2022 Event Recap & Recording
On Thursday, August 18th, 2022, we released our data-rich insights to attract and retain female and minority talent for in-demand jobs with family-sustaining wages. Two hundred attendees enjoyed a conversation with new higher education presidents: Dr. Laura Bloomberg of Cleveland State University and Dr. Michael Baston of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C©) who shared their perspectives on the Northeast Ohio Region’s workforce strategies, opportunities for the future, and insights on challenges and solutions in their experience with women and minority students.
These supplemental reports are part of our continuing efforts to address the regional talent supply/demand gap with our annual report, Aligning Opportunities. Since 2017, we have released this signature report exploring the gap for entry-level jobs in the Northeast Ohio Region. The report is now being used as a tool to develop, enhance, and/or modify offerings for job training programs and educational offerings at higher education institutions like Baldwin Wallace University, the University of Akron, College Now Greater Cleveland, Cuyahoga Community College and Lorain County Community College.
Welcome & opening remarks:
- Dr. Michael Baston, President: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C©)
- Bill Koehler, CEO, Team NEO
An overview of findings from the Misaligned Opportunities and Lost Opportunities reports:
- Jacob Duritsky, Vice President, Strategy and Research, Team NEO
Fireside chat
- Bill Koehler, CEO, Team NEO
- Dr. Michael Baston, President: Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C©)
- Dr. Laura Bloomberg, President: Cleveland State University
Panel Discussion
- NaSheka Combs-Lemon, Career Connect Engagement Manager: Strengthening Stark
- Dr. Jennifer Ross, Vice President of Diversity, Education & Engagement: Akron Urban League
- Moderated by: Renee Ligon, Director, Partnerships and Engagements: Team NEO

Misaligned Opportunities Report
STEM occupations are in high demand, but are opportunities accessible to communities of color?

Lost Opportunities Report
How higher wages, education, and STEM growth are key to women’s economic vibrancy.
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