What made a Crockett High School intern's eyes light up when he discovered construction safety as a career path? 
 
Sarah Garza sits down with Jason Beiter, Vice President and Director of Construction Operations at JE Dunn Construction, one of Austin's top five general contractors. With over two decades of construction experience, Jason serves on the Mobility and Infrastructure Leadership Group convened by Workforce Solutions Capital Area. He shares his journey from working as a busboy to leading complex infrastructure projects including Austin Convention Center renovation. Jason champions workforce development through mentorship, believing that inspired people build exceptional places and create sustainable career pathways. 

This conversation explores how JE Dunn is addressing Central Texas' infrastructure boom while building tomorrow's workforce. Topics include the Austin Infrastructure Academy's mission to create career roadmaps for skilled trades, strategies for attracting women and younger generations to construction, overcoming the aging workforce challenge, and JE Dunn's safety-first culture including bilingual training programs. Jason shares powerful stories of student interns discovering construction careers, the importance of language training on job sites, and how major public projects create sustainable, well-paying jobs for Austin residents. 

Jason Beiter is Vice President and Director of Construction Operations for JE Dunn Construction in Austin, Texas. With more than two decades of experience in construction and program management, Jason leads complex projects that shape Austin's growing infrastructure landscape. A champion of workforce development, he serves on the Mobility and Infrastructure Leadership Group, convened by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, which brings together industry leaders to identify skill needs, remove barriers for job seekers, and build a strong regional talent pipeline for the future. Jason's leadership emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and the belief that inspired people build exceptional places. 

In This Episode: 

About the show: 

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, 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: 
Jason Beiter LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jason-l-beiter-a656b539 
JE Dunn https://jedunn.com/ 
Austin Infrastructure Academy: https://wfscapitalarea.com/austin-infrastructure-academy 
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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more. 

What if everything you thought you knew about manufacturing careers was completely outdated? 
 
Host Monica Magallanes welcomes Keri Westland, Chief Administrative Officer at Carr Lane Manufacturing, to discuss how modern manufacturing is creating pathways for Central Texas students. Keri, a third-generation leader who started on the assembly line at 15, now oversees operations for Carr Lane's facilities in St. Louis and Elgin, Texas. With 73 years of industry experience, Carr Lane manufactures precision tooling components used globally—including parts that have been going to space since the U.S. space program began. Keri shares her viral catchphrase "manufacturing is magic" and explains how combining art, science, math, and technology creates exciting career opportunities. 

This episode explores Carr Lane's four-year participation in Workforce Solutions Capital Area's Teacher Externship Program, where educators spend a week learning manufacturing processes hands-on, then bring that knowledge back to their classrooms. Monica and Keri discuss partnerships with Elgin ISD and Texas State Technical College, dispelling outdated manufacturing myths about dirty and dangerous conditions, career advancement from entry-level to management positions, educational requirements for manufacturing careers, and why building a talent pipeline requires industry-wide collaboration. Listeners will discover how Carr Lane's bilingual, climate-controlled Elgin facility is changing perceptions and creating opportunities for the next generation. 

Keri Westland serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Carr Lane Manufacturing, where she began her career as a high school student, working on the assembly line and in shipping, accounting, and purchasing. Over more than 20 years, she has built teams and led initiatives in human resources, recruiting, talent development, and diversity and inclusion, including roles at Waddell & Reed Financial and State Street before returning to Carr Lane. 

In This Episode: 

About the show: 

Austin Hires Local, powered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, 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: 
Keri Westland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keriwestland/ 
Monica Magallanes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-magallanes-ba9939138 
Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s Teacher Externship Program:  https://www.climbtheladderctx.com/employers 
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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more. 

In this milestone episode, former CEO Tamara Atkinson sits down with Yael Lawson, Workforce Solutions Capital Area's newly appointed Interim CEO and longtime Chief Operations Officer. With 25 years at the organization—beginning as a program specialist and rising through the ranks—Yael brings deep operational expertise and an unwavering commitment to community-centered workforce development. Her leadership philosophy centers on treating clients as neighbors and ensuring services remain accessible, personalized, and impactful for Central Texas families and job seekers. 

This candid conversation covers Yael's three strategic priorities as interim CEO: transforming service delivery through personalized career navigation and technology, diversifying funding beyond federal sources to meet local needs, and investing in staff development and leadership cultivation. Tamara and Yael reflect on their 25-year partnership, share memorable moments from their work together, and discuss how Workforce Solutions will position itself as the region's workforce expert. The episode also highlights Yael's vision for leveraging AI and community partnerships to strengthen workforce outcomes. 

Yael Lawson serves as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, a role she was appointed to in September 2025. She has worked with the organization since 2000, previously serving as Chief Operations Officer since 2017. She provides strategic leadership across workforce programs, child care services, employment support, and employer engagement. Her career began working directly with clients, experience that continues informing her approach to program design and implementation. Ms. Lawson also serves as Chair of the On Point Reentry Consortium and previously served on the board of The Arc of Central Texas, demonstrating her longstanding commitment to workforce development and community partnerships across the region. 

In This Episode: 

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: 
Yael Lawson LinkedIn 
Workforce Solutions Capital Area  https://www.wfscapitalarea.com/ 
Workforce Solutions’ LinkedIn newsletter  https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7359614112919687169 
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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more. 

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:

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:

Dr. Kristi Kirk
Concordia University Texas
Workforce Solutions Capital Area
Workforce Solutions’ LinkedIn newsletter

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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.

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: 

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: 
Jeanette Ward LinkedIn 
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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more. 

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: 

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: 

Jeanette Ward LinkedIn 
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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more. 

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: 

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 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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more. 

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:

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:

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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.

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:

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:

Profile, Commissioner Travillion
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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.

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 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: 

Capital IDEA - https://www.capitalidea.org/ Workforce Solutions Capital Area Tamara Atkinson LinkedIn 
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 career training, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, job search assistance, child care assistance, tailored business solutions and more.