Join us at the
2026 WorkSource Pierce Partnership Conference
Welcome back! We’re excited to welcome you back for a day of learning, connection, and collaboration. Together, we play a vital role in helping families and communities rise out of poverty, and that work starts with strong, informed partnerships.
Through shared learning and community-driven insights, we’ll explore how to strengthen service delivery across programs and systems. Expect a full day of knowledge-building, reflection, and forward-thinking conversations as we hear from communities of practice and dive into the pressing topics that shape our collective work. Let’s come together to grow our understanding and expand our impact.
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Who should attend?
You and any staff in your organization that provides workforce services. This conference is an official TRAINING DAY. We will prepare our customers to expect limited-service delivery on this day so all who wish to attend are able to participate. This is an exclusive event for WorkSource Pierce partners only. This event is not open to the public.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Don’t miss out on this important day of connection and learning with your peers! Register today!
Register on Eventbrite
Event Schedule
8:30 – 9:00 am
Check In
9:00 – 11:30 am
General Session: How to Partner Pilot
This four-part session explores how strong, intentional partnerships can spark innovation and turn new ideas into action. Through empathy, trust, shared goals, and evolving service strategies, participants will gain practical tools to co-create and pilot impactful collaborations.
Part 1: Introduction
Kick off the session with a welcome and an overview of the journey ahead—centered on building partnerships that inspire innovation and action.
Led by Shellie Willis, Chief Collective Impact Officer at WorkForce Central
Part 2: Empathy and Grounding
Explore how empathy creates the foundation for meaningful partnerships, fostering connection, understanding, and shared purpose.
Led by Alyssa Simmons, Executive Director at Career TEAM, and Tricia Speid, Chief Executive Director at Palmers Scholars
Part 3: How to Partner
Learn practical strategies for building trust, staying accountable, identifying support, and aligning around shared goals to strengthen collaboration.
Led by Cristeen Crouchet, Director of Workforce Development at Clover Park Technical College, Kelli Johnston, Director of Workforce Education at Tacoma Community College, Josh Rodero, Supervisor at Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, and Susan Cable, Director at Pierce College
Part 4: Evolution of Service
Reimagine how you serve by defining current needs, discovering new approaches, and designing service strategies that grow with your partnerships.
Led by Christian Reed, Talent Pipeline Manager at WorkForce Central, Sandra Calvillo, One-Stop Operator at WorkSource Pierce, and Shellie Willis, Chief Collective Impact Officer at WorkForce Central
11:30 – 1:00 pm
Lunch Break
Food Trucks will be on site for refreshment during the afternoon lunch break
1:15 – 2:30 pm
2:45 – 4:00 pm
Community Practice Sessions
There will be two rounds of community practice sessions.
Supporting Immigrant & Refugee Populations
In this session, we will explore innovative, culturally responsive strategies that have guided our success in supporting immigrant and refugee populations. Drawing from real-world experience, we’ll share how tailored services and community-centered approaches help overcome language and cultural barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.
Oleksandr Burlakov, Workforce Integration Team Lead, Career TEAM; Marianna Mieloian, Career Advisor, Career TEAM; Glennys Cabrera Fret, Career Advisor, Career TEAM
Panelists: Svitlana Bondaruk, U4U Intake and Referral Specialist PC Case Manager at Refugee Resettlement Office, Yevheniia Brychka, Case Manager at TRAC Associates, Maksim Hornostai, Business Developer at New Roots Fund, Yana Kuharenko, ESL Grant Compliance Specialist at Bates Technical College, Svetlana Konotopchik, Health Promotion Coordinator at Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, Nataliia Rose, Job Developer at Tacoma Community House
AI & Workforce Development: Unlocking Potential, Leading with Imagination
In this session, we will explore innovative, culturally responsive strategies that have guided our success in supporting immigrant and refugee populations. Drawing from real-world experience, we’ll share how tailored services and community-centered approaches help overcome language and cultural barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.
Samuel Bradshaw, Director of Business Solutions, WorkForce Central; Jermane Easterlin, Business Solutions Senior Specialist, WorkForce Central
Young Adult Support: Strategic Implementation of Earn While You Learn Initiatives
Designed for frontline staff, this interactive session tackles the reality that many young adults have, which may include the lack the time or money for traditional training. Participants will explore three proven Pierce‑County models—paid internships, on‑the‑job wage reimbursement, and construction pre‑apprenticeships—that let clients “try the job” while earning wages and building experience. You will leave with step‑by‑step checklists, contract templates, and coaching scripts that reduce employer risk, empower participants to make informed career choices, and boost retention.
Christian Reed, Talent Pipeline Manager, WorkForce Central Business Solutions; Brooke Summerlin, Director of Enrollment and Placement, Palmer Scholars; Carly Holak, Young Adult Team Lead, Career TEAM
4:15 – 4:45 pm
Closing Session: Reflecting Forward
Led by Shellie Willis, Chief Collective Impact Officer at WorkForce Central
Wrap up the day by revisiting key takeaways and shared insights from each session. This session will highlight the broader work happening across Pierce County and how collective impact can amplify our efforts. Participants are invited to share reflections, ask questions, and contribute ideas as we look ahead to continued collaboration.