It’s September and you know what that means — SHIFT is almost here! I love seeing all the buzz and excitement growing among everyone who is eager to join us in Memphis.

September is also Workforce Development Month, when we recognize the tireless efforts of workforce development professionals across the country and take stock of what’s needed to continue pressing forward toward an equitable future.

For the National Fund, it especially means shining a light on our dynamic network. Our network partners are workforce leaders with deep knowledge and expertise of how workforce issues play out in their local regions. They understand how racial inequity affects the people and communities they serve. Their local lens and expertise drive the critical work needed to help realize the National Fund’s vision. That’s why we’re collaborating with them to test new ideas, learn from setbacks, and share what works with the field.

SHIFT attendees will have a chance to gain invaluable insight from the National Fund’s network partners, who will feature prominently among the excellent sessions people will experience throughout the conference.

Here are a few I’m looking forward to:

Spotlight: Beyond Job Quality Frameworks: A Community-centered Approach to Defining Job Quality from Hawai’i

Attendees will hear from our Hawai’i collaborative and learn methods to engage communities in defining job quality and strategies for aligning workforce programs with local values and needs.

Submersion: Harnessing the Magic of the Moment to Advance Equity and Job Quality

Learn how three communities — Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse — are forming coalitions and leveraging national funding to build equitable career pathways in high priority sectors offering good jobs with family-sustaining wages.

Studio: Modernizing Workforce Training for the 21st Century Economy to Empower Workers Beyond Job Placement

Worker power has often been sidelined in workforce development initiatives. Discover how collaboratives in Chicago and San Francisco are implementing comprehensive training and support that integrate both job skills and workplace rights education.

This is just a snapshot of all the rich sessions we are looking forward to. Check out this full session line up to learn more about what’s in store.

See you all in a few weeks!