What if a university president told you to call them directly with your workforce needs and they'd build a custom program around it?

Host Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, checks in with Dr. Kristi Kirk, President and CEO of Concordia University Texas, and the first woman to lead the institution in its nearly 100-year history. Dr. Kirk has over 30 years of higher education experience, starting as an admissions counselor at Concordia and working her way up through leadership roles. Her focus centers on making higher education accessible to underserved communities, reducing barriers to entry, and developing programming that directly addresses Austin's workforce needs through innovative community partnerships.

The conversation explores Concordia's unique position in Austin's higher education landscape, particularly its role as a Hispanic-serving institution graduating approximately 150 nurses annually with exceptional NCLEX pass rates. Dr. Kirk discusses the university's embrace of artificial intelligence in education, the expansion of STEM programs, and strategic partnerships with organizations like Leander ISD's Aspiring Teachers Program and Leadership Austin's MBA pathway. Key topics include service learning, the value of advanced degrees versus credentials, and Concordia's open invitation for community partnerships to co-create workforce development programming.

Dr. Kristi Kirk is the president and CEO of Concordia University Texas, the 10th executive leader in the University’s nearly 100-year history and the first woman to serve as president at the University. With over 30 years in higher education, she has advanced access through initiatives like reducing the published tuition by 40% and securing a $2.71 million grant to improve outcomes for students from underserved communities. Starting as an admissions manager in 1993, Dr. Kirk is committed to fostering a higher education that reflects Concordia Texas’s core values.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Dr. Kirk’s first job as a baseball scorekeeper and what it taught her
• (05:23) How Concordia stands out in Austin's higher education landscape with accessible education and a diverse student population
• (11:05) Concordia's impact on the healthcare workforce - graduating 150 nurses annually with strong NCLEX pass rates
• (18:03) How Concordia is embracing AI in higher education and why small schools have advantages
• (28:54) Addressing the value of advanced degrees versus short-term credentials and finding your own path
• (36:42) Concordia's call to action for community partnerships to build stronger graduate pipelines
• 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 a...

What does an insurance company have to do with child care and workforce development? At Texas Mutual, the answer is: more than you might expect.

Host Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, welcomes Jeanette Ward, President and CEO of Texas Mutual Insurance Company. As chair of Early Matters Greater Austin and recipient of the 2023 Philanthropic Leader award from the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, Ward is a leader who understands real-world workforce challenges personally. Ward brings a unique perspective as both a teenage mother who put herself through college and the leader of a mission-driven insurance company focused on building resilient communities across Texas.

The conversation explores Ward's journey from dance instructor and small-town cashier to CEO, emphasizing lessons in problem-solving and hard work. Key discussions include Texas Mutual's uncommon investment in workforce development initiatives like the Austin Infrastructure Academy and the expansion of affordable child care, Ward's leadership of Early Matters Greater Austin, and her personal battle with imposter syndrome. Ward shares how vulnerability and confidence transformed her leadership style while advocating for public-private partnerships to address Austin's workforce challenges through data-driven collaboration.

Jeanette Ward is President and CEO of Texas Mutual Insurance Company, where she has spent over 30 years rising from receptionist to CEO. A UT Austin graduate and single mother, Ward has become a leading voice in the insurance industry, workforce development and community investment. She chairs Early Matters Greater Austin, received the 2023 Philanthropic Leader award from the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, and was named to Forbes 50 Over 50 – Investments list.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Jeanette reveals how imposter syndrome is really about self-confidence

• (07:18) Texas Mutual's unique mission connects insurance with workforce development

• (13:29) Austin Infrastructure Academy partnership fills workforce gaps through collaboration

• (24:04) Early Matters Greater Austin brings business voice to childcare solutions

• (36:59) How vulnerability and confidence reshaped her leadership style

• (42:00) Why resilient communities depend on public private partnerships

• 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:

How do romantic moments, regional growth, and emerging tech like AI all intersect at your local bus stop?

In this episode of Austin Hires Local, host Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, sits down with CapMetro President and CEO Dottie Watkins to explore the human side of public transit—from wedding proposals and workforce pipelines to perspectives on autonomous driving and the power of community connection.

Dottie Watkins serves as CapMetro’s President & CEO in Austin, TX. She began her transit career in 1994 driving part-time while attending the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to her appointment as Deputy CEO, now CEO, Dottie served as Chief Operating Officer and was responsible for all aspects of the agency’s daily operations, Capital Construction and Information Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas and a Master of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University. A native Austinite, Dottie regularly enjoys trips to the pool with her daughter and plays French Horn in a local community band.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Bus driver romance and wedding photo possibilities at CapMetro

• (03:02) From lifeguard to CEO: Dottie's first job and journey to transit leadership

• (10:34) Why CapMetro invested in workforce development and community talent pipeline

• (17:46) The future of autonomous vehicles and why humans will still be needed

• (20:49) Innovative childcare solutions for workers with irregular transit schedules

• (29:38) How Austin's changing demographics affect transit planning and service delivery

• (38:28) What Austin's transit landscape will look like in 10 years

• 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:

CapMetro
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 d...

What do lunch thieves, soft skills disasters, and a night-shift truck stop cook have to do with Texas' workforce future?

Join Tamara Atkinson, CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, as she interviews Chairman Bryan Daniel of the Texas Workforce Commission in this revealing conversation about Texas's workforce landscape. Chairman Daniel brings extensive leadership experience from Governor Abbott's senior staff, where he led Economic Development and Tourism, and previous roles with President Bush's Rural Development team. With his diverse background spanning from night shift truck stop cooking to spearheading innovative workforce strategies, Daniel offers practical insights on establishing Texas's competitive edge as the best place to work in the world.

This comprehensive discussion covers ten critical workforce topics affecting Austin business leaders: middle skills jobs representing 42% of Texas's 545,000 open positions, the debate over "middle" labeling and why it shouldn't change, and the soft skills crisis with real-world workplace examples. Daniel explains the difference between upskilling and reskilling, analyzes the root causes of Texas's talent gap, and identifies labor force participation rate as the key bellwether statistic for economic health. The conversation addresses supporting 16-24 year old workers, TWC's focus on rural communities and apprenticeships, and Daniel's ultimate vision for creating apprenticeship pipelines for all hard-to-fill positions across Texas industries.

Chairman Bryan Daniel serves as Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission, promoting growth of Texas's world-class employers and talented workforce. A Texas Tech University Distinguished Alumnus with bachelor's and master's degrees, Daniel previously served four and half years on Governor Greg Abbott's senior staff leading the Office of Economic Development and Tourism. His extensive portfolio included the Texas Enterprise Fund, Events Trust Fund, Governor's University Research Initiative, and Texas Tourism Office. Daniel also served as Texas State Director for Rural Development under President George W. Bush and Chief Administrator for Trade and Business Development at the Texas Department of Agriculture, bringing valuable private sector marketing executive experience to workforce development.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Chairman reveals his first jobs driving tractors and cooking at truck stops
• (07:06) Why 42% of Texas job openings are middle skills positions that employers can't fill
• (18:13) Soft skills crisis exposed through real workplace horror stories
• (28:48) Upskilling versus reskilling explained and why both are critical for Texas
• (38:49) Labor force participation rate reveals surprising workforce trends
• (39:18) Why 16 to 24-year-olds are abandoning traditional employment
• (44:00) Reality check for young workers entering today's job market
• (51:27) Chairman's unlimited budget vision for apprenticeships across all industries
• Like and subscribe to hear all of our informative upcoming episodes!

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: