Lead The Way Engages in 2025 State of the Workforce Symposium: Advocating for Youth in the Future of Work

Wednesday, April 9, 2025  

In an era where the workforce is rapidly changing and the need for diverse talent pipelines is more urgent than ever, Lead The Way (LTW) proudly participated in the 2025 State of the Workforce Symposium—an influential gathering of business leaders, educators, policymakers, and community organizations from across Central Ohio.

What is the State of the Workforce Symposium?

It's typically a regional event that brings together leaders from business, education, government, and community organizations to discuss the current and future state of the labor force. The symposium explored critical trends shaping the current and future labor market, including automation, the role of technology, upskilling, workforce equity, and the challenges facing underserved populations in accessing sustainable employment.

Participants, including LTW Executive Director Anthony Murphy, explored how collaborative strategies can address these challenges. Key highlights included insights into the role of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce in fostering school-business partnerships. Organizations like Aspyr also shared their impact in building strong talent pipelines through industry engagement.

“We can’t talk about the future of work without talking about the future of our youth,” said Murphy. “Too often, young people—especially those from underserved communities—are left out of these vital conversations. Our job is to bring their voices to the forefront and ensure they’re not only prepared for the workforce but inspired to lead in it.”

Why It Matters: Lifting the Next Generation

As Ohio’s labor market continues to shift, organizations like Lead The Way are playing an increasingly crucial role in preparing the next generation. LTW empowers youth through leadership academies, career readiness programs, mentorship, and service-learning, connecting them with real-world experiences and community leaders who mirror their potential.

By attending the symposium, LTW ensured that youth perspectives were represented in workforce planning. Murphy emphasized that addressing workforce shortages must start with preparing youth earlier, removing systemic barriers, and offering accessible, culturally relevant career exploration opportunities.

“We need to meet young people where they are,” Murphy shared. “That means showing up in schools, community centers, and neighborhoods—and building pathways that make success feel possible and personal.”

Strategic Partnerships for Workforce Equity

The symposium also reinforced the importance of public-private partnerships, especially in equipping young people with the skills and support necessary to succeed in high-demand fields. As business leaders explored data-driven solutions and models for engagement, LTW positioned itself as a vital connector—ensuring that young talent from historically excluded communities isn’t just included, but empowered.

“Workforce innovation begins with education, exposure, and investment,” said Murphy. “We’re not just preparing youth to take jobs—we’re preparing them to lead, create, and transform the very systems they’re entering.”

Looking Ahead

Lead The Way will continue collaborating with industry leaders, educators, and government entities to ensure youth development remains a central part of Ohio’s workforce strategy. The insights gained from the symposium will inform LTW’s ongoing efforts to close opportunity gaps and strengthen the bridge between education and employment. In a time when the future of work is being reshaped, Lead The Way remains committed to ensuring that young voices help shape it—and that they are rooted in service, growing into a future they are proud to build.