Episode 1

August 6, 2022

Premier, Exploring Online Resources

An introduction to Workforce Solutions career services, including how to set up a profile on WorkinTexas.com, education & job training opportunities, and why employers use assessments to make hiring decisions.

Guests includes:

Richard Prather - Workforce Solutions

Dr. Michael Webster - Houston Community College

Brandi Harleaux - Southe Post Oak Recycling

Episode 2

Aug. 13, 2022

First Impressions Count

Information on adult education & literacy programs and how they can help build your digital literacy skills, tips to maximize your WorkinTexas.com profile, and how to avoid common job scams.

Guests include:

Michael Gutierrez, Workforce Solutions

Maria Sirkis, South Post Oak Recycling

Lisa Bogany, Workforce Solutions

Episode 3

Aug. 20, 2022

Resume Tips

Highlighting skills & experience to make your resume stand out, how veterans can transfer their military training to the civilian workplace, and making an applicant tracking system work for you.

Guests include:

Cornelius Booker, Workforce Solutions

Jo Ikard, Texas Veterans Commission

Andrea Kimble, Harris County Human Resources & Risk Management

Episode 4

Aug. 27, 2022

Wants vs. Needs

Importance of identifying wants and needs at the beginning of a job search, why employers are actively recruiting people with differing abilities, and how to request reasonable accommodations at work.

Guests include:

Bria Hobgood, Workforce Solutions

Marilyn Gilbreath, Workforce Solutions’ Vocational Rehabilitations Services

Myles Wallace, Peak Performers Staffing

Beth Painter, Whataburger

Kimberly King, Workforce Solutions’ Vocational Rehabilitations Services

Episode 5

Sept. 3, 2022

A Targeted Job Search

Using labor market information during your job search, career training opportunities available through community organizations, and how to promote yourself in the first 30 seconds of a job interview.

Guests include:

Terry Edmonds, Workforce Solutions

Amy Corran, Wesley Community Center

Wendy Ramos, Cornerstone Building Brands

Episode 6

Sept. 10, 2022

Building Your Future

Skilled trade and construction workers are in demand. Learn what types of jobs are available and how to access training, education, and apprenticeship opportunities in this high-skill, high-growth field.

Guests include: 

Angela Robbins Taylor, Construction Career Collaborative

Andrea Calvo, Trio Electric

Chato Woodard, Plumbers Local Union 68

Mark Guthrie, Gulf Coast Workforce Board

Jennifer Baker, Alief ISD Career and Technical Education Director

Episode 7

Sept. 17, 2022

Be the Buzz

The difference between resumes and applications, why networking is important to accessing the “hidden” job market, tips for using social media to network, and how to answer tough interview questions.

Guests include:

Stacey Camille, Workforce Solutions

Taylor Stockton, FuturefitAI

Adrian Ozuma, Prosperity Bank & the Gulf Coast Workforce Board

Nick Muhlbauer, Between Jobs Ministry

Episode 8

Sept. 24, 2022

Class Is In

Teaching careers are in high demand. Why early childhood education is important, how to access alternative certification programs, and why your professional expertise is highly sought after in the classroom.

Guests include:

Dr. Bobbi Henderson, Texas Southern University (retired) & the Gulf Coast Workforce Board

Dr. Dana Carmouche, Houston ISDDanielle Shokes, Workforce Solutions

Danielle Shokes, Workforce Solutions

Meredith-Leigh Pleasants, Good Reason Houston

Dr, Melanie Johnson, Collaborative for Children

Diana Rosaly & Stasi Stewart, San Jacinto College

Episode 9

Oct. 1, 2022

Closing the Deal

Learn tips on strengthening your interview skills and negotiating a salary, why it’s important to follow up after an interview, and where to purchase interview and work attire for less.

Guests include:

Stephanie Lopez, Workforce Solutions

Doug Karr, Chasesource Staffing & the Gulf Coast Workforce Board

Sonja Gee, Memorial Assistance Ministries

David Galindo, MCS Communications

Cicile Joblin & Johns Perkins, Memorial Assistance Ministries

Episode 10

Oct. 8, 2022

Healing the Sick

Healthcare careers are in high demand. Find out what education and training programs are available through community colleges, as well as job growth, and earnings potential in this exciting field.

Guests include:

Dr. Andrea Caracostis, Hope Clinic

M. G. Anderson, Workforce Solutions

Debra Fontenot, Alvin Community College

Victoria Chen, Bridgeyear Houston

Episode 11

Oct. 15, 2022

What’s Stopping You?

Common barriers to employment are discussed. How to overcome age biases, limited or no work experience, and financial instability. Plus, information on programs to help those with a criminal background.

Guests include:

Dr. Andrea Caracostis, Hope Clinic

M.G. Anderson, Workforce Solutions

Dr. Debra Fontenot, Alvin Community College

Victoria Chen, BridgeYear Houston

Episode 12

Oct. 22, 2022

Going Back to School

Learn why white-collar firms are adopting the apprenticeship model, where to find financial aid for college and career training programs, and navigating your future using a “GPS” for your career.

Guests include:

Marybeth Gracy, Accenture & Ghan

Dr. Mellissa Gonzales, Lone Star College-Kingwood & the Gulf Coast Workforce Board

Taylor Stockton, FutureFit AI

Ramiro Fonseca, Project Grad Houston

Episode 13

Oct. 29, 2022

Be Your Own Boss

Everything you need to know about starting a business including how to access small business loans, local certification programs, and why more women are opting to work for themselves.

Guests include:

Willy Verbrugghe, Score Houston

Grace Rodrigues, ImpactHub Houston

Omar Fortune, Houston-Galveston Area Council

Vanessa Aplon-Letson, City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity