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Welcome back to The Amp—your go-to podcast for elevating voices in skills training and driving change through smart, inclusive workforce policies.

In this episode, host Tianna Montgomery joins guests Nakeisha Ricks-Pettyjohn and Jolie Bernard to explore the deep-rooted racial inequities that continue to shape access to skills training, good jobs, and career advancement—particularly for Black, Indigenous, and other workers of color.

We dive into:
 🔎 How systemic barriers show up in workforce systems
 📉 Why BIPOC communities are disproportionately affected by underinvestment
 🛠️ What policy solutions can help close racial equity gaps in training and employment
 📣 How advocates and policymakers can center equity in every conversation about the future of work

From real stories to bold ideas, this episode shines a light on the critical work being done—and the work that still lies ahead—to ensure opportunity isn’t determined by your zip code, your background, or the color of your skin.

💬 As always, we wrap with ways you can get involved, speak up, and support a future where everyone has a fair shot at success.

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Welcome back to The Amp—your favorite podcast for elevating voices in skills training and empowering change through workforce policies!

In this episode, host Tianna Montgomery sits down with Brooke DeRenzis, Chief Strategy Officer at National Skills Coalition (NSC), to tackle one of the biggest unknowns in workforce development: federal advocacy.

What is it? Why does it matter? And how does it really work on the ground? Together, they break it all down—explaining how advocacy at the national level shapes the policies and funding that affect workers, businesses, and communities across the country.

You’ll learn:
 ✅ What federal advocacy actually is (no suit and tie required)
✅ How NSC is helping influence smart, inclusive policy
✅ Why staying nimble in a shifting political climate is key
✅ How you can take action—even if you’ve never talked to a policymaker before

Plus, Tianna gives a sneak peek at Episode 3, where the focus turns to racial workforce inequities and how policies must work better for BIPOC communities.

💡 Ready to understand how policy shapes your paycheck—and what you can do about it? Press play now.

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Brooke DeRenzis talks federal advocacy

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Brooke Derenzis dives into having allocating funds to important federal programs.

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In the premiere episode of The Amp, host Tianna Montgomery chats with Robert Espinoza, CEO of the National Skills Coalition, to break down the basics of skills training and its importance for workers, businesses, and the economy. They explore how skills training opens doors to quality jobs, share advice for navigating career paths, and discuss the barriers that keep people from accessing these opportunities.

Tune in for stories, insights, and practical ways to get involved in advocating for a stronger, more equitable workforce!

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Robert Espinoza recalls his first Skills Summit!

Tune in for stories, insights, and practical ways to get involved in advocating for a stronger, more equitable workforce!

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Host, Tianna Montgomery recalls her journey through high school and finding a career path.

Tune in for stories, insights, and practical ways to get involved in advocating for a stronger, more equitable workforce!