerships between individuals, corporations, government entities, and developers. Under her leadership, the organization has committed to tripling its annual home production to serve more working families, helping them achieve financial stability through affordable homeownership and build generational wealth through equity.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Meeting Michele Anderson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Austin, and her first job working at her mother's fabric store

• (04:10) Michele's journey from Virginia to Austin and her path to Habitat for Humanity

• (07:56) The mission of Habitat Austin and their unique approach to affordable housing, tripling home production to 75 homes per year for the next 7-10 years

• (14:01) Habitat’s new furniture-building project using recycled plastic, the volunteer building/buying process, homeowner teaching opportunities, and quality assurance

• (20:11) Timeline for getting into a home and removing barriers to homeownership

• (24:11) Building hope and community - stories from homeowners

• (27:02) Affordable housing price points (starting at $152K) and serving single mothers, partnerships with local government and builders, The Carter Work Project announcement - building 25 homes in one week

• (31:35) Takeaways, closing thoughts and check out homes on the Habitat website!

• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

Resources:

Austin Habitat Homeownership Opportunities

Austin Habitat for Humanity

What innovative strategies is TWC Commissioner Joe Esparza using to support veterans and small businesses in the Texas workforce?

Join Tamara Atkinson and the Commissioner, as Joe shares his unique journey from selling perfumes to becoming a significant figure in Texas workforce development, drawing from his experience as a Marine Corps veteran. There are pressing workforce challenges in Texas, including childcare access, support for employers, and job opportunities for veterans. Commissioner Esparza dives into these challenges and shares the programs and initiatives TWC is leading to address them.

The Commissioner emphasizes the importance of equipping students and educators through programs like the Texas Interns Network and teacher externships, aiming to bridge the gap between education and industry. He explains how veterans play a critical role in the Texas workforce - focusing on their leadership and problem-solving skills. Joe also advocates for enhanced childcare solutions to support working families. Throughout the episode, Joe provides personal anecdotes and professional insights, and shares a comprehensive exploration of workforce challenges and opportunities in Texas.

Joe Esparza is one of three TWC Commissioners, and currently serves as the Commissioner Representing Employers, a position to which Governor Abbott appointed him in November of 2023. In this role, he advocates for over 660,000 Texas employers and more than 3 million small businesses, helping them grow and succeed across the state. Prior to this, Esparza served as Texas Deputy Secretary of State, beginning in December 2018, and as a Senior Appointments Manager in Governor Abbott's office. A Texas Tech University graduate with a degree in Agricultural Communications, Esparza is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served in Iraq during the Global War on Terrorism.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Tamara welcomes Joe Esparza, the commissioner’s first job as a “Squirt Flirt”

• (06:53) Joe’s military background and support for veterans and the next generation of the workforce (K-12 students) through his role as Commissioner

• (10:00) Red White & You events, Veterans Day, celebrating 249 years of the Marine Corps, unemployment insurance assistance for employers

• (16:16) Fortune 500 companies moving to Texas, partnering with training providers to find their workforces, pathways for high school students

• (19:00) Surprising learnings from the Commissioner’s first year in office, what he's hearing from employers and families on the impact of child care on the workforce, upskilling grants, learnings from the pandemic

• (25:56) Addressing legislative goals for future workforce development, future challenges and opportunities for TWC and the Texas workforce, investing in students and educators, looking into the next year, reinvigorating the industry with tech and AI

• (31:00) Closing thoughts - resources

• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

About the show:

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling thos...

Why is the Texas Workforce Commission and workforce boards often referred to as one of the state's "best-kept secrets"—a label that suggests they may not be receiving the attention they deserve—and how are they impacting the lives of workers and their families?

Today on Austin Hires Local, Tamara Atkinson welcomes Texas Workforce Commissioner Alberto Treviño, a seasoned law enforcement veteran turned labor advocate. Commissioner Treviño speaks about the challenges and opportunities within workforce development, drawing from his many years of experience in law enforcement and border patrol. We examine how rapid growth within organizations can test the mettle of leadership, as well as the importance of unions in addressing issues such as scheduling and resources. Treviño highlights the crucial work of the Texas Workforce Commission in aligning skills with market demands, including programs such as registered apprenticeship that provide valuable training opportunities. The dedication of the Texas Workforce Commission and workforce boards has had a profound impact on workers and families, and you’ll soon discover why they’re one of the state's "best-kept secrets”.

Alberto Treviño III serves as the Commissioner Representing Labor for the Texas Workforce Commission. He was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the three-member Commission and confirmed by the Texas Senate in 2023. Commissioner Treviño is retired from the U.S. Border Patrol, and has served over 30 years in law enforcement as an agent, police instructor, background investigator and patrol officer. He also served as treasurer and executive vice president for the Local 3307 of the National Border Patrol.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Red Solo Cup mixups, school nicknames, first job repairing sewing machines
• (05:21) "Flat CAT" (a nod to Flat Stanley) to help the CAT (“Commissioner Alberto Treviño”) travel across Texas so he could "be everywhere at once", interesting places CAT went
• (08:45) What inspired the Commissioner to get interested in law enforcement? His extensive 33-year career, leadership style, and what factors influence his approach
• (12:50) Union experience and lessons learned on the Border Patrol, continuing services as an intermediary between workers and employers, a humorous anecdote
• (17:25) Giving back to the community, Knights of Columbus, little league, and tennis roles
• (21:30) An interesting pre-TSA airport story, learning critical phrases in seven languages
• (23:40) Challenging and pressing issues in the state of Texas, solutions and approaches, apprenticeships, National Apprenticeship Week
• (27:00) Closing thoughts
• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!
  
  

About the show:
Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and hosted by WFS CEO Tamara Atkinson, dives deep with the trailblazers who are shaping the future of jobs in our city, our state, and even nationally. We pull back the curtain on the challenges we all face – the anxieties, the roadblocks, and what's holding us back from filling those critical open positions. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. We also celebrate the victories: the ingenious solutions, the unexpected collaborations, and the best practices that are making us all sharper. You’ll hear guests from all sides of the table – elected officials with a finger on the pulse of the economy, industry leader...