Zekita Armstrong is the Founder, Chair and CEO of Gateway Global American Youth and Business Alliance Academies and Principal of FCE Properties, a St. Louis based real estate development and management firm. Her work sits at the intersection of technology based workforce development, education, and institutional real estate.

Through Gateway Global, Armstrong has led the development of workforce and education models focused on geospatial intelligence, GIS, data, artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, and other emerging technologies. She is also spearheading the GIWAC Campus in North St. Louis, beginning with a 28,000 square foot education and workforce center and expanding through an additional 18,200 square foot technology focused facility designed to support hands on learning, industry engagement, and long term workforce development.

Armstrong’s approach is centered on building durable pathways rather than stand alone programs– connecting early exposure, technical education, industry recognized credentials, higher education, apprenticeships, and employment. Gateway Global’s long term strategy is designed to extend this work beyond Missouri through scalable university partnerships, its curriculum and edtech platform, workforce academies, and other models that can be adapted in communities across the United States.

Her background also includes leadership in technology recruitment, diversity management, education operations, workforce development, and institutional advancement. Across these roles, Armstrong has focused on creating the physical and educational infrastructure needed to connect youth and young adults to the industries shaping the future of the global economy.

Alexander Bick is a senior economic policy advisor in the Research division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, which he joined in June 2022. He is a macroeconomist with interests in labor economics, economic growth, and development. His current research focuses on two broad topics: first, within- and cross-country differences in how much people work and how this decision is affected by public policies; second, trends in working from home in the U.S. and the consequences for job and geographic mobility. During the first two years of the pandemic, he ran a high-frequency online survey in collaboration with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas to provide real-time estimates of the state of the labor market.

Bick holds a master’s degree and doctorate in economics from Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. His research has been published in leading general interest journals in economics such as the American Economic Review, Review of Economic Studies, and Quarterly Journal of Economics. His research has been covered by national and international media outlets such as the Associated Press, Bloomberg, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post. After finishing his dissertation in 2009, Bick stayed for three years as an assistant professor at Goethe University. From 2012-2022, he was an assistant and associate professor of economics at Arizona State University, where he taught in the M.B.A. and Ph.D. programs. He spent his sabbatical in the fall of 2019 as a research economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.

Presentation — The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI

Kristie Davis, Director of Missouri One Start, is an accomplished leader in workforce and economic development. Since 2018, she has been at the helm of Missouri One Start, a division within the Department of Economic Development (DED), overseeing more than $40 million in annual state appropriations aimed at aiding companies with workforce recruitment, training, and upskilling.

Prior to her current role, Kristie held significant positions in the Division of Workforce Development and the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. With a career focused on workforce spanning over two decades, Kristie’s diverse experience has equipped her with a unique perspective on workforce development, education, and economic advancement. Her commitment to aligning educational initiatives with practical workplace skills has consistently driven her to foster strong partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, ensuring a skilled and prepared workforce for the future.

Moderating — Employer Perspectives: Workforce Challenges, Trends & Training Solutions

Ken Fields serves as senior vice president of Communications & Engagement at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. In that role, he and the team he is part of are responsible for the St. Louis Fed’s communications, community development and outreach functions across the Eighth Federal Reserve District. In addition, his team supports communications and external engagement for St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem.

Fields joined the St. Louis Fed after nearly 30 years at a global communications agency, where he led corporate reputation efforts, crisis management and communications training sessions for hundreds of clients. He previously worked in financial services as a licensed investment representative and spent eight years as a television journalist—writing, producing and anchoring newscasts.

Fields has degrees in political science and journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Remarks — The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI

Ron Gilmore is a results driven manufacturing and workforce leader who serves as the Workforce Development Manager for MEMC LLC. With a distinguished 36-year career at MEMC, Ron currently leads the company’s end-to-end talent management strategies, overseeing hiring, compliance, and all levels of organizational disciplinary action to maintain a high-performance culture.

Prior to his current executive focus on workforce development, Ron spent years driving MEMC’s operational success. As Operations Manager, he directed a team of approximately 160 production operators and maintenance personnel, successfully scaling an initial R&D startup line into a thriving High-Volume Manufacturing (HVM) facility. A passionate advocate for workforce education and technical training, Ron was also the driving force behind establishing MEMC’s first successful Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship program for the maintenance department.

Panelist — Employer Perspectives: Workforce Challenges, Trends & Training Solutions

Liz’s enthusiasm and passion aren’t easily matched. Her ability to bring an attitude of unwavering optimism and to focus on impact are her two biggest strengths. She is at her best in front of a group or working to creatively solve a challenge.

Liz joined Dale Carnegie St. Louis in 2015 and purchased the St. Louis territory four years later. In 2021, she expanded the territory to Kansas City. She now consults with clients in a variety of industries and sizes from Fortune 500 companies to local family-owned businesses. She brings a unique perspective to clients, always thinks out of the box, and doesn’t settle for average. Whether she is consulting on business needs, in front of a room facilitating an experience, or at home with her husband and two kids, you will find a big smile on her face and can feel the energy she brings to any room or organization.

Seeing the impact of her work and finding opportunities to be creative are what motivate Liz in her career. In no particular order, Liz loves her husband and kids, doing ninja warrior, and banana pudding ice cream.

Liz has worked with clients like The US Air Force, Nestle Purina, Boeing, Alberici, Smithfield Foods, UPS, Cigna, and many more

Erica Huddleston is a collaborative, mission-driven senior leader with nearly two decades of experience spanning juvenile justice, social services, trauma-informed care, and workforce development. As the Site Director for NPower Missouri, she directs daily operations, strategic community partnerships, and tech training initiatives that build inclusive career pathways for emerging talent. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from Lindenwood University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Alabama A&M University. As an active community advocate, Erica serves with the BioSTL Regional Youth Employment Coalition and local school PTA, dedicated to advancing equity, access, and strength-based community empowerment. When she is not working, she enjoys making memories with her family and friends, watching crime TV, and trying to find her green thumb.

Panelist — The Talent Pipeline: Start Earlier, Reach Further

Connie L. Johnson is an accomplished public servant, attorney, and workforce development leader currently serving as Executive Director of the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) and the SLATE Missouri Job Center. Appointed by Mayor Cara Spencer in May 2025, Johnson leads the agency’s efforts to connect job seekers with employment opportunities, expand workforce training programs, strengthen employer partnerships, and advance economic mobility throughout the City of St. Louis.

Born in Chicago and raised in the Hodiamont Tracks neighborhood of North St. Louis, Johnson’s commitment to community empowerment has deep roots. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications, with a minor in Psychology and News, from Bradley University; a Master of Arts in Health Administration; and a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. She also completed the Women’s Executive Leadership Program at Washington University’s Olin Business School.

Before assuming leadership at SLATE, Johnson built more than two decades of experience across the legal, policy, and public service sectors, including roles in federal and local government. She served eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives and previously served as Assistant Treasurer for the City of St. Louis. Her career also includes work as an attorney, ethics counselor, and adjunct professor teaching Cyber Law and Policy, as well as senior legal and administrative positions that have given her a multidisciplinary perspective on workforce and community development.

Johnson’s career has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Civilian Medal of Honor from the United States Air Force, awards for outstanding legal service in ethics, and recognition from professional legal associations and her alma mater. At SLATE, she champions initiatives that expand access to career opportunities and respond to the evolving needs of St. Louis residents. These efforts include Prison to Prosperity, which creates employment pathways for justice-involved individuals; the development of new apprenticeship opportunities across the city; and workforce programs that connect residents affected by layoffs, natural disasters, and other economic disruptions with jobs, training, and supportive resources.

Beyond her professional roles, Johnson serves on community boards, including the Bayer YMCA Board of Directors and the Incarnate Word Academy Alumni Board. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

 Panelist — The Talent Pipeline: Start Earlier, Reach Further

Dr. Christopher Laney is the Vice President of Public Sector Impact and a Labor Economist at Lightcast, where he specializes in education, workforce development, economic mobility, and using labor market data to create a more equitable workforce within communities. Laney leads initiatives within Lightcast’s Public Sector division, working alongside national nonprofits and foundations to develop strategies for workforce transformation and systemic change. His efforts focus on preparing communities for the future of work and building pathways that promote greater social and economic equity.

Throughout his career at Lightcast, Laney has collaborated with state governments on the development of policies related to education and labor markets. He has also partnered with a variety of stakeholders on key projects related to legislative priorities, including credentials of value, emerging industries, sector analysis, and the economic impact of workforce and career and technical education (CTE) programs. His work has spanned several states, including Indiana, Michigan, Florida, Maryland, and Mississippi.

Before joining Lightcast, Laney was a workforce development practitioner in Florida, where he led the nation’s largest high school student exploration conference. He also developed legislative priorities for the local workforce board and brought together community stakeholders statewide to address education and workforce challenges. Laney’s research, including his dissertation on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and its impact on the economic mobility of disenfranchised young adults, has influenced both policy and practice. He also served as the lead researcher for the State of Students report in Florida from 2015 to 2020.

Drew Peck is a talent acquisition and staffing leader with more than 25 years of experience building high-performing recruiting teams, developing workforce strategies, and delivering talent solutions across manufacturing, engineering, information technology, and professional services industries.

Currently serving as Talent Acquisition Manager at True Manufacturing, Drew leads recruiting initiatives that support the company’s continued growth and workforce expansion. He brings a strategic, results-driven approach to talent acquisition, workforce development, employer branding, recruiting technology, and process improvement.

Panelist — Employer Perspectives: Workforce Challenges, Trends & Training Solutions

Alandon Pitts serves as Senior Manager of Workforce and Community Development at the Regional Business Council (RBC), where he leads and supports initiatives designed to strengthen workforce pipelines, expand career opportunities, and build meaningful partnerships between businesses, schools, community organizations, and public agencies throughout the St. Louis region.

In his role, Pitts focuses on connecting young people and job seekers to employment, internships, apprenticeships, career exploration, and industry-recognized training opportunities. His work includes coordinating regional workforce convenings, employer engagement, public safety and first responder career initiatives, construction workforce development, and community revitalization efforts.

Pitts also plays a leadership role in RBC’s Clean Up, Build Up initiative, bringing together businesses, contractors, community partners, and local government to address neighborhood blight while creating stronger pathways to economic opportunity.

Through his work at the Regional Business Council, Pitts is committed to developing collaborative solutions that help employers meet their workforce needs while creating sustainable career pathways and greater economic mobility for residents across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Moderating — The Talent Pipeline: Start Earlier, Reach Further

Jermal joined Family and Workforce Centers of America (FWCA) in August 2021 as Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, where he helped shape organizational strategy, guide legal affairs, and lead high-priority initiatives. Appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2026, he now provides executive leadership for more than 70 team members responsible for delivering six federal and state workforce programs at the Metropolitan Education and Training Center.

Prior to FWCA, Jermal served for more than two years as Chief Strategy Officer at Saint Louis Bank, leading enterprise strategy and operations across marketing, communications, talent management, brand development, client engagement, and retention.

In 2012, Jermal joined Wells Fargo Advisors (WFA) as a Practice Management Consultant, partnering with premier financial advisors to strengthen business infrastructure, refine client segmentation strategies, build high-performing teams, and enhance client development and retention.

Earlier in his career, Jermal spent nine years as a corporate attorney, advising clients ranging from startups to multigenerational closely held companies on legal, business, and transactional matters, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions.

Panelist — The Talent Pipeline: Start Earlier, Reach Further

Elsa Smith is the Director of Human Resources at Elemental Enzymes, an agbiotech company pioneering enzymes, peptides, proteins, and biochemistries to deliver innovative solutions for growers. Over the past ten years, Elsa has built and led the company’s Human Resources function, transforming from a foundational support role into a strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team while helping drive the organization’s growth and culture.

Throughout her tenure, Elsa has championed initiatives that strengthen employee development, engagement, and retention. She led the redesign of the company’s onboarding and performance management framework to create meaningful growth opportunities for employees, launched an engagement program that lifted survey participation to 90%, and introduced expanded benefits offerings. Under her leadership, Elemental Enzymes has grown headcount by more than 50% while maintaining a retention rate above 95%, and she now oversees HR operations across three countries.

Elsa holds a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from SIU Edwardsville. An active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), she remains passionate about building people-first strategies that support organizational growth, employee success, and a thriving workplace culture.

Panelist — Employer Perspectives: Workforce Challenges, Trends & Training Solutions

Brandon Williams is the leader of Boeing Defense, Space & Security Production Systems Training for Manufacturing and Quality. In this role, he and his team are responsible for foundational, advanced, certification, and upskilling training, helping create an ecosystem that supports employees at all skill levels across production.

Brandon joined Boeing in 2005 as a Procurement Agent in St. Louis, Missouri. Two years later, he transitioned into Human Resources as an HR Generalist, beginning a career in the HR function that spans more than 20 years. During his tenure, he has served as an HR Business Partner across Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Boeing Global Services, and Corporate. In 2025, Brandon moved into the Manufacturing organization to lead Production System Training.

Brandon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. He later completed both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Human Resource Management at Lindenwood University.

Brandon lives in Lake St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Jami, their son, Aiden, their daughter, Layla, and their golden retrievers, Chloe and Izzy. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, boating, watching his children’s sports, playing Texas Hold’em, and renovating homes

Panelist — Employer Perspectives: Workforce Challenges, Trends & Training Solutions

Dean Sean Armstrog of WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) implemented a higher education structure to help individuals achieve economic and social mobility and career advancement. In 2023, Dean Armstrong set a new vision and mission for the school with a strategic focus to empower modern learners – those balancing personal and professional responsibilities with their education goals. With over 25 years of educational experience in primary, secondary and post-secondary education and his own experience as a non-traditional student, Dean Armstrong created flexible pathways to higher education. The transformation of CAPS will ensure student success within the St. Louis Region’s diverse population, becoming a model for higher education institutions looking to democratize education in their own communities. 

Photo coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Alana Dowdy is Director of State and District Partnerships for Missouri and Kansas at College Board, where she works with schools, districts and state education agencies to expand access to Advanced Placement (AP) and career-connected learning. With 25 years in education, including 10 years as a principal and district leader in Missouri, she brings a practitioner’s perspective to her partnerships work. Her focus is connecting programs like AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity to real workforce pathways, helping more students move from the classroom to college and career. 

Shannon Grus serves as the Vice President of External Relations for State Tech. In this role, she leads Alumni Relations, Development, the State Tech Foundation, Career Services and the Osage View Country Club. Through these areas she is focused on providing great experiences and opportunities for students and creating strong industry relationships. Under her leadership, her division has grown fundraising by over 200%, industry employment partnerships by 100% and the Osage View Country Club has become a destination for food and entertainment experiences.

Prior to joining State Tech, Shannon served as the Executive Director for the East Central College Foundation.

Shannon also currently serves as the Mayor of Rosebud Missouri, a position she has held for 21 years. She has guided Rosebud through a 1.2 million dollar facilities upgrade along with helping to mold Rosebud into a weekend destination for shopping.

Shannon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Communication from Rockhurst University in Kansas City.

Makayla Hagenhoff is a workforce development professional and Program Manager with Hamilton-Ryker/TalentGro. She specializes in employer engagement and Registered Apprenticeship programs, with a growing focus on healthcare apprenticeships. Makayla has helped develop and launch more than 40 apprenticeship programs in Missouri and across the Midwest. She passionate about creating career pathways that meet the needs of both employers and the communities they serve.

Theresa Hall is the Midwest Regional Vice President at College Board, where she leads regional strategy and partnerships in support of student access and postsecondary readiness. With more than 30 years in education, she has focused her career on systems-level transformation, continuous improvement and human-centered design. Her work emphasizes aligning academic rigor and career relevance to expand opportunity for all students. 

Kari Hanks serves as the Director of Programs for rootEd Missouri, where she leads a statewide initiative dedicated to ensuring every rural student graduates with a clear plan for their future. With more than two decades of experience spanning K–12 and higher education, she works alongside school districts, state agencies, and workforce partners to strengthen college and career advising, expand student access to meaningful career exploration, and build pathways that prepare students for long-term success.

Ashley Harris has more than a decade of experience in social impact, employee engagement, and culture. She serves as Director of Culture & Community at World Wide Technology’s global headquarters in St. Louis, where she leads corporate social impact, corporate awards and recognition programs, employee experience initiatives, and WWT’s Great Place to Work efforts — fostering a strong internal culture and external community powered by employee volunteerism and philanthropic passions.

As a corporate philanthropist, Ashley leads WWT’s Global Community Impact program, which strengthens communities through education and career readiness, promotes physical and mental wellness, and addresses society’s most pressing needs through employee volunteerism, financial, and in-kind support.

As a champion of corporate culture, Ashley is dedicated to creating work environments of belonging that encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work. She strives to build exceptional workplaces that foster personal growth through community involvement and outreach, no matter an employee’s location or function.

Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Webster University. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega chapter, and the Regional Business Council’s Leadership 100, and she serves on the Board of Directors for the Little Bit Foundation.

Bryan has dedicated his professional career to the mission of providing educational and workforce development opportunities for individuals working with community colleges, technical centers/colleges, adult education, state government agencies, and employers across the nation on a multitude of innovative workforce development initiatives. He has invested the majority of his career in the areas of workforce development including skills-based career navigation programs, pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship training programs, adult education and fast track CTE job training in partnership with Workforce Development Boards and new Workforce Pell initiatives. He represented community colleges on the Missouri Certified Work Ready Community Leadership Team and is a passionate advocate of innovative workforce development initiatives that maximize the potential of people leading to a stronger and more productive workforce. Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri.

Nakischa Joseph is a Vice President, Community Manager for St. Louis, Missouri, at Chase. She is dedicated to delivering financial health education and nurturing relationships with key community leaders, nonprofit partners and small businesses. Nakischa organizes complimentary workshops, hosts community events and delivers tailored programming to all communities. 

With 20+ years of experience in financial services, non-profit management and health care management, Nakischa brings a wealth of experience to her role. Prior to becoming a Community Manager, she was Division Operating Officer and Regional Director of Volunteer Services with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, where she spearheaded strategic operations for $30M in assets across three sites and 10+ programs, including housing, workforce development and a 5,000-sq.-ft. food pantry serving over 150,000 families annually. She forged partnerships to increase organizational reach and impact through volunteerism and community outreach. Nakischa also worked as Community Mortgage Loan Officer where she closed mortgage loans for low-to-moderate income communities and launched financial literacy and homebuyer education workshops in partnership with local nonprofits before joining Chase.  

Nakischa is a member of the board of directors for Cornerstone Corporation CDC, and Immediate past President of the Urban League Guild of Metropolitan St. Louis and former Co-Chair of The St. Louis Regional Financial Empowerment Coalition and former board of directors member of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. 

Nakischa is a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award 2023 under former President Joe Biden, Urban League Salute to Women in Leadership, National Urban League Whitney M. Young Excellence in Leadership Award and Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Business Month Community Leader Award.   

Nakischa has a B.S. degree in biology from LeMoyne-Owen College and is a national recording artist who enjoys spending her free time singing, acting, modeling, traveling, volunteering, mentoring the young ladies in her Women’s Empowerment Organization G.A.B. – God’s Anointed Beauties, spending time with family and friends and lending her time, talent and treasure to her local, regional and national church.  

Marcie manages Workforce Development Programs for CoxHealth in Springfield, Missouri. With over 30 years of higher education and healthcare experience combined, she has specialized training and extensive experience in business operations; competency-based curriculum development and evaluation; employer-driven training programs; and executive leadership in non-profit settings.

In her current role, she is responsible for developing educational assistance and registered apprenticeship programs that are responsive to workforce demands, enhance talent pipelines, and support grant initiatives.

Melissa Lensing serves as Executive Director of the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce, where she works with business, healthcare, education, nonprofit, and government leaders to strengthen the Hermann area and prepare for future opportunities.

Since joining the Chamber in 2017, Melissa has focused on bringing people together around initiatives that support workforce development, housing, economic growth, tourism, and community development. She currently leads Rooted & Ready, a regional strategic initiative focused on ensuring the Hermann area remains a great place to live, work, and visit while preserving the heritage and character that make it unique.

Melissa also serves on the Board of Directors for Hermann Area District Hospital and has become increasingly involved in efforts that connect healthcare, workforce, housing, and community development. She believes strong healthcare systems are essential to strong communities and is passionate about helping rural communities identify practical solutions that improve quality of life and long-term sustainability.

Before joining the Chamber, Melissa spent more than two decades in human resources leadership roles and more recently employee and labor relations leadership roles with Lowe’s Companies and GKN Aerospace. Those experiences continue to shape her interest in workforce development, talent attraction, and building strong organizations.

Melissa enjoys working with community partners across the region to create opportunities that benefit current residents while helping position rural Missouri for future growth.

John represents management in all facets of labor and employment law throughout the country. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, he defends clients against employment discrimination claims brought under federal and state law. John is a knowledgeable attorney who represents employers before the NLRB on cases involving unfair labor practice charges, challenges to elections, and post-election conduct. John serves as lead negotiator for many organizations involved in the collective bargaining process. He also advises companies on employment contracts, restrictive covenants and many other employment-related matters confronting human resources professionals on a daily basis.

John serves as the Director-Elect for the Missouri Society of Human Resources Professionals (SHRM) and is a frequent guest speaker for SHRM and other HR organizations throughout the country. In his free time, John serves on the City of Chesterfield Planning & Zoning Commission, is a member of a local school board, volunteers for several non-profit boards and coaches youth baseball, football and basketball.

John is a graduate of the University of Missouri and St. Louis University School of Law with an emphasis in Labor and Employment law. Prior to joining McMahon Berger, a national employment and labor law firm, John represented corporations in cases involving insurance defense litigation. He has also served as an associate in-house counsel.

Photo coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Scott Peters serves as the Director of Career Services & Employer Engagement at the State Technical College of Missouri. In this role, Scott directs the college’s strategic career development initiatives, cultivating a robust network of hiring partners and leading campus recruitment events. He is dedicated to preparing students for professional success through targeted job-search training and career advising. By leveraging placement data and collaborating closely with faculty, Scott ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the needs of the regional workforce.

Robin Phillips has dedicated 22 years to strengthening Missouri’s early childhood systems through her work at Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO). Since becoming CEO in 2017, she has more than doubled the organization’s budget and staff capacity, and significantly diversified funding.

With deep knowledge of Missouri’s child care infrastructure and its challenges, Robin partners with state and local leaders to position early childhood education as a well-resourced, essential industry. She collaborates with national leaders to stay informed on federal policy and funding trends affecting Missouri families and providers.

Since April 2022, Robin has been advancing high-quality child care as a key driver of economic development and workforce participation across the state. Under her leadership, CCAMO launched Child Care Keeps Missouri Working℠ in 2024. Under this strategic priority, CCAMO has operationalized a statewide subsidy navigation call center, concierge referrals, and Child Care Works, powered by TOOTRiS, including a statewide child care cost share model and a local pilot in Kansas City supporting first responders. She was also successful in obtaining St. Louis County funding for Missouri’s first-ever WAGE$ program.

Robin holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University, a nonprofit management certificate from Duke University, and is a John Maxwell Certified Leader.

Travis Plume serves as Assistant Commissioner for the Office of College and Career Readiness at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education where he supervises the statewide implementation of Curriculum, Career and Technical Education, Literacy, Adult Education & Literacy, School Based Mental Health, and School Counseling & Student Wellness. For the past 27 years, Travis has served in a variety of leadership roles that include college admissions, science teacher, school counselor, and school administrator. He is a people-centered leader who believes in helping others reach their full potential in life. 

Dan Presson is the Assistant Vice President for Economic & Workforce Development at Southeast Missouri State University, where he leads initiatives that strengthen workforce development, economic growth, and community partnerships across the region. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, workforce development, and public service, he has played a key role in launching innovative programs, securing, and managing grant-funded projects, supporting business growth, and creating pathways that connect students, employers, and communities.

In addition to his university leadership role, Dan served as the Ward 1 representative and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Cape Girardeau until reaching his term limit in April 2026. During his service with the city, he advocated for workforce attraction, economic development, and community investment initiatives that strengthened the region’s growth and vitality. He holds a Master of Arts in Communication from Lindenwood University and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Southeast Missouri State University.

Kalynn Ramsey is the Director of EnCircle and CES at Woodhaven, where she leads a dynamic workforce development program designed to support individuals with disabilities through compassionate, person-centered services. With over 15 years of cross-sector experience in nonprofit leadership, education, and workforce development, Kalynn brings a servant leadership approach that blends empathy with a steadfast commitment to driving meaningful, measurable change.

Her career began at a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, where she spent a decade advocating for client dignity, advancing inclusive services, and driving organizational growth. Kalynn continued this mission-driven work at the Missouri Community College Association, where she expanded access to professional development and co-founded a diversity committee to champion equity in education and leadership.

In the private sector, Kalynn brought her workforce expertise to EquipmentShare, where she launched a highly sought-after apprenticeship program that bridged hands-on learning with career readiness in the skilled trades.

At every stage of her career, Kalynn has been guided by a belief in human potential and a passion for service. She is driven by the conviction that change—when rooted in purpose and delivered with compassion—can create lasting, transformative impact.

Dr. Rachelle Sharpe serves as the Chief of Staff for the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. Rachelle’s 36-year career spans student services (college access, admissions, and financial aid) on two- and four-year institutions; state-level policy development and program administration; and consulting supporting states in nearly every region of the country with research, program evaluation, and policy analysis. Some highlights of Rachelle’s career include development of an affordability framework, launching a statewide adult learner outreach program, advocating for the nation’s strongest need-based student aid program, and supporting a multi-state transfer initiative. She enjoys supporting department initiatives at MDHEWD such as revising the strategic plan and developing AI talent pipeline strategies.

With a background in Missouri state government, Courtney represents clients in labor and employment law and public policy matters.

Courtney divides her practice between employment law and government affairs. In the labor and employment arena, she works most often with allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, as well as wage and hour law. In addition to traditional

wage and hour cases and violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), she has also assisted with California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) litigation. Courtney has experience defending clients both in court and through arbitration and mediation, and she regularly provides proactive advice and counsel designed to help employers avoid or mitigate the risk of future litigation. The public policy portion of Courtney’s practice includes advice and representation of municipalities and local government, public officials, and candidates in matters of governmental affairs, campaign finance, and election law, as well as assistance for business clients in solving governmental issues. Earlier in her career, Courtney served as a staff member in the Missouri Senate, worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and she externed with Chief Justice Mary Rhodes Russell of the Supreme Court of Missouri and Judge Karen King Mitchell of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District. Her previous experience left her well-connected in Missouri state politics, and she understands the system from the inside.

Courtney loves advocating for clients within the government system—and using that system to effect change. Her behind-the-scenes knowledge makes her a particularly effective representative who can get matters resolved quickly and efficiently.

With an LL.M. in dispute resolution, Courtney excels at resolving matters outside of court but she’s never afraid to try a case when in the client’s best interest, and she has experience in both bench and jury trials on the state and federal levels. Known for her composure in the courtroom and the intentionality of her litigation strategies, Courtney endeavors to achieve the best results possible. Clients also appreciate the priority she places on communication, as well as her dedication to ensuring they understand both the process and the strategy.

Jasmine Yoder has spent the past 11 years working with Missouri Department of Corrections. She started her career at just 20 years old, working as a switchboard operator for the Division of Probation and Parole. Within the next 2 years, she was promoted to Executive Assistant to Deputy Director of Operations. While she loved that role, she found herself drawn to doing more. In 2019, she was promoted to a Probation and Parole Officer, supervising the Eastern Region Discharged Lifetime Sex Offender caseload. While working as a PPO, she had her son. Wanting to find something with a little less travel, she switched gears and took a role in the Office of the Director within Research, Planning and Process Improvement. For the next 3 years, she worked as a Planner I, Planner II and then as Grants Administrator. These roles provided her a lot of opportunities to learn about different sections of the department and about federal grants. In 2024, she took the opportunity to work in Reentry and Education as the Workforce Development Coordinator. She found herself in a unique position between reentry and education – giving her the opportunity to learn both sides. In 2026, she was promoted to her current role as Reentry Manager of Probation and Parole Services.