Newsletter
The NYC Workforce Drop Podcast
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.
Mini Episode: Linking Workforce and Economic Development – Remarks from the City & State Summit
In this mini-episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris shares his remarks from the City & State Economic Development & Workforce Summit, where NYCETC served as a co-sponsor alongside city and state leaders.
Buildings, Budgets, and People: David Lebenstein on Real Estate as a Workforce Strategy
In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J Morris sits down with David Lebenstein, Executive Managing Director and Co-Chair of Cushman & Wakefield’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Group, to unpack how real estate strategy is mission strategy for NYC’s nonprofits.
Mini Episode – How Nonprofits and Developers Work Together to Protect Housing
In this mini-episode, real estate leader David Lebenstein, Executive Managing Director, Co-Chair of the Not-for-Profit Advisory Group at Cushman & Wakefield, joins The NYC Workforce Drop to share how he’s helped nonprofits and developers navigate one of the toughest challenges in NYC real estate: selling or renovating SRO (Single Room Occupancy) buildings while keeping residents safely housed.
Unlocking NYC’s Data Workforce: Collin Smith on Apprenticeships and Access
In the newest episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Collin Smith, Director at The Information Lab US, to explore how innovative apprenticeship models are unlocking pathways into high-demand data careers for New Yorkers.
Strengthening Democracy – Grace Rauh on Civic Reform and New York’s Future
In the latest episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Citizens Union Executive Director Grace Rauh to discuss how civic reform can strengthen democracy and opportunity in New York City.
Latest News
An Important Omission in the Mayor-Elect’s Transition Process — Workforce Development Deserves a Seat at the Table
As the Mayor-Elect’s team launches its transition website and opens the door for New Yorkers to share their expertise and interest in serving this city, we noticed something important missing. Workforce Development isn’t listed as an option on the resume submission form. At a time when connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, training, and career pathways is vital […]
Statement from Gregory J. Morris on the 2025 NYC Mayoral Election Results
With yesterday’s election ushering in new city leadership, New York stands at a turning point to reimagine its economy around working people, small businesses, and the communities that sustain them. NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris reflects on the path forward and the opportunity to shape a fairer, more connected city: “New Yorkers have spoken—and with […]
Joint Statement on Federal Government Shutdown
The federal government shut down at midnight after Congress failed to reach a deal on funding. There is uncertainty about how long the shutdown could last, with the White House budget office directing agencies to prepare for widespread furloughs. While political leaders remain at an impasse, the consequences will be felt immediately by workers, families, and the […]
Statement on Stalled New York City Job Growth
Gregory J. Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition
Statement on the Nomination of Dr. E.J. Antoni as Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner
Gregory J. Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition
Statement on BLS Commissioner Firing
Gregory J. Morris, CEO of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition
Statement from Gregory J. Morris on SYEP Payment Card Fraud
“For nearly 60 years, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) has been a lifeline for young New Yorkers. It’s often their first job, their first step toward economic independence, and their first encounter with the financial system. It is the largest program of its kind in the nation and has positively impacted hundreds of thousands […]
Media Coverage
Op-ed: Use AI to help all New Yorkers win good jobs
A Crain’s op-ed by Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC and Shari Krull, CEO of StreetWise Partners.
Fixing NYC’s affordability crisis requires wage growth and a path to opportunity
A joint op-ed by NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris and Wayne Ho, President & CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council.
The career ladder is collapsing. Gen Z is feeling it first
Gregory J. Morris, Chief Executive Officer of NYCETC is highlighted in this Quartz feature.
The 2025 Top Trade Associations
City & State recognizes NYCETC as a leading trade association in New York.
Opinion: Why Arts, Libraries, and Summer Youth Employment Must Be Central to NYC’s Workforce Strategy
Gregory J. Morris, NYCETC CEO in City Limits.
As SYEP Wraps Up, We Look Ahead with Resolve
Today marks the close of another Summer Youth Employment Program season, a program that, for more than 60 years, has connected young New Yorkers with their first jobs and meaningful career pathways.
Summer Jobs Program Heist Likely Had Hacker Help, Say ATM Experts
Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC quoted in The City.
What Happens When Washington Cuts Workforce Development? Ask New York
Newsweek opinion piece by Gregory J Morris.
Op-ed: Opinion: Will the Brooklyn Marine Terminal deliver on jobs and mobility, or just promises?
An op-ed in Brooklyn Paper by Gregory J Morris, Chief Executive Officer of NYCETC.
Reports
Press Releases
NYC Energy Efficiency Companies Launch Employer-Led Coalition to Catalyze Green Workforce Development and Market Transformation
Employer-led initiative to define career pathways, bridge talent gaps, and drive equitable growth across NYC’s energy efficiency sector
NYCETC Welcomes New and Returning Board Leaders to Champion Workforce Equity and Opportunity
Coalition Taps Sector Leaders to Steer Workforce Equity, Accountability, and Opportunity
New York City Employment and Training Coalition Advances 2025 Workforce Benchmarking Network Cohort
Driving Accountability and Data-Driven Performance Across NYC’s Workforce Development Sector
NYCETC Publishes Early Learnings from the Tech Bridge Grant Program
The program empowers grantees to expand access into New York City’s growing tech workforce through equitable, community-driven pathways.
New Report: Putting Our Dollars to Work
$640M in Citywide Workforce Spending, Majority of Funding Bypasses Prime-Age Workers in Need
NYCETC Statement on Resignation of 4 Deputy Mayors
The future of the City cannot be thought of as simply a matter of getting stuff done anymore; it must be a matter of getting stuff right.
What They’re Saying: New Yorkers Praise Mayor Adams Family-Focused Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary Budget
NYCETC quoted in the Mayor’s Office of the City of New York’s press release.
NYCETC Launches Advisory Council to Advance its Mission to Drive Workforce Development Innovation in NYC
The Advisory Council will provide strategic guidance and foster partnerships to enhance job skills and equitable workforce opportunities for New Yorkers
Second Workforce Benchmarking Network Launching in 2025
Corporation for a Skilled Workforce is pleased to announce the 2025 Workforce Benchmarking Network New York City cohort, with support from The Pinkerton Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and Deutsche Bank, and in partnership with New York City Employment and Training Coalition.
NYCETC Welcomes Five New Board Members to Champion Workforce Development for All New Yorkers
Learn more about NYCETC’s newest board members.