Join Susan Goujinstook, Chief Solutions Officer at Jobs for the Future (JFF), for an engaging session that explores how to create an inclusive workforce that drives economic growth. Susan will share key insights into JFF’s evolving approach to building a workforce that utilizes every worker’s talents, the major trends affecting the future of work, and innovative solutions design—all through a skills-focused lens aimed at driving systemic change. Following this dynamic presentation, Susan will sit down with InStride’s Maryam Sohraby for a fireside chat, offering a deeper discussion on the strategies, challenges, and opportunities we must embrace to foster an inclusive workforce that allows every worker to contribute their talents to the labor market and unleash economic growth.

What does it really take to balance work, life, and education? In this eye-opening session, you’ll hear directly from a current learner who has navigated the challenges and triumphs of workforce education.

Through their personal story, they’ll share what motivated them to enroll, the obstacles they faced, and the real impact this program has had on their career and professional growth. Expect an honest, unfiltered discussion about the highs, the struggles, and the insights that employers need to know to better support working learners.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be in their shoes—or how to build programs that truly make a difference—this is a session you won’t want to miss.
 

To better understand the state of workforce development, InStride surveyed over 1000 employees and 100+ HR leaders at enterprise companies. The goal? To uncover where employee needs align (or misalign) with HR’s talent priorities.

In this session, we’ll share what we learned from both audiences, reveal where priorities align and diverge, and offer guidance on how to build development programs that actually deliver for your people and business.
 

Building a strong leadership bench requires more than traditional training. The most effective programs are cohorted, engaging, and practice-driven, blending academic rigor with real-world application to ensure leaders develop the skills they need to succeed.
This panel explores how leading organizations are leveraging cohort-based, applied leadership development—designed in partnership with accredited academic institutions and industry leaders—to drive measurable business outcomes.
Join us to learn:

• Why cohort-based learning accelerates leadership readiness
• How academic-backed, employer-driven programs improve retention and impact
• Key takeaways from real-world leadership development success stories
   

In this session, we’ll dive into real-world lessons from corporate partners on how they launched their programs and evolved them along the way, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently.

Expect candid stories, actionable insights, and real-time problem-solving, as corporate partner leaders reveal the lightbulb moments, the roadblocks, and the lessons that have shaped their success. Whether you're launching a new program or refining an existing one, you'll leave with practical strategies to drive real impact from day one.
 

Join us as we celebrate one of our InStride partners, recognizing their bold strategies and unwavering commitment to workforce education innovation. This award isn’t just about success—it’s about transforming industries, inspiring change, and setting new standards for the future.

In this keynote, Julie Duda, Vice President, Human Capital Insights at Deloitte, will summarize findings from Deloitte’s highly anticipated 2025 Global Human Capital Trends report. This discussion will explore the evolving landscape of human capital management and the choices leaders should make to enhance human performance in a rapidly changing world. Discover eight trends shaping the future of work and how they impact your organization, how to navigate the complex tensions between short-term costs and long-term value, strategies to balance human and business outcomes, and leading practices for enhancing human performance.

Going back to school as a working adult comes with unique challenges—from balancing work and family responsibilities to rebuilding study skills and academic deadlines. This panel brings together educators, corporate leaders, and student success experts to discuss what working adult learners need to thrive, including flexible learning models, employer support, and wraparound services.

This session will equip leaders with practical insights and strategies to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment of healthcare. Grounded in the principles of Energy Leadership™, we will explore how the energy we bring to our roles directly impacts how we lead, connect, and influence those around us. The session will conclude with a group exercise designed to turn this week’s learnings into meaningful growth—for ourselves and the organizations we lead.

Workforce education programs are more than just benefits—they’re game-changers for businesses and employees alike. In this session, you’ll hear directly from a local franchise owner who made the decision to invest in employee education and is seeing the impact firsthand.