Women play crucial role in regional workforce development

March is Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and encourage the vital role of women in American history. Meanwhile, March 8 is International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Within the Lincoln Trail region, women play a major role in actively shaping the trajectory of our community's workforce. As the Director of Workforce for the Lincoln Trail Area Development District (LTADD), I regularly engage with these dynamic individuals, witnessing first-hand their profound impact on our shared future.

At LTADD, I can affirm the dedication of my female colleagues, among them Jackie Masterson, who holds the position of Deputy Director of Employment & Training. In her capacity, Masterson is responsible for managing the daily operations of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programming in our region. Some of her primary objectives include providing support to job seekers, facilitating connections between young adults and career prospects and aiding employers in meeting their workforce needs.

Within our region, a leading advocate for workforce development is the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board (LTWDB), comprising 23 members tasked with overseeing local workforce development projects across the eight counties within the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Area. Trish Niles serves as the chair of the board, balancing her responsibilities in guiding development initiatives, contributing to strategic planning, policy development and resource allocation, alongside her role as the Human Resources Manager for Mid-Park, Inc. in Leitchfield.

LTWDB provides oversight of the career centers, youth services and employment and training activities funded by WIOA. This includes one of the region’s most important resources for workforce development: the Kentucky Career Center - Lincoln Trail. Within the multiple Career Center locations in the Lincoln Trail area, several women are making a major difference in the workforce, providing meaningful resources to job seekers and employers alike. A few of these difference-makers include Robin Gooden, Center Manager for KCC-LT, Cathy Williamson, Business Solutions Team Lead at KCC-LT and Terri Thomas, Career Center Director for Marion and Washington counties. 

KCC-LT’s work would not be possible without quality partners, one of which is Career TEAM. Kristen Howard, Executive Director for Career TEAM in the Lincoln Trail region, leads a team of five career advisors across four Kentucky Career Center locations. Her focus is on delivering employment and training opportunities under WIOA Title I, particularly for individuals facing barriers to employment such as low income and basic skills deficiency. Howard empowers job seekers through tailored support, collaborating with employers to address workforce needs and foster partnerships.

The wealth of experience among women professionals in the regional workforce development sector offers invaluable insights into emerging trends. In discussions among these professionals, several key trends have emerged, including a heightened emphasis on digital skills training, the rise of remote work and the adoption of flexible work arrangements. Additionally, there is a growing recognition of the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise, with a focus on communication, teamwork and adaptability. Digital access and technology play pivotal roles in various aspects of workforce development, from facilitating job searches to conducting virtual interviews and streamlining onboarding processes.

For those of us engaged in workforce development, navigating the ever-evolving needs of job seekers and employers requires a nuanced approach, and collaborations among the aforementioned professionals is crucial. KCC-LT stands out as a vital resource for job seekers, providing comprehensive services such as resume development, interview preparation and job search assistance. Networking, continuous learning and the demonstration of transferable skills are all paramount to enhancing employability. Furthermore, seeking mentorship, staying abreast of job-seeking trends and leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn for networking purposes are invaluable steps in this process.

To thrive in today’s workforce, employers should stay informed about workforce trends, strive to create an inclusive work environment, explore innovative benefits and utilize creative recruiting methods, such as leveraging social media and participating in online job fairs like the twice monthly Let’s Talk Tuesday events hosted by KCC-LT, along with other services provided by the organization to support employers.

As we celebrate the remarkable women of history through Women's History Month and International Women's Day, let’s also celebrate the women who are leading the charge to move our regional workforce forward. As trends in the workforce evolve, the unique perspectives and insights they provide are paramount. 

Beth Roberts serves as the Director of Workforce for the Lincoln Trail Area Development District.