WATCH THE RECORDING
- 05:05 – AEDC Transforming a Parish Through Strategic Economic Development
- 12:32 – RPCC Preparing a Skilled Workforce for a New Energy Economy
- 29:56 – Skills Visibility, AI, and the Future of Recognition: How Edalex Bridges the Gap
- 43:48 – Q&A
ABOUT THE SESSION
Learn how The Ascension Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), who play a vital role in implementing economic development programs for Ascension Parish, Louisiana, worked with industry and Community College leaders to introduce a new industry to the Parish, creating abundant high-paying job opportunities for their community. The session will provide a blueprint for collaborations between community leaders that leads to economic growth.
Discover how River Parishes Community College is spearheading a proactive approach to workforce development by establishing a dedicated training center to meet the specific demands of a significant regional manufacturing project. This session will offer valuable insights into their model for aligning educational programs with the precise skill requirements of industry partners like Hyundai.
Gain practical knowledge on how to effectively assess existing community skills and identify critical skills gaps that directly address employer needs. We will also discuss the principles of the skills-based hiring model, demonstrating its tangible impact on workforce pipelines.
Educational Technology Innovation: Explore the potential of platforms such as SkillsAware and Credentialate to enhance your institution’s ability to understand community skills and provide recognized credentials that align with industry standards.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how strategic partnerships between economic development groups, Community Colleges, and industry are fostering job creation and economic growth through targeted skills development. Register today!
*Note: By registering for this webinar, you agree to your details being shared with the panel participants.
Panelists:
- Kate MacArthur, President/CEO, The Ascension Economic Development Corporation (AEDC): Learn how the AEDC attracts new enterprises and works to maintain and improve the business climate in one of the fastest-growing Parishes in the USA.
- Quintin D. Taylor – Chancellor, River Parishes Community College: Gain firsthand insights from the leader driving this impactful workforce development initiative.
- Dan McFadyen – Managing Director, Edalex: Learn how human-centred, AI-powered skills recognition and credentialing solutions are supporting the recognition and validation of manufacturing skills.
- Tara Rodoni – Edalex US Representative
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Quintin D. Taylor Quintin D. Taylor has served as Chancellor of River Parishes Community College (RPCC) since January 2023, focusing on accountability, customer service, and strengthening partnerships with local industries and schools. With a background in public affairs, communications, and workforce development, he previously led strategic initiatives at the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS). A Miami native, Quintin holds degrees in Mass Communications and Public Administration and is pursuing his doctorate. Quintin has re-engaged with local industry and public-school districts to rebuild trust and develop robust partnerships. |
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Kate MacArthur Kate MacArthur has served as President/CEO of The Ascension Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) in the state of Louisiana since 2017, and is responsible for implementing economic development programs to the benefit of the citizens of Ascension Parish, Louisiana. Kate received a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies with a specialty in International Affairs from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA and a Master’s of Science in Economic Development from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council. |
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Dan McFadyen For the past 20+ years, Dan has focused on enabling innovation in education powered by educational technology and long-term partnerships with educational institutions. This passion fuelled varied roles from a start-up developing the CODiE award-winning EQUELLA software to global educational powerhouses Blackboard and Pearson. Since 2016 Dan has served as the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Edalex, tackling skills- and employability-related challenges by supporting the definition, development and recognition of skills through education. On a personal level, as a dual American-Australian citizen, he struggles daily with the conflict between raising his two children on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or vegemite. |
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Tara Rodoni Tara Rodoni is a pioneer in international online education, strategic marketing, and recruitment. She is deeply committed to workforce development and skills-based education. As the founder of Sage Education Marketing, she leads a consultancy specializing in global education and workforce development and advises international companies on expansion into the U.S. market. A passionate advocate for emerging markets, Tara has played a key role in fostering education access and innovation worldwide. She has advised organizations at the highest levels, including serving as an advisor to Nelson Mandela, where she helped connect technology companies to support technology initiatives. Beyond her work in education, Tara is a committed advocate for child and animal welfare. She actively supports Ukrainian orphan and animal rescue efforts and works on initiatives that provide second chances for women, empowering them through education and career opportunities. Tara is also a sought-after global speaker, having delivered talks and led discussions at institutions such as Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, UNESCO, and EPIC. Her expertise spans education technology, international student recruitment, and the strategic development of global learning ecosystems. |
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