2026 Workforce Convening Recordings

The Alaska Workforce Alliance BEC hosted the 2026 Alaska Workforce Convening on October 7–8, 2026 at The Nave in Anchorage. The event was presented by ASA/AWA in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development and sponsored by The CIRI Foundation, Miles Baker Alaska, and the Denali Commission. Recordings of each session are below.

Convening Agenda

Workforce Convening 2026 PowerPoint Presentation

Workforce Convening 2026 Video Playlist

Day One – Wednesday, October 7

Welcome, Opening Address & Wicked Problem Session 1: Career Pathway Mentorship

Opening remarks from Commissioner Cathy Muñoz (Alaska DOLWD) and Randy Sulte (Kakivik/CCI Industrial; ASA Board Chair Elect), followed by a brief panel with Zach Stenson (Pathfinder Solutions) and Demetria Veasy (AKDOLWD) and facilitated small-group discussion on gaps in systems and the potential for mentorship to bridge gaps along career pathways.

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Alaska’s Workforce Future Topics & Regional Workforce Highlights

Workforce Pell with Jeff Steeprow (AWIB) and Kerry Thomas (ACPE); the Untapped Immigrant Workforce panel with Amy Facklam (Alaska Literacy Program) and Nicole Pennie (Office of Citizenship Assistance); and Regional Workforce Highlights from partners in the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and Southeast regions.

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Regional Breakout Reports & Day One Closing

Small-group reports from the regional workforce breakout sessions and closing remarks for Day One.

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Day Two – Thursday, October 8

ASA/AWA Annual Membership Meeting and Breakfast

The ASA board members including Cari-Ann Carty (ASA), Mari Selle (AWA), Teri Cothren (UA), and Randy Sulte (Kakivik/CCI) reflect on the accomplishments from the previous year, share what is ahead for 2027, and discuss ways members and partners can get involved.

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Featured Statewide Workforce Session

The 2026 AKLNG Workforce Trends and Opportunities Report with Patrick Rose (NIT), and the Alaska Critical Minerals Accelerator Engine with Lee Ann Munk, Ph.D. (NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska).

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Industry Breakout Reports: Healthcare, Skilled Trades & Resource Development

Reports from the industry breakouts led by Jacqueline Summers (Alaska Health Workforce Coalition); Tracy Parent (Ahtna Inc.) and Cari-Ann Carty (ASA); and Beki Toussaint (Alaska Resource Education) and Erin Whitney (NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska). [Notes from session coming soon]

Wicked Problem Session 2: CTE Faculty Recruitment

Panel with Jacelyn Keys (University of Alaska), Cory Ortiz (AVTEC), Cassidy Cameron (KPEDD), and Kristen Majocha (UAS), followed by facilitated discussion on strengthening Alaska’s pipeline of qualified CTE instructors.

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Small-Group Reports & Convening Wrap-Up

Final small-group reports, closing comments, and wrap-up of the 2026 Convening.

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