WGU to Host “Ambition Never Rests” Webinar Series

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Western Governors University (WGU) has announced the launch of a three-part webinar series that focuses on workforce development and higher education. Each installment of the series will feature a panel of business leaders across industries sharing their experiences around preparing the workforce for challenges and innovative approaches to succeed in the “new normal” and in a post-COVID-19 environment.

As employers nationwide have adjusted their operations to meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by implementing social distancing or closing their doors entirely, now more than ever, people are uncertain about the job market now and after the pandemic. The changing job market and the evolving digital world have fostered new occupations and stifled others, and this is driving the evolution of workforce development and online learning.

The first 60-minute webinar, “State of Workforce Development Across Industries,” will be moderated by Spencer Stewart, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at WGU, and will debut Thursday, July 16, at 9 a.m. CDT.

During this webinar, individuals will learn how businesses across the nation are navigating employee resizing, developing and implementing workforce continuity plans, and upskilling employees and strategizing for fiscal year 2021 and beyond.

The panelists include:

• Natalie Guzman, Senior Vice President, Internal Communications Director at Fifth Third Bank
• Tamera Maresh-Carver, Managing Director, Development Innovation and Organizational Strategy for FedEx Express
• Cynthia Williams, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Mercy Health Foundation
• Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman, Americas International Director, JLL

Dr. Angie Besendorfer, WGU Regional Vice President, will be providing welcoming remarks for the inaugural webinar session.

“The Ambition Never Rests virtual series is inspired by the work of leaders across the country who are responding strategically to the pandemic,” Besendorfer said. “Highlighting them and providing a forum for conversation around their innovations aligns with WGU’s experience as an industry leader, and we hope the series will inspire individuals and companies to be innovative and collaborative.”

Register for the free webinar series at https://www.wgu.edu/lp/webinar/ambition-never-rests.html. At the end of each webinar there will be an opportunity to ask questions and participate in an open discussion.

The two subsequent 60-minute episodes of the series will be “Upskilling for Career Advancement Aligned with Employer Goals” on August 24 at noon CDT and “How to Advance and Retain Your Workforce” on September 15 at 9 a.m. CDT.

All sessions will be recorded, and a link of each recording will be shared with webinar registrants after each session. Each session is valid for 1 PDC for the SHRM-CP(®) or SHRM-SCP(®).

About WGU

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 123,000 students nationwide and has more than 190,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 23 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.