Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum

Addressing Human Disparities Across Our State 

From urban Baltimore to suburban Prince George’s County to the rural Eastern Shore, many neighborhoods and communities are falling behind in health, education, and standard of living, compared to wealthier areas of the state. Although the causes for disparities are different, the outcomes appear very similar. 

Understanding these human disparities is important. Not only does it help to uncover inequalities and how they manifest over time, it makes economic sense. This knowledge can lead to a better understanding of how policies can make a difference on individual prosperity and community wellbeing across Maryland. 

The 2019 Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum looked at human disparities across our state, what these disparities mean for residents, and discussed solutions to work towards more equitable communities.

View photos from the 2019 Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum

Welcome remarks were given by

Dr. Daraius Irani, Vice President, Towson University

Dr. Kim Schatzel, President, Towson University

Presentation on statewide human disparities index

Measuring Disparities in Human Development Across Maryland by Michael Siers, director of research, Regional Economic Studies Institute

Panel discussion featuring leaders who are addressing disparities to improve lives

• Moderator: Dr. Daraius Irani, vice president, Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research
• Dr. Elyshia Aseltine, associate professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice
• Lynne Kahn, founder, Baltimore Hunger Project
• Dr. Terris King, chair, Board of Directors, Family League of Baltimore
• Martin Schwartz, president, Vehicles for Change

Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter to Maryland's Workforce

An inclusive workplace allows organizations to be more creative, competitive, and innovative. But hiring diverse populations is just the first step. Diversity and inclusion also involves community engagement, purchasing, and addressing issues of implicit bias. This event provides opportunity to:

• Understand how businesses and organizations are creating pipelines into the workforce for diverse populations
• Learn about the impactful work being done to increase diversity and inclusion in the workforce
• Gain ideas to replicate what's working into your organization
• Build new relationships that guide our region toward greater economic prosperity for all Marylanders

View photos from the 2018 Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum

Welcome remarks were given by

Kim Schatzel, PhD, President, Towson University

Daraius Irani, PhD, Vice President, Towson University

Workforce Outlook Presentation with Q&A

Employment and Racial Disparities in Maryland’s Workforce Pipeline
Mike Siers, Senior Research Manager, Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI), Towson University

What's Working and Why: The Lightning Presentations

Each of these initiatives demonstrate innovative and authentic work being done throughout Greater Baltimore to create a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

Building an Inclusive Organization in Five Steps
Leah Cox, PhD, Vice President for Inclusion and Institutional Equity, Towson University

Exceeding Diversity Goals to Make Greater Impacts
Calvin G. Butler Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)

Addressing the Workforce Shortage of Women in Computer Science
Heather Lageman, Program Manager, Council of Educational Administrative and Supervisory Organizations of Maryland (CEASOM) Code.org Regional Partner Program

Jumpstarting Careers in the Construction Industry
Willy Moore, President, Southway Builders

Taking a Chance on Moms
Tammira Lucas, Co-Founder, Moms as Entrepreneurs

Creating Economic Inclusion via Purchasing and Hiring Goals
Kylie Patterson, Senior Advisor for Local Economic Inclusion, The Johns Hopkins University

Opening Up Barriers to Wealth for Frontline Workers of Color
Clair Watson-Minson, Workforce Strategist, Associated Black Charities

What's Working and Why: The Town Hall

An opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of their work and how it might be replicated in your organization.

Networking Reception

Catering and service provided by students of Woodland Job Corps Center.

View photos from the 2017 Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum

Welcome remarks were given by

Kim Schatzel, President, Towson University

Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Louis Dubin, Chair, Governor's Workforce Development Board

Business and Anchor Institution Partnerships to Aid Workforce Development

What does real policy change take and look like? This panel highlights new initiatives and strategies that businesses and higher education institutions are taking to bolster local school capacity, grow student achievement, and prepare individuals for careers.

Moderator: Kurt Sommer, Director, Baltimore Integration Partnership

Panelists:

Karen DeCamp, Director, Neighborhood Programs, Strong City Baltimore

Cathy Morgan, Regional Director-Baltimore, NPower

Sally Scott Marietta, Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs Program Manager, IBM

Defining Opportunity Youth and the Economic Conditions and Workforce Impacts of Opportunity Youth

Approximately 16,000 individuals (16 to 24) who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market call Baltimore home. How do we create real pathways in education and in the workforce for these opportunity youth? What does a typical path look like? What are businesses doing to support and hire opportunity youth?

Panelists will define opportunity youth, provide workforce impact analysis, and discuss initiatives and programs that are working in Greater Baltimore and beyond.

Workforce Outlook Presentation
Julie Knight, Managing Director, Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI), Towson University

Panel Discussion

Jason Perkins-Cohen, Director, Mayor's Office of Employment Development

Rae Gallagher, Deputy Director, The Choice Program, The Shriver Center, UMBC

Chris MacLarion, Director, Apprenticeship and Training, Maryland Division of Labor, Licensing & Regulation

Ed Roberts, Cybersecurity Coordinator – Outreach & Recruitment, Community College of Baltimore County – Cybersecurity Institute

Tiya Townes, program completer, Woodstock Job Corps Center

A Look at Neuro-Diversity and the Economic Conditions and Workforce Impacts of Neuro-Diversity

58% of young adults on the autism spectrum are unemployed. Yet, many have skills businesses are looking for and are implementing programs to train and hire neuro-diverse individuals. How do these programs start? How can businesses sustain and support these workforce programs?

Panelists will define neuro-diversity, provide workforce impact analysis, and highlight business owners who are successfully integrating neuro-diverse individuals into their workplaces.

Workforce Outlook Presentation
Mike Siers, Senior Research Manager, Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI), Towson University

Introductory Remarks
Carol Beatty, Secretary, Maryland Department of Disabilities

Panel Discussion

Jeff Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mosaic Community Services

Sarah Dwyer, Owner, Chouquette

Pamela Butler, Disability Employment Strategist and Wounded Warrior Internship Programs Manager, National Security Agency

Lee Armstrong, Autism Services Supervisor, Maryland State Department of Education Department of Rehabilitation Services

Audra Jones, Vice President, T. Rowe Price

View photos from the 2016 Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum

Welcome Remarks were given by

Kim Schatzel, President, Towson University

Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Francis "Hall" Chaney III, Chair, Governor's Workforce Investment Board

Workforce Outlook

Dr. Daraius Irani, Chief Economist, Regional Economic Studies Institute
Dr. Irani goes beyond the typical employment forecast to highlight the top 10 occupations and job sectors that are predicted to grow in Maryland.
View Dr. Irani's Presentation Slides

Lightning Presentations were given by

Innovators from diverse sectors around our region highlight successful methods and partnerships that address workforce, business, and educational challenges facing them.

Will Holman, General Manager, Open WorksOpening this fall, this incubator will bring affordable state-of-the-art technology, facilities, and training to support Baltimore's creative economy.
View Will's Presentation Slides

Jason Stambaugh, CEO, LaunchGen
A new platform that fosters entrepreneurship and business development in high school students through a turn-key student business competition program.
View Jason's Presentation Slides

Homer Minnick, Director, Cyber Security Academy at UMBC Training Centers
A partnership with colleges and community colleges that provides highly focused skills training to address the cyber workforce needs of the Government and the commercial sector.
View Homer's Presentation Slides

Laura Spada, Executive Director, Baltimore Alliance for Careers in Healthcare
A nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the critical shortage of qualified healthcare workers in Baltimore by creating opportunities for residents to pursue careers in health professions through career ladders, education, and coaching.
View Laura's Presentation Slides

Jan Houbolt, co-chair of the Board of Directors, Thread
Thread engages underperforming high school students confronting significant barriers outside of the classroom by providing each one with a family of committed volunteers and increased access to community resources.
View Jan's Presentation Slides

Dr. Melissa Page, National Security Agency (NSA)
A briefing will be provide on the NSA’s Training with Industry Program
View Melissa's Presentation Slides

Facilitated Discussion Groups

These groups identify opportunities to scale up successful programs, identify cross-sector collaborations, and identify the needs associated with specific GWIB Taskforce Groups of cyber security/information technology, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and health care.