SkillUp America

To learn more about the SkillUpAmerca Summit, visit: https://www.skillupamerica.org/

To learn more about the SkillUpAmerca Summit, visit: https://www.skillupamerica.org/

In this episode, John Benson, Director of Operations for the South Dallas Employment Project, shares the story behind his journey from government contracting to leading one of Texas's most impactful workforce initiatives. He discusses the importance of wraparound services—such as ID recovery, transportation, and housing—in helping individuals overcome employment barriers, particularly those who are justice-impacted. John also highlights the project's collaboration with partners like TXU and the Texas Workforce Commission, and how tools like Metrix Learning are supporting skill development. Listeners will hear how a holistic, community-centered approach is helping people not only find jobs but build sustainable futures.   Meet our guest John Benson! https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-benson-66051413b/ Learn about Redemption Bridge https://www.redemptionbridge.org/ and it's CEO and Founder Wes Jurey https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-jurey-89a22922b/ Learn more about the South Dallas Employment Project https://www.southdallasemploymentproject.org/

In this episode of SkillUp America, we sit down with Therese Daly, President and CEO of United Way of New York State and 2-1-1 New York, for a powerful conversation about advocacy, equity, and workforce resilience. Therese shares her unexpected leadership journey, the lessons she learned stepping into critical roles during times of crisis, and how data can drive smarter, more human-centered policy decisions. From supporting aging workers to improving childcare access, Therese offers insight into what it really takes to build systems that serve people first. Links: Learn more about our guest Therese Daly: https://uwnys.org/about-therese/  and   https://www.linkedin.com/in/therese-daly-2553051a6/ Find out more about the United Way of New York State and 211 New York: https://uwnys.org/ Get familiar with ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and read the 2025 ALICE NY Report: https://uwnys.org/alice/ Check out NYATEP's advocacy work: https://www.nyatep.org/NYATEP_Advocacy Download national workforce development advocacy resources to use when advocating: National Association of Workforce Development Professionals https://www.nawdp.org/page/AdvocacyToolkit National Association of Workforce Boards https://www.nawb.org/advocacy-policy/advocacy-tools/ Read about the importance of skills training from the National Skills Coalition:  https://nationalskillscoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/NSC_EmpiricalCaseforSkills_May2025.pdf Learn about New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/andrea-stewart-cousins/about 

Tune in as Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, interviews Denise Bourdeaux, Director of Career Services at the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation (AAWDC) in Maryland. Denise shares her journey from teaching to workforce development, discussing the challenges of dealing with parents as an educator and her transition to helping service members enter the civilian workforce. The conversation delves into the biases employers may have towards veterans, the importance of soft skills, and the role of AAWDC in connecting job seekers with employment opportunities. 

In this episode of the SkillUp America podcast, Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, interviews Sam Caucci, founder and CEO of 1Huddle, a company that helps organizations onboard and upskill workers through game-based learning on mobile devices. They discuss how 1Huddle landed in Newark, NJ, and became part of a growing tech hub there. Sam  explains how mobile technology still has room for advancement in the enterprise environment, and advocates for more investment in frontline workers for recruitment and skills development purposes.

Tune in as Mike Fazio, Skillup America host and Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, is joined by Doug Foresta, Director of Podcast Services, and Jerry Mattiace, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, to discuss Workforce180's recent acquisition by Certus, which also owns Metrix Learning. Mike and Jerry discuss how their experience in the telecom industry helped them build a successful organization serving the needs of workforce professionals. Discover insights about the future of workforce training and how leveraging the Workforce180 and Metrix Learning brands will allow customers to take advantage of an end-to-end training solution that serves everyone from front-line workforce staff to the entire community. 

This episode features a conversation with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) expert Jeri Perkins as she talks about the importance of DEI efforts for organizations. Jeri talks about how organizations can keep a focus on DEI year-round and how to move beyond "check the box" inclusion. Discover how to create a work environment where all employees feel valued.

Paul Grzella, Director of The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board in New Jersey, joins the program to discuss the success that his organization is having using the Metrix Learning platform and how the platform allows them to serve a wide range of customers. Paul reveals how the data gathered by the platform helps when communicating with employers. Discover some of the most in-demand skills that employers are looking for, and the importance of helping customers cultivate soft skills. 

This episode features a conversation with author and coach Judy Balloff as she talks about the importance of mindset when looking for a new career. Judy shares her own experiences of reinventing herself after mid-life, and why she strongly believes in lifelong learning and skill-building. Discover how to cultivate a positive mindset no matter what the situation. 

This episode features an interview with Alicia Morgan, as she discusses her career journey, and how she had to pivot in her career after the COVID-19 pandemic. Alicia discusses how she utilized the Metrix Learning platform, along with support from her local workforce system, to obtain valuable certifications. Alicia also reveals what she most enjoyed about the Metrix Learning platform and shares thoughts about the importance of professional development.

In this episode, you'll hear about how the Lower Eastern Shore in Maryland has expanded its WIOA capacity through Metrix Learning. Discover the populations that are benefiting from the Metrix Learning platform and the expansion of business services offerings. You'll also hear about the importance of collaboration and partnership with other systems. 

This episode features an interview with Darrell "Coach D" Andrews, Founder of Darrell Andrews, LLC, and Associates, as he shares his powerful story of his experiences growing up and how he became a coach and workforce professional. Darrell also discusses the importance of self-care for workforce professionals. 

This episode features a conversation with Kevin Kurdziel. CEO and Director of the Middlesex County Workforce Development Board. Kevin discusses how his organization came to use the Metrix Learning platform and how he has found it most beneficial for job seekers and for employers. Kevin also reveals how his organization engaged in community outreach to spread the word about the Metrix Learning platform. 

In this episode, you'll hear from Charles Turner, reentry coordinator for the Alameda County Workforce Development Board. Charles shares his own journey of how he came to work as a reentry coordinator and why he has used the Metrix Learning Platform with justice-involved individuals. Charles also discusses the importance of partnering with correctional facilities to help learners prepare for work before they are released. 

Patrick Hall, Employer Relations Coordinator with Joliet Junior College in Illinois, joins the program to discuss the importance of digital literacy for job seekers and some of the challenges and opportunities that have followed the transition from in-person to online services. Patrick reveals some of the most common digital platforms that Joliet Junior College uses to deliver workshops and the funds they have available to help individuals access certifications and improve their digital skills.

This first episode of the podcast features a conversation between Workforce180 CEO Mike Fazio, and Joseph Alteri, Account Executive, Metrix Learning. Tune in for a discussion about virtual services as well as the partnership between Metrix Learning and Workforce180. Discover the evolution of services that has occurred particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well the most in-demand skills that employers are looking for in job seekers.