In Massachusetts, new public investments are expanding access to English language learning for immigrants. But as Andre Green, Executive Director of SkillWorks argues, money alone won’t fix the system. To truly support immigrant workers, we need coordinated systems that recognize language access as a key pillar of equity and economic mobility.

In this episode, we unpack what it takes to build those systems. Andre joins us to talk about how SkillWorks is reimagining English language learning as workforce infrastructure, and why centering immigrants’ experiences is essential to building a more equitable economy.

Commonwealth Beacon: Funding Was the Start – Now We Need To Build Out Systems To Help Our Immigrant Workforce Learn English

Advancing Workforce Equity in Boston: A Blueprint for Action

In today’s economy, data drives decisions. From how employers hire, to how training programs are designed, to how policymakers invest in communities. When data is accurate, comprehensive, and trusted, it helps align resources, reveal opportunities, and strengthen entire systems. In this episode, we’re joined by Joel Simon, Director of Workforce Innovation at the Burning Glass Institute to explore what makes workforce data effective and equitable. We discuss how strong data ecosystems drive better outcomes, and what it takes to build one that truly serves workers, businesses, and communities.

What happens when a grant-funded experiment turns into a lasting way of working? In Louisville, a creative idea to better reach rural jobseekers became much more than a pilot. Born out of the Human-Centered Workforce Services project, their approach was shaped through empathy interviews and co-designed with community members. It worked so well, that even after the project ended, the team at KentuckianaWorks is keeping it going.

We’re joined by Aleece Smith, Director of Employer Programs at KentuckianaWorks, and Carrie Felton, Director of Worker Success at the National Fund to unpack how human-centered design is helping Louisville build stronger connections to rural communities. We’ll dig into why listening and adapting to the people you serve can spark deeper, longer-lasting change in workforce systems.

Career Navigation Journey Maps: https://nationalfund.org/explore/career-navigation/