Why Opportunity Matters

Marsha Netus on Leadership, Service, and Impact

In this episode, Dr. Bowes sits down with America Works VP and Regional Director Marsha Netus — a cornerstone of the America Works family for almost 30 years — for a conversation that is equal parts personal history and professional legacy. Marsha takes us back to the early days of Baltimore's America Works office, launched in the wake of the landmark 1996 welfare reform era under Maryland's Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. From a marriage proposal at St. Patrick's Cathedral to watching her daughter follow in her footsteps as a member of Delta Sigma Theta — the same sorority that shaped Marsha's lifelong commitment to service and opened critical professional doors — this episode is a testament to what it means to lead with purpose. Marsha also pulls back the curtain on America Works' culture of client respect, early training and case management approaches, and groundbreaking program. With over 90% job retention rates and ties to supporting legislation, her results speak for themselves. 00:00 29 Years Together 05:28 Marsha’s Family Roots 12:26 Love and Marriage Story 16:48 Delta Sigma Theta Impact 21:52 Early Days as Trainer 27:12 Clients Who Come Back 34:22 Welfare Stigma Reality 40:47 From TANF to Reentry 43:35 Bail Diversion Blueprint 49:42 Legislation and Employer Support 50:28 40 Years of Problem Solving 56:56 Staying Grounded and Evolving58:26 Closing Thanks and Future Visits

Why The Pandemic Mattered

In this episode of The Ways We Work, Host Joel Thomas interviews America Works Network of Companies CEO Dr. Lee Bowes about the company’s leadership during the early uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it changed workforce development. Dr. Bowes recounts tracking the emerging crisis as early as January 2020 and committing to keep staff employed and services running for clients despite conflicting public guidance. America Works rapidly created a detailed continuity policy that was adopted by New York City and other jurisdictions, shifted overnight to remote operations, launched remote job fairs, and supported staff and clients with resources like virtual wellness activities, food distribution, and providing tablets and laptops. 00:00 Pandemic Retrospective02:10 Early Warning Signs04:07 Commitment To Stay Open06:29 Remote Work Pivot07:42 Isolation And Morale10:22 Hard Calls On Accountability16:17 Supporting Clients Remotely21:27 Essential Work Divide23:38 Zoom Space Tethers25:52 Remote Work New Normal30:53 Training Goes Hybrid31:49 Barriers to Remote Jobs35:33 Caregiving and Pharm Tech38:07 AI Fears and Reality41:49 Leading Through Crises46:55 Concluding Thoughts

Why Opportunity Matters

In the second episode of the 'Ways We Work' podcast brought to you by the America Works Network of Companies, host Joel Thomas, Director of Education, once again speaks with workforce development leader and CEO Dr. Lee Bowes. They discuss the importance of opportunity as a factor in finding a job, and how the America Works model focuses on strengths rather than perceived barriers. Key topics include the impact of bail reform programs in Baltimore, challenges faced by special populations like the justice-involved, and the role of personalized approaches in connecting people with jobs. The episode also delves into the potential of AI in enhancing workforce services and addresses concerns about its implications on job opportunities. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:55 The Evolution of Opportunity 04:44 Innovative Solutions for Employment Challenges 10:00 The Role of Networks in Job Opportunities 12:17 Adapting to Changes in the Job Market 18:39 The Impact of Technology on Recruitment 26:15 Personalized Approaches to Employment 30:06 Navigating One-Stop Centers and Unemployment Complexities 31:43 Addressing System Fatigue and Building Trust 35:07 Challenges and Strategies in Job Placement 39:50 Special Populations: Justice-Involved Individuals 43:47 Bail Diversion and Reform Success Stories 48:55 The Role of Character Strengths in Employment 56:16 Adapting to Technological Changes and AI 59:48 Concluding Thoughts #newpodcast #americaworks #workforcedevelopment #futureofwork

Why Work Matters

In the inaugural episode of the 'Ways We Work' podcast brought to you by the America Works Network of Companies, host Joel Thomas, Director of Education, speaks with workforce development leader and CEO Dr. Lee Bowes. They discuss why work remains crucial for societal and individual growth, emphasizing the transformative power of employment over reliance on government benefits. Dr. Bowes shares her own stories of her first ever job as a hospital volunteer and early success stories with clients she served, which shaped her vision for creating employment-focused solutions. The conversation highlights America Works' methods in job placement, training, and breaking down barriers to employment, while touching on the challenges and technological advancements in the job market. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:36 Why Work Still Matters 03:34 Dr. Bowes's Early Career and Insights 09:25 The Evolution of America Works 13:08 Memorable Client Stories 23:01 Impact of the Pandemic on Work 26:38 Workforce Development Success Stories 30:06 Early Support Strategies for Employers 30:49 Challenges with Traditional Job Programs 32:32 Policy Makers and Employment Initiatives 35:44 Motivating Job Seekers 38:38 Innovative Techniques in Job Training 40:54 Adapting to Job Market Changes 47:56 Personal Stories and Reflections 53:55 Future of Work and Final Thoughts