Workforce Wednesday

From Doer to Leader: Practical Support Strategies for Frontline Supervisors

Promoting great “doers” into supervisor roles is easy—setting them up to succeed is harder. This session explores how employers can better support frontline leaders with practical strategies, real-world insights, and accessible tools that help supervisors thrive in dynamic work environments.

Join us to learn how organizations are helping frontline supervisors build confidence, communicate effectively, and lead teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments. Whether you're developing new leaders or strengthening existing ones, this session offers actionable ideas to support supervisor success and improve team performance.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email: rebecca.zoubek@state.mn.us. 

Check Your Filters: How Biases Shape Hiring, Feedback, and Leadership

In this webinar, we explore how unconscious biases-our internal "filters"-can subtly yet powerfully influence critical workplace decisions, particularly in hiring, feedback, and leadership development.

Attendees are encouraged to "check their filters" by increasing their awareness of how bias shows up in everyday interactions and decision-making. The session offered practical strategies to help individuals and organizations take concrete steps toward building more equitable and inclusive workplaces at every level.

Discussion topics will include recognizing your own bias "triggers" in real time, structuring interview and feedback systems for fairness, reframing leadership potential with an inclusive lens, and creating accountability mechanisms in teams and processes.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email adesewa.adesiji@state.mn.us.

Future-Proofing Your Workforce: Skills for 2030 and Beyond

The future of work is here, and forward-thinking Minnesota employers are already preparing their teams for tomorrow's challenges! Join us for this session to explore how AI automation is reshaping skill requirements across industries statewide, building internal training capacity, and creating career pathways that benefit both employers and employees. We'll highlight successful collaborations between Minnesota employers and educational institutions across the state, share innovative approaches to competency-based training, and provide actionable strategies for building a resilient, adaptable workforce ready to thrive in 2030 and beyond.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email shayla.drake@state.mn.us. 

Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace

With multiple generations working together, today’s workplace is rich in experience, perspective, and potential—but also full of opportunities for misunderstanding. This session explores how employers can better understand and navigate generational dynamics to build stronger, more inclusive teams.

Join us to hear practical ideas and real-world insights on how to improve communication, collaboration, and engagement across age groups—no matter your industry or team size.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email: rebecca.zoubek@state.mn.us. 

Neurodiverse Workforce: Accommodations, Job slicing and Superpowers

This May, Workforce Wednesday invites you to a powerful conversation about how embracing neurodiversity can transform the way we work, hire, and lead. Our panel of employers, advocates, and workforce experts will explore how organizations can move beyond awareness and into action—building environments where neurodiverse talent doesn’t just fit in, but truly thrives.  Join our panel of experts as they unpack Real-World Accommodations: Learn how flexible schedules, sensory-friendly spaces, and clear communication systems can create workplaces that work for everyone.  Job Slicing in Action: Discover how rethinking job roles—matching strengths to tasks—helps unlock productivity and engagement across teams.  Superpowers at Work: Hear success stories that highlight the creativity, focus, and innovation neurodiverse employees bring to the table, and how utilizing the strengths of Neurodiversity will give you the competitive advantage.  Neurodiversity is more than inclusion—it’s a competitive advantage. By valuing different ways of thinking and problem-solving, employers gain new insights, foster creativity, and strengthen workplace belonging.  Join us for this inspiring Workforce Wednesday to learn how simple, intentional changes can make your organization a place where everyone’s strengths shine.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email james.whirlwindsoldier@state.mn.us. 

Who is MAWB? An Inside Look at Minnesota's Workforce Development Boards

This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB) and its role within the state's workforce development system. We will explore how MAWB collaboration with state agencies and community partners supports job seekers while meeting the needs of Minnesota's employers. We will look at the structure, responsibilities, and impact of the workforce development board system, offering insight into how MAWB helps shape policy, drive innovation, and ensure a skilled and competitive workforce across the state.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email adesewa.adesiji@state.mn.us.

Raising the Bar: How to Assess and Improve Job Quality

What makes a job truly “good”? This Workforce Wednesday session explores how Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board is developing a Job Quality Framework to help employers evaluate and improve the jobs they offer. The framework supports efforts to create more equitable, competitive workplaces by focusing on key aspects of job quality that matter to both workers and employers.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email shayla.drake@state.mn.us. 

Opportunities for All: Reimagining Workforce Development

Achieving true economic opportunity and growth requires a workforce development system grounded in equity-one that intentionally addresses the barriers faced by historically marginalized and underserved populations. In this in-depth webinar, we will explore how workforce organizations, partners, and leaders across sectors can embed equity into every aspect of workforce development to create inclusive, sustainable outcomes for all job seekers.

Workforce systems have long grappled with disparities rooted in race, gender, disability, socioeconomic status, and more. While progress has been made, there is a growing recognition that equity is not just a goal but a continuous process-requiring intentional strategies, partnerships, and data-informed decisions to dismantle systemic obstacles and promote fairness.

This webinar will provide a comprehensive look at the current landscape of equity in workforce development, sharing insights from experts and practitioners who are leading the way in transforming policies, programs, and practices.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email adesewa.adesiji@state.mn.us.

Mentorships, Sponsorships & Succession Planning

This September, Workforce Wednesday turns the spotlight on one of the most powerful drivers of long-term workforce success: mentorship, sponsorship, and succession planning. Our panel of business, education, and community leaders will explore how intentional relationship-building today creates leadership continuity—and opportunity—for tomorrow.  Join our panel of experts as they discuss: Mentorship that Matters: Learn how structured and informal mentorship programs can strengthen employee growth, confidence, and retention.  The Power of Sponsorship: Discover how leaders who actively advocate for emerging talent—especially from underrepresented backgrounds—can transform organizational culture and equity.  Succession with Intention: Explore strategies for developing future-ready leadership pathways that preserve institutional knowledge and reflect the diversity of your workforce.  Strong mentorship and sponsorship aren’t just good for people—they’re good for business. They create belonging, ensure leadership continuity, and help every team member see a path forward. Succession planning rooted in inclusion ensures that when today’s leaders step aside, the next generation is ready to lead with purpose, skill, and heart.  Join us this September for an inspiring conversation on how to grow talent from within—and design a future where leadership reflects the strength and diversity of our communities.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email della.ludwig@state.mn.us. 

Developing Successful Career Pathways through Youth Skills Training & Youth Apprenticeships

Youth career pathway development is crucial for ensuring young people find fulfilling and sustainable careers, contributing to their personal growth and the overall economy in your community. It helps students explore different career options, acquire necessary skills, and make informed decisions about their future while still in high school. With high schools and businesses providing structured support and opportunities, career pathways empower youth to navigate the complexities of the job market and achieve their goals with community support.

Join DEED's Workforce Strategy Consultant team, our partners, and employers to learn about the the two main work-based training (student-learner models) in the State of Minnesota, each offering businesses and youth over the age of 16 multiple benefits and how your organization, school, and community can thrive with these models in place.  

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email della.ludwig@state.mn.us. 

Minnesota's Indigenous Workforce

This November, during Native American Heritage Month, Workforce Wednesday invites you to a timely and transformative conversation: how to become an Employer of Choice for Native talent—and why Indigenous workers represent one of Minnesota’s greatest, and often overlooked, workforce strengths.  Our panel of experts will unwrap the Untapped Strength of Indigenous Talent: Explore how Minnesota’s tribal nations, Native communities, and urban Indigenous networks are cultivating skilled, dedicated, and community-minded professionals across every sector.  Equity as a Growth Strategy: Learn how creating meaningful, sustainable, and equitable careers for Indigenous workers builds stronger businesses, more resilient communities, and a more balanced economy for everyone.  Economic Reconciliation in Practice: Discover how employers can move beyond acknowledgment and into shared prosperity—through hiring, training, and leadership practices that honor sovereignty, culture, and long-term partnerships.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of panelists and Workforce Strategy Consultants

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email james.whirlwindsoldier@state.mn.us. 

2026 Review with 2027 Preview

Join DEED’s Workforce Strategy Consultant team and our partners for a 2026 Kickoff Party, where we’ll revisit the “Best of the Best” from our 2026 presentations, highlight major accomplishments, and celebrate regional success stories. Plus, get an exclusive preview of the hot topics we expect in 2027—and learn how to turn those insights into powerful tools to support employer success.

11 a.m. - noon - panel discussion
Noon - 12:30 p.m. - "unplugged" time when you can unmute and ask questions of directly to the Workforce Strategy Consultant team

Register now

If you have any issues registering, please try using Google Chrome.

This event will be recorded and will be made available for viewing after the event.

For general questions and accommodation requests, please email della.ludwig@state.mn.us.