In this episode I sit down with Michael Richardson, Director of Worker and Student Voice at the National Skills Coalition (NSC), to talk about how policy can truly reflect the people it is meant to serve. Michael shares how NSC is working to build education and workforce systems that are more inclusive, more equitable, and better designed for students balancing school, work, and life.

As the leader of NSC’s Student Advisory Council, Michael helps bring lived experience to the policy table, shaping real solutions through initiatives like Making College Work. He opens up about his own journey from grassroots organizing to national advocacy and how storytelling continues to drive his passion for equity and opportunity.

Michael’s work reminds us that when students and workers are included in the conversation, policy becomes personal and that is when real change happens.

Be sure to check out the Making College Work publication using this link and visit nationalskillscoalition.org to see more of the incredible work happening at NSC.

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