Future Ready: Winning the Talent Race Together is Workforce NOW’s premier Education & Industry Forum, bringing together business leaders, educators, workforce professionals, and community partners to explore innovative solutions for developing the region’s future workforce. Through expert speakers, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will discover how to strengthen talent pipelines through internships, apprenticeships, AI, education partnerships, and workforce resources. Join us to connect with regional leaders, learn best practices, and help shape a workforce that drives economic growth across the Fredericksburg region.

Future Ready: Winning the talent Race Together, Keynote Speaker – Dr. Tashika Griffith, President, Germanna Community College

Strong Schools. Strong Communities. Strong Workforce – Dr. Sarah Calveric Caroline County Public Schools; Dr. Marci Catlett Fredericksburg City Public Schools

AI & The Future of Talent – Dr. Clint Mitchell Spotsylvania County Public Schools; Dr. Sharon Shewbridge, Stafford County Public Schools

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Through Internships & Apprenticeships- Terri Rinko Work-Based Learning Specialist, King George County Schools and JoAnn Murchison Workforce Development Specialist, IEC Chesapeake

Workforce Resources Every Employer Should Know – Devin Fedor, University of Mary Washington; Hannah Overby, Virginia Economic Development Partnership; Jacob McCaleb, Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board; Bobby McLaughlin, Owner, Four Elements Electric

Connecting Employers to College Talent – Dr. Kimberly Young Associate Provost for Career and Workforce, University of Mary Washington

Career Connections Experience– Meet recent high school and college graduates who are already making an impact in our regional workforce.