by Amanda Landreth, STCU
EWI of Spokane Chapter President
As we embrace the summer season and celebrate the 4th of July, I hope this newsletter finds you enjoying quality time with your loved ones. July is a time for barbecues, fireworks, and most importantly, a time to reflect on the values and principles that make our country great. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all those who serve in our country, whether in the armed forces, as first responders, or in other essential roles. Your dedication and sacrifice are what allow us to enjoy the freedoms we cherish. Thank you for your service.
I also want to reflect on our last Chapter meeting. We had the opportunity to collaborate with INSHRM to discuss workforce readiness and talent development. The meeting brought together a diverse group of professionals who shared their insights and expertise on these crucial topics. Our guest speaker, Vange Ocasio Hochheimer, Ph.D., provided us with an insightful overview of the economy and the status of the workforce in Spokane. Her expertise shed light on the challenges and opportunities we face in developing a skilled pipeline for the future.
During the meeting, our impressive panel, including Julie Orchard, Ben Small, and Dr. Aaron McMurray, represented their respective organizations, Providence, LaunchNW and the Innovia Foundation, and Whitworth University. Their dedication to our community and their commitment to creating opportunities for all is truly commendable. One key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of changing the dialogue around career paths. We learned that it is essential to have meaningful conversations with our children about their passions and interests, while also highlighting the diverse opportunities available to them. By broadening our perspectives beyond the traditional college or workforce paths, we can empower our future generation to explore a range of possibilities.
As we look ahead, let us embrace EWI’s core philosophies of career development, meaningful connections, and giving back to our community. By fostering collaboration across our communities and embracing innovative solutions, we can shape a future where everyone has equitable access to meaningful opportunities. Together, we will empower our workforce with the necessary skills to thrive and create a stronger, more inclusive society.
Thank you for your continued support and participation in our EWI community. Enjoy the summer festivities and let us carry the spirit of collaboration and progress with us throughout the month of July.