In this episode of PATHIRED, Daisy Saulls sits down with Murshed Chowdhury, founder of Tech Duels, a live, coached debate platform transforming how students, professionals, and veterans communicate in today’s tech-driven world.

Murshed shares his journey from New York’s dot-com era to agency recruiting and the experiences that revealed a universal challenge: talented people struggling not with technical skill, but with the ability to clearly articulate it.

Together, Daisy and Murshed unpack how TechDuels helps participants think fast, speak with confidence, and communicate complex ideas across any audience. They explore how debate strengthens interviewing, pitching, leadership presence, and critical thinking, skills increasingly essential in an AI-heavy job market.

The conversation also dives into networking, access, the future of workforce development, and why mastering communication is the ultimate career accelerator.

If you believe the next generation of talent needs more than just technical know-how, this episode will hit home.

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On this episode of PATHIRED, Daisy Saulls sits down with Dr. Michael Grubbs, Director of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at Loudoun County Public Schools, and Neil Wilford, Training Director at the Baltimore Electrical JATC. Together, they unpack how schools and apprenticeship programs partner to co-design training, share costs, and measure ROI in real terms, like wages earned and careers launched. The conversation dives into what actually drives recruitment, why parent engagement matters, and how to help students see themselves in pathways that lead to stable, high-paying jobs. From scaling regional programs to shifting community perceptions, this episode shows what effective workforce development looks like in action.

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In the newest episode of PATHIRED, Brittany Mazin, Sr. Manager of Public Policy and Community Engagement, and Matt Baker, Principle Construction Manager from Vantage Data Centers, the presenting sponsor of National Workforce Development Day, discuss how Vantage is investing in workforce development. 

From scholarships and mentorships to trade partnerships and community ambassador programs, Brittany and Matt highlight the creative ways Vantage is building career pathways and breaking down misconceptions about the data center industry.

This episode is all about building with people in mind, ensuring the AI and digital infrastructure boom creates equitable opportunities and thriving communities.

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In this episode of the PATHIRED Podcast, I sit down with Nabeel Mahmood, technology leader and co-founder of Nomad Futurist, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of digital infrastructure professionals. Nabeel shares his journey from cybersecurity to co-founding a global movement, the personal story that shaped his purpose, and the urgent need to unify voices around workforce development. We talk about why the digital infrastructure industry must slow down just enough to build strong foundations, how Nomad Futurist’s Academy is opening doors for students worldwide, and why even contributing 1% of your time or knowledge can help solve the sector’s massive talent gap.

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Today’s guest is someone who has dedicated his career to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for historically underrepresented communities. Alberto Marino is the Senior Sourcing Officer at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, where he has led groundbreaking initiatives to increase Latino representation in the transit workforce. He is also the Co-Founder of the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, founder of Metro Trabajo, and Chairman of the Board for the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council.

Alberto’s impact has been recognized regionally and nationally, including receiving the Diverse in Business Award and the Outstanding Workforce Champion Award in 2025. 

In this episode, Alberto and I dive into the future of workforce development, the role of education and training in employability, and how partnerships between employers, schools, and community organizations are critical to building strong talent pipelines. He also shares his insights on AI in recruitment, the importance of career pathways over just “jobs,” and how programs like Metro Trabajo are transforming communities.

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Daisy Saulls, President and Founder of Pathired and National Workforce Development Day sits down with Brian Tinsman of Pounce Solutions to talk about the vision behind National Workforce Development Day. 

Learn more at www.nationalworkforcedevelopmentday.com

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In this powerful episode of PATHIRED, we sit down with Dwayne Douglas, Founder of QUILT Corporation and NODE Networks, two groundbreaking organizations working to close the digital divide in underserved communities.

Dwayne’s journey began unexpectedly in 2017, when a family visit revealed that many people in his hometown didn’t just lack devices, they didn’t even see the need for internet access. That moment changed everything. Drawing on his 25+ years of experience in IT and telecommunications, Dwayne launched QUILT and NODE to bring affordable high-speed internet, digital literacy training, and workforce development programs to communities that had been left behind.

QUILT is a nonprofit focused on social and economic impact in marginalized communities, and NODE Networks is its partner internet service provider, both designed to work in lockstep with local organizations. Recently, QUILT announced a major partnership with ComEd to bring affordable broadband to the South and West sides of Chicago, a move poised to create systemic change in digital access and equity.

In this episode, Dwayne unpacks how trust, place-based partnerships, and long-term commitment are essential to creating lasting impact, from 1,500+ laptops distributed, to building a 750-mile fiber network, to designing apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity and fiber splicing.

Tune in to hear:

• How QUILT and NODE are transforming internet access in Chicago
• Why sustainable community partnerships—not one-off projects—are key to equity
• The biggest ROI for companies that invest in closing the digital divide
• The one mindset shift we all need to make change and be change

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Daisy Saulls and Brian Tinsman, Co-Founder of POUNCE Solutions, discuss the multifaceted nature of workforce development, emphasizing the importance of brand storytelling, communication, and trust. They explore how organizations can better engage their workforce, the significance of understanding internal culture, and innovative approaches to address workforce challenges. In this interview, Brian will share macro and micro insights on how brands can better market to their target workforce, and how morale and communication issues may be impacting your hiring and retention efforts.

ABOUT BRIAN TINSMAN

Brian Tinsman is a marketing strategist and storytelling leader with a track record of helping brands elevate their visibility with key audiences, including potential workforce. As the former lead storyteller for the Washington Commanders, Brian has translated that engagement expertise into helping organizations across industry, government and nonprofits build meaningful relationships with their audiences, and inspire them to take action.

Brian recently oversaw marketing and communications for Loudoun Economic Development, which addressed historically low unemployment in Northern Virginia by becoming a leader in workforce development. In 2021, the International Economic Development Council cited those efforts in naming Loudoun Economic Development its prestigious EDO of the Year.

As the co-founder of POUNCE Solutions, Brian helps organizations craft compelling narratives, increase visibility, and drive the bottom line. POUNCE Solutions was recently named the Loudoun Chamber’s 2024 Virtual Small Business of the Year.

ABOUT PATHIRED

PATHIRED is a 501 c(3) focused on building stronger communities through strategic workforce development, education, and economic development initiatives. We believe in the power of connection, innovation, and collaboration to drive meaningful change in workforce development. By bridging the gap between community needs and business objectives, we explore and promote strategies that create impactful solutions for individuals, organizations, and entire communities. 

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In this episode of PATHIRED, I sit down with Nancy Evanko, Workforce Development Manager at Loudoun Economic Development, to explore the core question: What is workforce development? Nancy shares her insights into how workforce development goes beyond talent pipelines, acting as a crucial driver of economic growth and stability. We discuss the direct connections between workforce strategies and economic development, highlighting the role of community collaboration, business engagement, and innovative practices in creating sustainable opportunities.

Learn more about pathired.org

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In this inaugural episode of PATHIRED, we explore the foundation of workforce development: what it means, why it matters, and how it connects industries, organizations, and individuals. From strengthening communities to addressing the evolving needs of industries like technology, trades, and construction, workforce development is the key to building stronger economies and career opportunities. Hear insights from experts like Nancy Evanko, Workforce Development Manager at Loudoun Economic Development and Dwayne Douglas, CEO of Quilt who share their unique perspectives on workforce development’s impact. Join host Daisy Saulls as she lays the groundwork for understanding how this ecosystem shapes our workforce and our future.

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