In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we welcome Dr. Renee Coffman, President and Co-Founder of Roseman University of Health Sciences and a board member of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA). Dr. Coffman shares her inspiring journey, from growing up in a small farming town in Ohio to earning her pharmacy degree at Ohio Northern University and later completing her Ph.D. at Purdue University. Her early passion for teaching and healthcare eventually led her to co-found R...
Jun 24, 2025•35 min
In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, host Jaime sits down with the inspiring Dr. Camilla Dorand, born in São Paulo, Brazil. At just six years old, she moved to Nigeria due to her father's political arrest, lived with her uncle near Santos (home of soccer legends Pelé and Neymar), and returned to Brazil at age ten. She learned English at an American school in Nigeria before re-learning Portuguese in Brazil. Camilla began working at 14 and ultimately earned a law degree in 2000, a...
Jun 16, 2025•47 min
In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, Debra March joins the conversation to reflect on her dynamic career and ongoing contributions to Southern Nevada. Debra shares her unique path from growing up in Detroit and graduating from an all-girls Catholic high school to becoming Nevada’s first female park ranger, then working as a social worker, real estate regulator, and economic development leader. These diverse roles prepared her to serve as Mayor of Henderson, where she led transfo...
Jun 04, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 15
In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast , we welcome Victor Fuchs, President and CEO of Helix Electric and fellow trustee of the Vegas Chamber. Victor shares his powerful journey as an immigrant from Odessa, Ukraine. His family arrived in San Diego in 1978 with just $2,000, seeking freedom from antisemitism and a better life. Victor learned English through a paper route and tutoring, graduated from high school in San Diego, and went on to study pre-med at UC San Diego. After briefly...
May 27, 2025•28 min
In this special episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we sit down with Mayor Shelley Berkley, a proud Las Vegas native and lifelong public servant whose deep roots in the city continue to shape her leadership. She shares how her upbringing in Southern Nevada, her education at Valley High School and UNLV, and her early start in politics have fueled her passion for helping people and building a stronger community. Just months into her role, Mayor Berkley has already taken bold steps, resol...
May 09, 2025•41 min
In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, we are joined by Tom Power, President and CEO of Sunshine Minting, Inc., a global leader in the minting and precious metals industry. Tom shares his remarkable journey, beginning on the island of Newfoundland and growing up in Ontario, Canada, where he developed a strong work ethic working summer jobs in local factories. His career evolved from the food production industry to the world of precious metals, where he built over 36 years of exper...
Apr 28, 2025•46 min
In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, we’re joined by Mike Rhea, Chief Revenue Officer at Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS). Mike shares his journey from growing up in a military family and thriving in martial arts and football to eventually shifting into banking and breaking into tech sales without earning a college degree. Raised in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area and a former student at Virginia Tech, Mike's story is one of resilience, adaptabil...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min•Season 5Ep. 11
In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we sit down with Marcel Schaerer, Deputy Director for Southern Nevada at the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. Originally from Asunción, Paraguay, Marcel came to the U.S. as a high school exchange student in Reno before earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Nevada, Reno. His career began with civic education work in Los Angeles and transitioned into workforce training for farm workers and we...
Apr 08, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 10
In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we sit down with Tami Hance-Lehr, State Director and CEO of Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS)—a woman whose career journey embodies resilience, reinvention, and a deep commitment to the community. Tami shares her story, beginning in Ogden, Utah, before her family relocated to Las Vegas during her sophomore year of high school. A proud Clark High School alum and UNLV graduate, Tami entered the workforce early, balancing school and work wi...
Mar 31, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we’re joined by Amanda Signorelli, a Las Vegas native and co-owner of Golden Steer Steakhouse. Amanda shares her journey from attending The Meadows School to studying international business and marketing at Washington University in St. Louis, with minors in French and Arabic. Her early career included global consulting with McKinsey & Company and leading roles in the startup world—until a call from her father brought her back to Las Vegas...
Mar 25, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode, Ashley Espinoza, Executive Director of Lane Workforce Partnership in Eugene, Oregon. Ashley shares her unique career journey, highlighting how she overcame challenges after dropping out of high school to become a first-generation leader in workforce development. Growing up in a small, predominantly white town in Oregon as a first-generation Latina, she navigated challenges that shaped her deep understanding of workforce needs. Without a college degree, she gained valuable experi...
Mar 17, 2025•46 min
In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we dive into one of Southern Nevada’s most pressing challenges—supporting the 45,000 young adults aged 16-24 who are currently disconnected from school and employment. Our conversation brings together leading voices in workforce development: Robert Sainz (New Ways to Work), Yali Lincroft (Walter S. Johnson Foundation), and David Charron (JobsFirstNYC). These experts discuss how leadership, strategic investments, and collaboration transform wo...
Mar 04, 2025•51 min
In this episode, Chad Hirschi, President & CEO, and Crystal Hirschi, Executive VP of Hirschi Companies, join the show to share their journeys. Crystal grew up between Marie and Farmington, Utah, and despite early challenges that delayed her college experience, she later reignited her passion for learning by taking online finance courses. Chad, a lifelong Las Vegas native and Cimarron High School alum began his career working alongside his father in construction. He eventually rose from skill...
Feb 25, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this episode, Brian Kleven, Nevada Market Chief Financial Officer for Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican Hospitals and a board member of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), joins the show. Brian shares his journey from growing up in Van Nuys, California, to becoming a financial leader in Southern Nevada's healthcare sector. Raised in the Northridge area, he earned his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from California State University, Northridge. His car...
Feb 11, 2025•28 min
In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, host Jaime Cruz welcomes Leslie Mujica, Executive Director and Chief Marketing Officer for the Southern Nevada International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Labor Management Cooperation Committee (LMCC), also known as Las Vegas Power Professionals. Leslie shares her inspiring journey, from being born in Guatemala City and immigrating to the U.S. as a child to attending Hollyw...
Feb 04, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode, Dr. Rex Liu, owner of Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and a Vegas Chamber Trustee, shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful dentist, landlord, and community advocate. Dr. Liu grew up in New York, Maryland, Texas, and Las Vegas, where he settled in fifth grade. Raised by Chinese immigrant parents, his early years taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. Dr. Liu attended the University of Southern California (USC) for...
Jan 28, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In this episode, Workforce Connections welcomes Greg Stechert, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Pacific Utility Installation. Greg shares his journey, starting with his birth in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, where he was born in a bathtub! At age five, he moved to Las Vegas and attended local schools, including Bonanza High School. Greg’s career began with humble beginnings, from selling newspapers in sixth grade to working tough construction jobs like shoveling concrete and learnin...
Dec 17, 2024•45 min
In this episode, Michael Bonner, Managing Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig's Las Vegas office, shares his journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a respected leader in corporate law. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Michael attended Western High School. His educational journey began at the historic Fifth Street School, and after graduating from high school, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Michael then attended the University of California...
Dec 03, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 39
In this episode, Joyce Smith, Senior Vice President in Commercial Banking at MidFirst Bank and Vegas Chamber Board Trustee, shares her journey from growing up in Ely, Nevada, to building a successful banking career. After attending Great Basin College, Joyce started as a bank teller and worked her way up through various leadership roles at multiple banks. She developed a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to her community along the way. Joyce believes financial success comes from living wit...
Nov 26, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 38
In this episode, Jeremy Aguero, a principal analyst at Applied Analysis and a trustee with the Vegas Chamber, joins us. Born and raised in Southern Nevada, Jeremy has been a key figure in shaping the region’s future. He earned his degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and has a career specializing in economic analysis, policy, and community development. Through his work at Applied Analysis and as a trustee with the Vegas Chamber, Jeremy plays an active role in helping the commun...
Nov 19, 2024•56 min
In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, special guest host Ricardo Villalobos talks with Grant McCandless, the President & CEO of Social Impact Consultants. Grant’s journey from Texas A&M graduate to research and consulting specialist showcases his dedication to service and community impact. With early career experience at Price Waterhouse in Germany and later as a director at RCG Economics, Grant developed his skills in economic research. His current work in Nevada focuses...
Oct 29, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 36
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. René Cantú, who shares his inspiring journey from his birthplace in California to becoming a dedicated advocate for youth success in Nevada. After facing challenges in high school, including being told to drop out, he discovered his calling in education. Dr. Cantú began his career as a teacher, focusing on empowering students from diverse backgrounds. He later took on leadership roles in various educational initiatives and ultimately joined JAG (Jobs for Ame...
Oct 21, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 35
In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Michelle Jackson, President and CEO of Junior Achievement (JA) of Southern Nevada, shares her inspiring journey and the transformative work she leads through JA programs. From moving around the U.S. during her early years to her current leadership role, Michelle reflects on her background in nonprofits and passion for youth development. She explains how JA’s mission centers on equipping young people with skills in financial literacy, workforc...
Oct 08, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 34
In this episode, we sit down with Terry Shirey, President, and CEO of Nevada State Bank, to explore his professional journey, community involvement, and insights on leadership. Terry shares his experience in the banking industry, emphasizing the importance of finding a skill set that’s in demand, embracing hard work, and being comfortable with discomfort as a means of growth. He also discusses how entry-level roles at Nevada State Bank, such as tellers, have become stepping stones for many leade...
Oct 07, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 33
In this episode, Tony Sanchez, Executive Vice President of Business Development and External Relations at NV Energy and a Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) board member, joins us to discuss Nevada's dynamic growth, the importance of sustainability, and his journey in community involvement. A native Nevadan, Tony and his wife were the first in their family to attend college. They are dedicated to ensuring their children and others have the same higher education and vocational training op...
Oct 01, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 32
In this episode of the WC podcast, Larry Singer, the Senior Managing Director at Newmark and member of the Vegas Chamber Board of Trustees, shares his remarkable journey from the Bronx to the bustling Las Vegas commercial real estate scene. He reflects on how his early experiences in his father’s business instilled a strong work ethic that has guided him throughout his career. After moving to Las Vegas during a recession, Larry quickly recognized the city’s untapped potential for growth and oppo...
Sep 23, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 31
In this episode of the WC Podcast, Nicole Tanguay, CEO of RVIV Wellness, shares her incredible journey from incarceration to becoming a successful therapist and advocate for holistic health. Nicole faced significant struggles and hardships growing up, including financial difficulties and a turbulent home life. Her life took a significant turn after a car accident led to her time in prison. While there, she completed degrees in sociology and a master’s program at UNLV with support from Hope for P...
Sep 17, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 30
In this episode, Maria Jose Gatti, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Engagement - MGM Resorts International, shares her remarkable journey from Ecuador to Las Vegas. Moving to the U.S. at 14, Maria graduated from Clark High School and began her career as an executive assistant at the Culinary Training Academy, where she gained invaluable insight into the hospitality industry. With a finance degree, Maria realized that while she enjoyed working with numbers, her true passion was work...
Sep 09, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 29
In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Michael Crome, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Las Vegas Raiders, shares his inspiring journey from his modest upbringing in Columbus, Ohio, to his current role with one of the NFL's most iconic teams. Growing up in a single-parent household, Michael discusses the challenges he faced and how a chance encounter with a mentor in high school sparked his interest in accounting, ultimately shaping his career path. He detai...
Sep 03, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 28
This episode welcomes Chris Wilcox, partner and Las Vegas market leader at Eide Bailly LLP. Chris shares his inspiring journey from his education in Utah during the 1980s recession to his success in the Las Vegas accounting industry. Despite challenges in finding work, his persistence led him to a thriving career. Chris discusses his passion for accounting, emphasizing the vast opportunities an accounting degree can offer, from public accounting to government roles. He also delves into his role ...
Aug 26, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 27
