PATHIRED

Debate as Training: Preparing the Next Generation of Tech Leaders

In this episode of PATHIRE [https://www.pathired.org/]D, Daisy Saulls [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisysaulls/] sits down with Murshed Chowdhury [https://www.linkedin.com/in/murshedchowdhury/], founder of Tech Duels, [https://www.techduels.com/] a live, coached debate platform transforming how students, professionals, and veterans communicate in today’s tech-driven world. Murshed shares his journey from New York’s dot-com era to agency recruiting and the experiences that revealed a universal challenge: talented people struggling not with technical skill, but with the ability to clearly articulate it. Together, Daisy and Murshed unpack how TechDuels helps participants think fast, speak with confidence, and communicate complex ideas across any audience. They explore how debate strengthens interviewing, pitching, leadership presence, and critical thinking, skills increasingly essential in an AI-heavy job market. The conversation also dives into networking, access, the future of workforce development, and why mastering communication is the ultimate career accelerator. If you believe the next generation of talent needs more than just technical know-how, this episode will hit home. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430542/support]

Pipelines That Work: Dr. Michael Grubbs & Neil Wilford on Building Pathways from Classroom to Career

On this episode of PATHIRED [https://www.pathired.org/], Daisy Saulls sits down with Dr. Michael Grubbs [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-grubbs-ph-d-206b406b/], Director of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at Loudoun County Public Schools [https://www.lcps.org/], and Neil Wilford [https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-wilford-652a7b64/], Training Director at the Baltimore Electrical JATC [https://jatc24.org/]. Together, they unpack how schools and apprenticeship programs partner to co-design training, share costs, and measure ROI in real terms, like wages earned and careers launched. The conversation dives into what actually drives recruitment, why parent engagement matters, and how to help students see themselves in pathways that lead to stable, high-paying jobs. From scaling regional programs to shifting community perceptions, this episode shows what effective workforce development looks like in action. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430542/support]

Building Pathways: Vantage Data Centers on Workforce, Community, and the AI Boom

In the newest episode of PATHIRED [https://www.pathired.org/], Brittany Mazin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanymazin/], Sr. Manager of Public Policy and Community Engagement, and Matt Baker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-baker-33a59569/], Principle Construction Manager from Vantage Data Centers, the presenting sponsor of National Workforce Development Day [https://www.nationalworkforcedevelopmentday.com/], discuss how Vantage is investing in workforce development.  From scholarships and mentorships to trade partnerships and community ambassador programs, Brittany and Matt highlight the creative ways Vantage is building career pathways and breaking down misconceptions about the data center industry. This episode is all about building with people in mind, ensuring the AI and digital infrastructure boom creates equitable opportunities and thriving communities. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430542/support]

Nomad Futurist: Building Pathways with Nabeel Mahmood

In this episode of the PATHIRED Podcast, I sit down with Nabeel Mahmood [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nabeelmahmood/], technology leader and co-founder of Nomad Futurist [https://nomadfuturist.org/], a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring the next generation of digital infrastructure professionals. Nabeel shares his journey from cybersecurity to co-founding a global movement, the personal story that shaped his purpose, and the urgent need to unify voices around workforce development. We talk about why the digital infrastructure industry must slow down just enough to build strong foundations, how Nomad Futurist’s Academy is opening doors for students worldwide, and why even contributing 1% of your time or knowledge can help solve the sector’s massive talent gap. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430542/support]

Transit, Talent, and Transformation: A Workforce Conversation with Alberto Marino

Today’s guest is someone who has dedicated his career to breaking down barriers and creating pathways for historically underrepresented communities. Alberto Marino [https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertomarino/] is the Senior Sourcing Officer at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, where he has led groundbreaking initiatives to increase Latino representation in the transit workforce. He is also the Co-Founder of the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce [https://www.novahispanicchamber.com/], founder of Metro Trabajo, and Chairman of the Board for the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council. Alberto’s impact has been recognized regionally and nationally, including receiving the Diverse in Business Award and the Outstanding Workforce Champion Award in 2025.  In this episode, Alberto and I dive into the future of workforce development, the role of education and training in employability, and how partnerships between employers, schools, and community organizations are critical to building strong talent pipelines. He also shares his insights on AI in recruitment, the importance of career pathways over just “jobs,” and how programs like Metro Trabajo are transforming communities. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2430542/support]