Mini Episode: A Thanksgiving of Community, Connection, and Care at Encore
In this Thanksgiving mini-episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, Encore Community Services Executive Director Jeremy Kaplan returns to share what the holiday really looks like inside one of New York City’s most mission-driven older adult organizations. What starts as a simple question — “What’s going on at Encore on Thanksgiving?” — unfolds into a vivid picture of community care at scale.
Building Belonging: Wayne Ho on Empowering Immigrant New Yorkers Through Work and Community
In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, Wayne Ho — President & CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) and Chair of the Human Services Council board — joins NYCETC CEO Greg Morris for a high-energy conversation about crisis response, community power, and what it means to lead with authenticity in a moment of intense challenge and change.
Redefining Access with Dr. Lisa Vollendorf: Empowering Adult Learners and New York’s Workforce Through Innovation in Higher Ed
In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, president of Empire State University (SUNY Empire), for a conversation about expanding opportunity through high-quality online public education.
Mini Episode – Accessibility at the 2025 NYCETC Conference with Stephanie Birmingham
In this mini episode, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Stephanie Birmingham, NYCETC’s Director of Community and Operations, to talk about what it really means to make the 2025 NYCETC Conference accessible and inclusive.
Fashioning Equity: A Conversation with Ngozi Okaro
In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris is joined by Ngozi Okaro, founder and CEO of Custom Collaborative, for a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and the power of equitable work.
When the Government Shuts Down: Grace Bonilla on the Crisis Facing New Yorkers
In this mini-episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris welcomes Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, back on the pod for a conversation about how the federal government shutdown is threatening the stability of millions of New Yorkers.
Mini Episode – Debbie Roman Joins National Grid to Bridge Employers and Communities
In this special mini-episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Debbie Roman to share some exciting personal news. After three and a half deeply rewarding years at Per Scholas New York, Debbie is stepping into a new chapter. She’s joining National Grid’s Workforce Development team as Program Manager, NY Workforce Development, where she’ll lead efforts to strengthen equitable talent pipelines across the region.
Mini Episode – The Missing Word in NYC’s Mayoral Debates: Jobs
In this mini episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC, takes a hard look at New York City’s recent mayoral debates and what was left unsaid.
Neighborhood Power, Citywide Impact: A Conversation with Council Member Carmen De La Rosa
In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa (District 10) for a powerful, deeply personal conversation about care, courage, and the fight to make New York City work better for working people.
Policy, Power & Pathways: A Conversation with Teresa Gonzalez
In the latest episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Teresa Gonzalez, partner at Bolton-St. Johns and principal at DalyGonzalez Consulting, for a candid, deeply insightful conversation, thinking about workforce development as the scaffolding of a thriving city.
Kalilah Moon and Debbie Roman on Building Jobs, Wages & Wealth at the 2025 NYCETC Conference
In the latest episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Kalilah Moon (Executive Director, Drive Change) and Debbie Roman (Managing Director, New York, Per Scholas) – co-chairs of NYCETC’s December Conference – for a conversation about leadership, innovation, and the future of workforce development in New York City.
Beyond Bureaucracy: Grace Bonilla on Building Policy Around People
In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, to reflect on her journey from Queens to City Hall and her leadership at the frontlines of New York’s social safety net.