Workforce & Higher Education Videocasts
Policy Strategies for Inclusive Economic Development
January 15, 2026
At this meeting of Ellevate Louisiana’s Joint Taxation and Economic Development Committee and the Workforce and Higher Education Committee's Present Policy Strategies for Inclusive Economic Development with Jan Moller, Executive Director of Invest in Louisiana, and Peter Robbins-Brown, Executive Director of Louisiana Progress.
Louisiana Works: Unlocking Workforce Potential
November 20, 2025
In this episode of Ellevate Louisiana’s Workforce & Higher Education Policy Committee, Susie Schowen, Secretary of Louisiana Works, joins us to talk about workforce development and future opportunities for growth.
The Blanco Center's Research Update - Louisiana's Employment Outcomes Report
October 22, 2025
At Ellevate's October Workforce & Higher Education Policy Committee meeting, researchers from the Blanco Center, Dr. Robert Habans and Jenna Losh, shared key findings from their research on employment outcomes across the state, tracking how education connects to career success over time.
Louisiana's Workforce Challenge
January 27, 2025
In this episode of Ellevate Louisiana's Engage videocast, Susie Schowen, Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Development, discusses the challenges presented in Louisiana's workforce.
Healthcare Workforce Shortages
May 27, 2022
In this episode of Ellevate Louisiana's Engage videocast we discuss the critical workforce shortages Louisiana is facing in its healthcare industry. Our panelists include:
- Tina Holland, President of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
- Wendi Palermo, Chief Education and Training Officer for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System
- Dr. Missy Sparks, Vice President of Talent Management and Workforce Development at Ochsner Health
Hospitality Labor Shortages with Stan Harris, Louisiana Restaurant Association
April 18, 2022
In this episode of Ellevate Louisiana's Engage videocast we discuss hospitality labor shortages due to COVID-19 and natural disasters with Louisiana Restaurant Association President and CEO, Stan Harris.
Quick Take with Dr. Monty Sullivan
July 28, 2021
In this episode of Ellevate Louisiana's Quick Take we catch up with Dr. Monty Sullivan, President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, on the MJ Foster Promise Program that recently passed this legislative session that recently adjourned.
Work/Life Imbalance in the Age of Covid
May 21, 2021
This episode of Ellevate Louisiana's Engage Videocast features a panel discussion on how women’s career paths have been impacted and how COVID might still have an effect on women in the workplace several years down the road. Our panelists include Libbie Sonnier, Executive Director of Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, Ava DeJoie Cates, Secretary of Louisiana Workforce Commission, and Missy Sparks, VP of Talent Management at Ochsner Health System. A special thank you to the National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah and the Jewish Endowment of Louisiana for putting on this presentation along with Ellevate Louisiana.
Michael Williamson
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
February 4, 2021
In this episode of Ellevate’s Engage Videocast we wrap up our conversation on the state of Louisiana's workforce and economy. Julie Stokes speaks with Michael Williamson, who serves as President and CEO of the United Way of Southeast Louisiana. Julie and Michael discuss the ALICE project, the effects of Covid-19 on ALICE households and more!
Ava DeJoie
Secretary, Louisiana Workforce Commission
January 19, 2021
In this episode of the Engage videocast, we continue to explore issues related to Louisiana's workforce and economy. Julie Stokes speaks with Ava DeJoie, Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Julie and Secretary DeJoie discuss equal pay, minimum wage and more!
Don Pierson
Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development
January 13, 2021
In this episode of Ellevate’s Engage Videocast we explore the state of Louisiana's workforce and economy. Julie Stokes speaks with Don Pierson, who serves as Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. Julie and Secretary Pierson discuss creating greater economic opportunity for Louisiana residents, recent economic development wins, Resilient Louisiana Commission and more!
Dr. Kim Hunter Reed
Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education
August 20, 2020
On our final episode of a series of interviews where we are discussing higher education policy, Julie speaks with Dr. Kim Hunter Reed who serves as Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education. Julie and Commissioner Reed discuss reopening of college campuses, online learning, the Board of Regents master plan and more!
Dr. Monty Sullivan
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
August 13, 2020
On our third episode of a series of interviews where we are discussing higher education policy, Julie speaks with Dr. Monty Sullivan, President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Julie and Dr. Sullivan discuss the college affordability, workforce training, the benefits cliff and more!
Dr. Jim Henderson
University of Louisiana System
August 11, 2020
On our second episode of a series of interviews where we are discussing higher education policy, Julie speaks with Dr. Jim Henderson President of the University of Louisiana System. Julie and Dr. Henderson discuss the affects of COVID 19 on university operations, diversity and inclusion initiatives and more!
Martha Snyder
HCM Strategists
August 3, 2020
On our first episode of our series of interviews where we are discussing higher education policy, Julie speaks with Martha Snyder, a Senior Director at HCM Strategists. HCM is a national group of policy advocates and strategists working toward equitable and meaningful change by bridging the gap between public policies and the people they affect.