KRA's The Hub

In this episode of KRA's The Hub podcast, recorded live at the JFF Jobs for the Future Conference, Kim Tesch Vaught, mental health coach and business development manager, explores the conference's theme of "daring to be brave" in workforce development. Drawing from her experience as a mental health coach and workforce professional, she discusses reimagining career services through human connection, mental resilience, and personalized support. Kim shares insights on leveraging AI, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating more flexible workforce systems that truly understand job seekers' unique goals and potential.

In this episode, host Jonathan Overall sits down with Rich Simmerman, co-founder of Cantaloupe AI, at the JFF Horizons Summit in New Orleans to tackle a pressing challenge in the hospitality industry: outdated, resume-driven hiring that fails both employers and job seekers. Drawing from Rich’s own journey—from managing a coffee shop in Carrollton to pioneering voice interview technology—Cantaloupe AI is replacing traditional job applications with conversational voice interviews. This hands-on, candidate-first approach helps employers screen every applicant, reduce early quits by nearly half, and create workforce matches that stick. Join us as we explore how human-centered AI is transforming first impressions, cutting turnover costs, and reshaping hiring in hotels and restaurants—all while empowering job seekers and businesses alike,

In this episode, host Jonathan Overall sits down with Dean Barbara Goodall Meschino, MSW, LSW, Dean of the West Side Learning Center at Malcolm X College, City Colleges of Chicago, to explore how strategic partnerships between KRA, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, and community colleges are revolutionizing workforce development in Chicago. Dean Meschino shares her journey from social work to higher education leadership and discusses how real-world, hands-on training programs—like CNA, medical assisting, and specialized digital simulations—are boosting access, equity, and economic mobility in historically underserved neighborhoods. Discover how their collaborative “Community Day” outreach, flexible learning options, and trust-building initiatives are creating a seamless bridge between education and employment, driving collective impact for students, families, and the broader community.

Discover how workforce development is being redefined from the ground up in this episode of KRA’s The Hub. Claudia Cattouse-Regalado, Director of Relationship Management at the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, shares her journey from frontline service roles to executive leadership and offers a powerful vision for workforce as a system of mentorship, preparation, and economic transformation. You’ll hear how building shared language, aligning service delivery, and elevating real client stories can drive collective impact. Claudia also discusses professional development, leadership resilience, and how to support the next generation of workforce professionals in today’s changing landscape.

In this episode, you’ll get an inside look at the inaugural Virginia Workforce Symposium—a first-of-its-kind event bringing together workforce professionals from across the Commonwealth. You’ll hear how the idea for the symposium came to life, what made it a sold-out success, and why collaboration across regions and roles is critical to the future of workforce development. From keynote speakers to breakout sessions on data, AI, and cross-agency partnerships, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes preview of the event’s goals, challenges, and long-term vision. KRA is proud to be a silver sponsor and exhibitor at this milestone event, supporting efforts to strengthen and innovate workforce practices across Virginia.