As we approach Labor Day, the Partnership's UpSkill Houston initiative is celebrating the important contributions workers make to the Houston region’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. During the pandemic, greater Houston’s diverse workforce demonstrated that it is resilient in times of need and strong in its work ethic.  We would like to honor our region’s workers. 
 
Please join us on August 24 and September 8 for a two-part Labor Day UpSkill Works Forum series focused on how the pandemic has impacted our region’s workers and how we can help smooth the way for our neighbors who are striving to get back on track.

In the first of this two-part Labor Day series, Jen Shafer, Rice University graduate and a master’s fellow in the Integrated Design and Management program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will share the results of her qualitative research around the region’s jobseekers who are looking for better career opportunities as a result of the pandemic and the distinct personas that are representative of these individuals. Shafer will also discuss with Fred Oswald, professor and director of graduate studies of Rice University School of Social Sciences, and Greg Hambrick, CEO and founder of Fast Forward Works how we can understand workforce personas to better serve these individuals. The session will conclude with panel of community partners facilitated by Amanda McMillan, CEO of United Way of Greater Houston, discussing the trends they are seeing with their clients. 
 
A second Labor Day forum will follow on September 8, featuring a discussion with business leaders about strategies and approaches to support a more inclusive economic and workforce recovery. This forum will focus on how employers can work and partner with community and education partners to help Houston get back on track. More details to come.