Momentum in Motion: Building Workforce Stability, One Conversation at a Time

If you know me, you know I’m a big fan of momentum. As CEO of United Way of Northern New York, I have the privilege of seeing how small moments can turn into something much bigger, and over the past several days, that’s exactly what’s been happening.

Last week, I had the opportunity to present on ALICE and workforce stability to the Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Development Board. We talked about the realities so many working individuals are navigating and what that means for employers across our region.

But more importantly, we talked about what we can do about it.

Those conversations led to a really exciting new partnership with Jefferson Community College. Our next Getting Ahead in the Workplace cohort will be hosted on campus, and I can’t help but smile thinking about what that means.  We’ll kick things off on April 28, and I’m genuinely excited to see what this next group becomes and the ripple effect it creates across our community.

Just a few days later, we were at the Workplace Forum, surrounded by employers who are navigating these challenges every day.  We had thoughtful conversation around retention and something else happened in that room, too.  People leaned in.  After the session, several attendees expressed interest in supporting the program, sharing it with their teams, exploring ways to get involved, continuing the conversation.  That’s how this work grows.

Momentum. Sometimes it takes time to build. It starts with a conversation… an idea… a willingness to look at things a little differently.  And then, before you know it, things start to move.  Connections are made. Partnerships form. Opportunities open up.  And suddenly, you’re off and running.

I am beyond grateful to be part of this work and to be surrounded by people who care deeply about our community. There is so much potential here.

If this resonates with you, whether as an employer, a community partner, or someone ready for a change, I’d love to connect. 🔗Learn more about Getting Ahead in the Workplace

Let’s build this thing together. 💙