Telling Stories with Data: The Right Story, for the Right Audience, at the Right Time

We’ve all heard the saying, “Data is only as powerful as the story it tells.” Easy to say—trickier to do, especially when every audience cares about a different story.

In this hands‑on session, we’ll work through real workforce development scenarios to practice matching the right data to the right audience, message, and purpose. No jargon, no over‑complication—just a practical, accessible framework that helps you:

1.     Ask smarter questions that lead you to the right data (using publicly available federal and state sources)
2.     Break down the numbers so you understand what they actually mean
3.     Transform data into targeted, compelling narratives that resonate with specific audiences

You’ll leave feeling confident, clear, and ready to turn data into stories that truly land.

Presented by: Amy A Brombos, EdD, Data Dissemination Specialist, Customer Liaison & Marketing Services Office/Data Dissemination & Training Branch at the U.S. Census Bureau

Employer Engagement & Industry Partnerships

Successful workforce development depends on strong collaboration with employers to ensure programs meet real labor market needs and anticipate future trends. Employers are not just end-users of talent but critical partners in shaping training, identifying skill gaps, and creating opportunities for jobseekers to enter and advance in high-demand fields. Yet building and sustaining these partnerships requires intentional strategies, trust, and alignment between workforce organizations and industry leaders.

This panel will showcase innovative approaches to employer engagement, from sector-based strategies to collaborative curriculum design, that ensure training programs remain relevant and responsive. Panelists will also explore how registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning models create strong pipelines into in-demand careers, benefiting both employers seeking skilled workers and jobseekers seeking sustainable employment.

 Topics will include:

• Innovative approaches to employer engagement and partnership building
• Aligning workforce training with real-time industry demand
• Expanding registered apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities
• Strengthening long-term workforce pipelines for high-demand sectors

Panelist - Coming Soon!