KRA's The Hub

Hosted by KRA Corporation

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

The official podcast of KRA Corporation-Discover workforce topics and trends you need to know on the go!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 21, 202629 min

E101: 25 Years of Advocacy and Impact: CASA of Prince George's County

In this episode of The Hub , guest host Ryan Rand, Manager of Communications, Innovation and Learning at KRA, speaks with Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director of CASA/Prince George's County, about the organization's 25 years of advocating for children and youth in foster care. Yolanda shares how CASA volunteers provide a consistent, trusted adult, help young people make their voices heard, and work with community partners to address practical needs such as education, housing, transportation, and mental health support. The conversation also explores the importance of individualized care and building stability as young people prepare for adulthood and life beyond foster care.

September 15, 202629 min

E100: Building Medina County's Economic Future

In this episode of The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Bethany Dentler, Executive Director of the Medina County Economic Development Corporation and Administrator of the Medina County Port Authority, about the critical connection between workforce development and economic development. Bethany shares how Medina County is responding to historically low unemployment, a shrinking labor pool, and the evolving talent needs of its growing manufacturing sector through close collaboration among employers, educators, workforce organizations, and economic development leaders. She also highlights innovative efforts such as manufacturing tours, industry led sector partnerships, teacher and student boot camps, training grants, and AI education that are helping businesses attract, develop, and retain the workers they need while building long term prosperity throughout the community.

September 11, 202627 min

E99: Stronger Together: Building Ohio's Workforce of Tomorrow

In this episode of The Hub, Jonathan Overall speaks with Jennifer Meek Eells, Executive Director of the Ohio Workforce Association, about the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping Ohio's workforce system. Jennifer discusses the importance of developing strong talent pipelines, expanding apprenticeships into fields such as healthcare and education, and strengthening collaboration among workforce boards, employers, educators, and economic development organizations. She also previews the 4th Annual OWA IAWP Workforce Training Conference, taking place September 17 and 18, where workforce professionals from across Ohio will come together to share effective practices and explore topics including artificial intelligence, employer engagement, labor market information, and workforce development programs.

September 7, 202618 min

E98: Voices from NAWDP: Turning Military Experience into Career Opportunity

In this special episode of KRA's The Hub, recorded at the 2026 NAWDP Annual Conference, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Ritchie Thomas, a United States Army veteran and founder of Military Transition University. Drawing from his own difficult journey from active duty to unemployment—and ultimately to a successful career in technology—Ritchie explains how his AI-powered platform helps veterans translate their military experience into valuable business skills and identify promising career paths. He also discusses his "MOS to Marketplace" approach, the importance of meeting veterans where they are, and his mission to equip service members to successfully navigate what he calls the "economic battlefield."

August 25, 202628 min

E97: The Workforce System at a Crossroads: From Silos to Solutions

In this episode of The Hub , Jonathan Overall speaks with Aminifu "Akil" Bektemba, President and CEO of Vanguard Consulting Group, LLC, and President of the Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA). Drawing on more than 25 years of workforce development experience, Akil discusses why the public workforce system is at a crossroads and how stronger collaboration, customer-centered services, emerging technology, and integrated financial literacy can help it move forward. He also shares his "1% better" philosophy and explains how workforce professionals can turn big ideas into practical steps that lead to employment, economic mobility, and lasting change.

August 19, 202623 min

E96: Leadership Spotlight: Heather Leach on Empowering People and Leading with Purpose

In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Heather Leach, KRA's Vice President of Operations, about her nearly 30-year journey in workforce development and the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership. Heather shares how an unexpected career transition helped her discover her purpose, why effective leadership begins with humility and empowerment, and why people are the "secret sauce" behind successful workforce programs. She also discusses the importance of supporting local leaders, embracing emerging technologies such as AI, responding to the growing emphasis on apprenticeships, and becoming excellent in your current role before pursuing the next step.

August 4, 202615 min

E95: Beyond Compliance: Strengthening Workforce Outcomes Through Fiscal Stewardship

In this episode, we are joined by Laura Patton Watson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, to explore how strong fiscal management and federal grant compliance contribute to better workforce outcomes. Drawing on decades of experience overseeing billions of dollars in federal grant funding, Laura discusses the importance of understanding grant agreements, building an organization-wide culture of fiscal responsibility, preparing for the growing role of AI in financial oversight, and balancing new technology with sound human judgment. She also previews the 2026 Administrative and Financial Management Conference and the practical guidance it will offer workforce professionals responsible for managing federal grants.

July 31, 202628 min

E94: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Bharani Rajakumar and Maria Posey

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Bharani Rajakumar, founder and CEO of Transfr, and Maria Posey, founder and CEO of Viking Impact Advisors. Together, they discuss virtual reality's role in creating accessible career pathways, how AI and technology are reshaping workforce development, and the partnerships, apprenticeships, and systems-level strategies needed to connect people with meaningful careers and long-term economic mobility.

July 15, 202634 min

E93: Beyond the Open Door: Rethinking Youth Workforce Development

In this episode of KRA's The Hub , host Jonathan Overall speaks with Robert M. Sainz, President and Executive Director of New Ways to Work, about creating stronger pathways to education and employment for young people. Drawing on more than 30 years of public service and youth workforce leadership, Robert explores the challenges facing opportunity youth, the growing interest in entrepreneurship, and the urgent need to protect investments in youth employment and reengagement programs. He also shares three essential ingredients for greater impact—reliable community data, caring and capable staff, and intentional collaboration—and challenges workforce leaders to engage young people in program design, advocate more visibly for their work, and celebrate the lives changed along the way.

June 17, 202620 min

E92: Getting to Know KRA: Nicole Ganier on Leadership, Growth, and Workforce Impact

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we sit down with Nicole Ganier, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at KRA, to learn more about her professional journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of workforce development. Nicole shares insights from her experience in staffing, workforce services, and organizational growth, discussing the importance of authentic leadership, relationship-building, and creating opportunities that transform lives. From the power of meaningful work to the importance of innovation, trust, and excellence, Nicole offers an inspiring perspective on how KRA can continue expanding its impact while helping individuals, families, and communities build stronger futures.