Industry and academic leaders convened at Cedar Crest College’s Tompkins Center for the college’s inaugural Tech & Talent Summit.

Presented by ADVANCE at Cedar Crest and the Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology, the “Lehigh Valley Tech & Talent: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Summit” March 30 explored workforce technology needs and skills gaps in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Lauren Holubec, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, delivered the keynote address, “The Future of Workforce Development in Pennsylvania.” According to an April 9 Cedar Crest press release, she highlighted the growing demand for talent across key industries, persistent skills gaps, and the need for stronger partnerships between education and industry as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workforce.

Dr. Beverly Magda, Founding Director of Cedar Crest College’s Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology, moderated a panel on tech talent in industry, with discussion centered on hiring challenges, workforce development strategies and regional opportunities.

The summit concluded with a presentation by Karianne Gelinas, Vice President of Talent Strategies at Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp., who emphasized the Lehigh Valley’s economic strength, robust talent pipeline and emerging workforce trends. She noted the increasing importance of digital skills, critical thinking and careers in high-growth fields such as STEM, healthcare and manufacturing.

ADVANCE at Cedar Crest is enrolling. Information: www.cedarcrest.edu/advance