Honoring Our Board of Directors: Empowering Communities, Strengthening Futures
This past week, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) hosted our Board of Directors Retreat to wrap up Fiscal Year 2025 and set goals for the year ahead. It was a time for reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to the work that unites us all: empowering people, supporting employers, and helping families and businesses thrive.
Our all-volunteer Board of Directors represents the best of our region. These community leaders come from business, education, economic development, and nonprofit organizations across nine counties. Together, they guide our mission to strengthen the workforce and expand opportunity for every resident.
The retreat provided a meaningful space to celebrate achievements, discuss challenges, and plan intentionally for the future. Through engaging panel discussions, strategy sessions, and a national perspective on workforce funding, our board reaffirmed its shared vision for growth and impact.
Why We Do This Work
At WSRCA, we believe in the power of people and the value of strong partnerships. When employers have access to skilled, educated workers and residents have the resources and training to build self-sufficient lives, our region grows stronger.
Our purpose is clear: to connect employers, educators, and community partners in a shared effort to build a workforce that meets the needs of today while preparing for tomorrow. We do this through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to quality, professionalism, integrity, leadership, and teamwork.
These guiding values shape every program we offer and every partnership we build.
Listening, Learning, and Leading Together
The 2025 Board Retreat featured conversations that reminded us why this work matters and how our collective efforts create lasting change.
Strengthening Child Care: The Foundation of Our Workforce
Moderated by Diane Cook, Chief Operations Officer, the Child Care Panel featured frontline providers who shared their experiences and insights from the Texas Rising Star Quality Program.
Panelists Yeneli Flores (Children’s Town Center), Blanca Connie (Childcare Program Manager, Bastrop ISD; BISD Stars Afterschool Program), and Sarah Buie (Owner, Honey Bee Learning Center, Busy Bee Academy, and Club Bee Afterschool & Summercamp) spoke candidly about the challenges they face and the rewards of their work. Their dedication and innovation continue to make high-quality child care more accessible for families across our region.
Advancing Healthcare: Investing in People Who Care for Us All
The Healthcare Industry Panel, moderated by Sarah Ruddy, Chief Business Development Officer, brought together leaders who are helping to shape the future of healthcare in our region.
Panelists Dena Shirley (Manager of Workforce Development, Ascension), Dr. Tamara Clunis (Vice Chancellor of Instruction and Workforce Education, Central Texas College), and Dr. Ed Burger (President and CEO, St. David’s Foundation) discussed strategies to align education and industry, expand career pathways, and prepare workers for high-demand healthcare careers.
National Perspective: The Future of Workforce Funding
Our board also welcomed Laurie Larrea, Senior Advisor with the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), for a forward-looking discussion on “The Future of Workforce Funding.” Laurie shared valuable insights about national trends and the importance of agility, collaboration, and strategic planning as the workforce system continues to evolve.
Reflecting on Progress and Preparing for What’s Next
As part of the retreat, the board reviewed WSRCA’s performance and progress over the past year, celebrated key achievements, and identified the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, we asked important questions: How have our partnerships grown? What milestones have we reached? What new strategies will help us serve our communities even better?
These discussions helped guide the development of our strategic goals for the coming year, focused on enhancing service delivery, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to opportunity for employers and job seekers alike.
A Shared Commitment to Service
Our Board of Directors leads with purpose and serves with heart. Their leadership ensures that WSRCA remains a trusted partner for employers seeking skilled talent and for individuals striving to build meaningful careers.
Their vision keeps us focused on what matters most: empowering people and strengthening the communities we serve.
As we look ahead to a new fiscal year, we are filled with gratitude for their guidance and optimism for what we can accomplish together. Because when we invest in people, we invest in the future of our region.
TOPICS: WSRCA Events, WSRCA Team
