A Reflective Review of the 2025 Workforce Development Conference at Community Nexus

 


By Greg DeShields

The 2025 Workforce Development Conference in the Hudson Valley was both an inspiring and enlightening experience. Hosted by Kristin Mayo the Founder & CEO of Community Nexus, this event brought together nearly 150 leaders, innovators, and passionate professionals focused on practical, cross-sector solutions to workforce challenges. These challenges spanned critical areas, including employment, housing, education, technology, and manufacturing.

Marist University provided the perfect setting for the Community Nexus Conference. Its dynamic and inspiring environment fostered reflection, learning, and collaboration. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, combined with its rich academic atmosphere, helped create a sense of community among attendees, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Katiana Decime did a fantastic job as Mistress of Ceremonies, setting the tone for the event with her energy and professionalism. This was followed by a stimulating panel of Hudson Valley leaders discussing how to develop practical cross-sector solutions to workforce challenges.

The keynote address by Hamza Khan was equally inspiring, offering deep insights into how AI is shaping leadership and organizational cultures. The Nelly Goletti Theatre served as a motivating backdrop for the conference, thanks to Brandon Gaydorus and the team behind the scenes at Marist University.

There were many insightful sessions to attend, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this event. I had the privilege of sharing the stage with experts like Kristin Mayo, Founder & CEO of Community Nexus and Ary Aranguiz, CPTD during the session "Beyond The Hype: How AI Is Reshaping Work & Leadership."

Our session was particularly exciting as it delved into the real-world applications of AI, going beyond the buzzwords and exploring how artificial intelligence is already transforming business processes, leadership approaches, and career trajectories. It was refreshing to engage in a discussion that didn’t just focus on the theoretical possibilities of AI, but on the tangible, immediate changes occurring in the workforce. As we move further into the digital age, it’s clear that AI is not just a tool of convenience; it’s a fundamental force reshaping how we work, lead, and grow.

During my portion of the session, I had the opportunity to reflect on key milestones in the development of artificial intelligence. From McCulloch & Pitts modeling the first artificial neuron in 1943, to the growing interest in AI ethics, regulation, and alignment as AI models become more powerful and pervasive, it was a privilege to share these pivotal moments in AI’s evolution with such an engaged audience.

A significant highlight of the conference for me was my co-panelist, Ary Aranguiz, showcasing the AI Future Path App, developed in collaboration with PartyRock AWS and @Claude. Inspired by Allie K. Miller’s futuristic career-mapping tool, Ary created a tool that helps individuals visualize the AI-driven changes to their career paths. The app allows users to input their current job title and instantly see how their role might evolve, complete with new skills, tasks, and job descriptions. Key features, such as personalized upskilling resources and AI integration analyses for roles over the next 3–5 years, were particularly well-received.

It was incredibly rewarding to see attendees engaging with the app, discussing how AI could reshape their careers, and thinking critically about the steps they could take today to stay future-ready.

Kristin Mayo, Founder & CEO of Community Nexus, aptly articulated the growing importance of AI in shaping business strategies and workforce development. She emphasized that AI is no longer just a trend—it is central to modern business infrastructure. As leaders, it is our responsibility to understand the profound shifts AI brings—not only in terms of technological advancement but also in how it fundamentally alters roles, job functions, and leadership practices. As we continue to navigate this shift, we must remember: "We are still in a machine-operated environment, but the key now is understanding how humans and AI can work together to shape the future of work."

Another fantastic session was “Reimagining Employment for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities,” which offered a compelling exploration of inclusive hiring practices and the transformative potential of neurodiverse talent in the workforce. The session took a deep dive into the use of letterboards within the context of Spelling to Communicate (S2C) or the Spellers Method. We learned how using a letterboard as part of a communication method can provide a functional and open-ended way for individuals with autism to express themselves. Truly amazing!

Overall, the 2025 Workforce Development Conference at Community Nexus was a tremendous success. It was an invaluable opportunity to connect with numerous forward-thinking professionals and exchange ideas on shaping the future of work and leadership practices. Thank you to everyone who made the event possible—this is just the beginning of an exciting future ahead!

Sources


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