Partner Perspectives
Rachel Ludwig
Vice President of Talent Development for Future of Work,
Florida Chamber Foundation
What is the mission and purpose of the Future of Work initiative?
The Future of Work Florida initiative aims to create the nation’s #1 workforce by uniting the business community, workforce, and education partners to improve Florida’s talent pipeline. By fostering collaboration between employers, educators, and community leaders, we strive to create a robust talent pipeline that meets the needs of our dynamic economy. Our goal is to empower individuals with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the future of work, ensuring Florida remains competitive and prosperous.
What future-of-work trends are you seeing that are or will be important for students as they think about career opportunities?
Several key future-of-work trends are shaping career opportunities for students. First, the rise of digital transformation means that technological proficiency, particularly in areas such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, is increasingly crucial. Next, remote and hybrid work are becoming more prevalent, offering greater flexibility but also requiring strong self-management and adaptability skills. Lastly, there’s a growing emphasis on lifelong learning and continuous upskilling to stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market.
What skills are Florida employers most looking for in today’s jobseekers?
Florida employers are seeking a blend of technical and soft skills in today’s jobseekers. On the technical side, proficiency in digital literacy, data analysis, technology, and specialized skills relevant to high-demand industries such as healthcare, engineering, and IT are highly valued. On the soft skills front, employers are looking for strong communication, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and teamwork.
Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to manage and lead projects effectively. Emotional intelligence and transferrable customer service skills also remain important as companies strive to enhance their client and employee relationships.
With regard to industries in need of talent, what should Florida students keep in mind as they make decisions about postsecondary education options?
Florida’s economy continues to thrive, providing incredible opportunities for our future talent. Students need to understand which industries offer high-demand careers and career pathways to align their talents and interests with promising career opportunities.
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s “Top 30 in 2030” High-Demand Careers indicate continued growth in healthcare, STEM, construction/trades, business/professional services, education, aviation, advanced manufacturing, and more. Students should explore programs that offer practical, hands-on experience and opportunities for internships or apprenticeships, which can provide a direct pathway into these high-demand careers. Furthermore, they should consider industries that offer strong growth potential and job security, and seek out education options that emphasize the development of both technical skills and soft skills. Understanding the needs of the local job market and aligning their education with these demands will position students for long-term success.
Rachel serves as Vice President, Talent Development for the Future of Work at the Florida Chamber Foundation. In this role, Rachel leads the Florida Chamber Foundation’s initiatives to improve Florida’s talent pipeline, which is a key component of Florida’s 2030 Blueprint in our pursuit to become the 10th largest global economy by 2030. The Future of Work Florida initiative focuses on cultivating partnerships among the business community, workforce, and education partners to develop talent pipeline strategies for early learning through lifelong learning.
Before transitioning to the Florida Chamber, Rachel was the statewide Director of Professional Development at the Florida Department of Education Division of Career and Adult Education. At FDOE, Rachel collaborated with educational leaders and key stakeholders to increase her knowledge of various industry and workforce needs throughout Florida. She led expansion efforts of integrated education and training (IET) programs, which accelerate the ability of adult learners to enter the workforce. Rachel has worked in K-12, post-secondary, and workforce education to serve learners across urban, suburban, and rural spaces. She spent much of her career teaching adult GED and English language learners.
Rachel enjoys watching and playing sports with her husband and 8-year-old son. Her claim to fame is her first position after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, where she worked in a public relations role as a “Hotdogger” and drove the famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile across the US.
Learn More about
The Able Trust
Youth Programs
High School High Tech (HSHT) provides high school students with all types of disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or postsecondary education leading to in-demand careers. HSHT links youth to a broad range of academic, career development and experiential resources and experiences that will enable them to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.
Futures in Focus is intended to support students from grades 9 to 12 (aged 14-22) who have a disability documented by an IEP or 504 Plan.
- Improve participation in education and vocational-related activities leading to increased employment opportunities for middle/high school students with disabilities.
- Connect students to resources that assist them with education and employment pursuits, such as Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
- Increase enrollment in postsecondary education/training.
Additional Partner Perspectives
Tina Pepin and Jeff Skowronek, MST, Ph.D.
Executive Director, The Pepin Family Foundation / Executive Director, Pepin Academies
Tina Pepin is the Executive Director of The Pepin Family Foundation. Her areas of responsibility include managing operational activities, community outreach, and maintaining her family’s legacy of philanthropy. She currently is an active member of AdventHealth Tampa board, Tampa’s Cultural Asset Commissions board, Mental Health Advisory Committee and The Pepin Academies.
Tina’s most recent passion project includes locating best practices and focusing resources on mental health and resiliency programs for first responders and professionals on the front line. Tina is a graduate of Belmont University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration who plans to use her acquired knowledge and skills to take her families legacy to new heights. As a third-generation Tampa Bay Area Philanthropist, she is actively listening to her community’s most vulnerable and in-need populations to see where her time and resources are best allocated.
Jeff Skowronek is the Executive Director of Pepin Academies, which are independent, public charter schools in Hillsborough and Pasco County, serving students with learning and learning-related disabilities. Prior to taking on this role, he was a tenured Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Tampa for 13 years.
Jeff has served his community in numerous ways for many years. Prior to his current role as Executive Director, he served both Pepin Academies schools and the Pepin Academies Foundation as chair of both boards. Currently, he serves on the Education Committee for the Patel Conservatory/Straz Center for Performing Arts, the Board of Directors for Glazer Children’s Museum. Jeff received his Ph.D. Developmental Psychology in 2005 from the University of New Hampshire. As both a Developmental Psychologist and Executive Director, he believes all children should be afforded certain rights, to food, shelter, emotional support, and the best education possible to learn in ways that maximize their true potentials.
Click the button below for the Partner Perspective and Tina and Jeff’s Q and A.
Michelle Dennard
Vice President and Regional Executive
Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Michelle Dennard is vice president and regional executive of the Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. She is responsible for the Branch’s Board of Directors and the District’s Advisory Council on Transportation and Logistics and provides regional input into the Atlanta Fed’s monetary policy process.
Ms. Dennard joined the Jacksonville Branch on July 31, 2023. Prior to joining the Fed, she most recently served as president and CEO of CareerSource Florida Inc., the nonprofit, public private policy and investment board of business and government leaders charged with guiding workforce development for the state of Florida.
An attorney and member of the Florida Bar, Ms. Dennard has more than 16 years of experience in workforce and economic development. She has also served as the Director for the Division of Strategic Business Development at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (now Florida and Deputy Director of the Florida Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic development, providing legal counsel and managing government affairs.
She is a member of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class 39, 2019 recipient of Development Counsellors International’s prestigious 40 Under 40 Award in economic development, and the Florida Economic Development Council’s 2019 Toni Jennings Workforce Professional of the Year. She is a graduate of the Florida State University College of Business and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Florida State University College of Law.
Click the button below for the Partner Perspective and Michelle’s Q and A.
Braulio Colón, Executive Director, Florida College Access Network
Braulio Colón is an experienced non-profit executive and education system-change strategist. His over 20 years of leadership experience has focused on Florida programmatic and policy development at the state agency, university, community-based, and philanthropic levels. Braulio is co-founder and Executive Director at Florida College Access Network, an independent statewide organization hosted by University of South Florida that engages communities to improve college access and success for all students.
Previously Braulio served as vice president, Florida Student Success Initiatives at Helios Education Foundation. While at Helios, Colón managed a $70 million grant portfolio and led in the development of more than $50 million in board-approved community investments supporting various initiatives and projects in Florida and Arizona. Braulio serves on the governing boards of the Florida Policy Institute, National College Attainment Network, Elevation Scholars, and USF Alumni Association. He also serves in an advisory capacity as member of the LEAP Tampa Bay Leadership Council, UCF Center for Community Schools, and Knack Technologies, Inc.
Braulio is a two-time graduate from University of South Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies, before earning a Master of Arts in Public Administration. More recently, he earned a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University.
Click the button below for the Partner Perspective and Colón Q and A.
Adrienne Johnston, President & CEO, CareerSource Florida
Adrienne Johnston was appointed as President and CEO of CareerSource Florida in February 2023. CareerSource Florida is driven by a business-led Board of Directors appointed by the Governor, to guide workforce development policy and services. Johnston leads efforts to ensure the CareerSource Florida network anticipates and responds to the needs of businesses and job seekers throughout Florida.
To date, her achievements in this role include increased collaboration within the state workforce system and implementation of REACH Act priorities, such as the Credentials Review Committee, Master Credentials List, and Florida Workforce System Transformation Plan. With extensive experience in workforce services and applied research, Johnston takes a strategic approach to helping Florida become the global leader for talent. Her most recent leadership positions include serving as deputy secretary of Workforce Services and chief economist for FloridaCommerce. She holds a master’s degree in economics from Florida State University.
Click the button below for the Partner Perspective and Johnston’s Q and A.
Dennis Hartin, Benefits and Risk Advisor HUB International
Dennis started his insurance career in 1994 and was quickly moved up the ranks with a national carrier, serving at every level. Born in KY and relocating to Tampa in 2014 with his wife and two boys he managed a sales team of 700+ and asset base of over $100 Million.
He founded Hartin Dynamics in Jan if 2018 doing anything necessary to help his clients attract and retain the best talent. He exited to HUB international in Oct 2022 to join the 5th largest brokerage firm in the world covering all risk, compliance and benefits needs. He has recently been written up in Benefits Pro Magazine along with multiple national speaking engagements based on his unique approach to benefits and employee engagement. He is one of the few transparent advisors helping duplicate proven solutions to lower costs and improve care. He is a contributor to a Amazon bestseller for sales and marketing called “Winning Sales Attitudes” and his latest book “25 Changemakers in Florida” launched in March 2021. Dennis is the Co-founder of the Emotional Vaccines® program working to educate and create a public health policy around prevention in the growing mental health crisis.
Dennis has a unique passion for helping others and serves in multiple board roles for Neuro Shifts, Keystone Prep High School, HR Tampa, Tampa Bay NABIP, Secured Finance, Empowered HR and The National Center for Performance Health addressing the growing mental health concerns in America.
Click the button below for the Partner Perspective with Dennis.
Mary Chance, President/CEO, Florida Consortium of Education Foundations
Mary Chance has served as president of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations since 2008 after serving as the executive director of the Alachua County education foundation for ten years, diversifying the scope of work for that foundation significantly and increasing annual revenue from $100,000 to $1.2 million.
The President is the senior-most position in the Consortium and reports directly to the board of directors. Primary responsibilities include supervising board development, public affairs, partnership and resource development, program and administrative activities, and overseeing compliance with all local and state regulations regarding the organization.
Click the button below to learn about trends in postsecondary education and opportunities for students. Mary also describes some of the challenges facing students in Florida and how education foundations are helping resolve these problems.