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Gwinnett County, GA — More than 200 business, education, and community leaders gathered at Georgia Gwinnett College for Partnership Gwinnett’s inaugural Workforce Summit, marking a pivotal moment in shaping the future of workforce development across metro Atlanta. Themed “Gwinnovation at Work,” the summit spotlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to align education, business, and innovation to build a future-ready workforce.
Higher Education’s Role in Workforce Innovation
The summit opened with remarks from Dr. Darin Wilson, Vice President for Advancement and Community Engagement at Georgia Gwinnett College. Dr. Wilson emphasized higher education’s vital role in preparing tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and skilled workers who will power Georgia’s economic growth.
Setting the tone for the event, Google delivered a compelling keynote presentation centered on the value of investing in people and innovation.
“Gwinnett’s focus on the future of its talent pipeline is why companies are investing here in the Atlanta metro region,” shared keynote speaker Dr. Stephen Kamanu Ichatha.
Dr. Ichatha urged employers and educators to harness what he described as “The Power of Engagement” — a key lever to closing workforce gaps. He emphasized that disengagement is the enemy of progress and encouraged collaboration between businesses, educators, and workforce programs to create meaningful pathways to success.
A Data-Driven Approach to Closing Skill Gaps
The Workforce Summit built upon insights from June’s Workforce Forum, where local employers identified hiring challenges and skill shortages. This data directly shaped the summit’s agenda, driving conversations about industry partnerships, career readiness programs, and customized training solutions.
Leaders from Gwinnett County Public Schools, the Technical College System of Georgia, the University System of Georgia, and top employers discussed coordinated strategies to align education with in-demand careers in manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and logistics.
Building a Strong Talent Pipeline for Gwinnett
“This event puts our education systems, colleges, and employers in the same room — aligned around one goal: a strong talent pipeline for Gwinnett business,” said Kevin Carmichael, SVP of Economic Development at Partnership Gwinnett. “By coordinating efforts across K-12, post-secondary, and industry, we can keep our region thriving in a changing economy.”
Echoing that sentiment, Travis Almy, Chief Growth Officer at TRC Talent Solutions, noted the importance of connecting skilled workers to local opportunity.
“At TRC Talent Solutions, we see firsthand how access to skilled, motivated workers drives business success. Events like this strengthen the bridge between education and employment, helping employers connect with the talent they need while empowering individuals to grow their careers right here in Gwinnett.”
A Regional Leader in Workforce Development
The Partnership Gwinnett Workforce Summit is part of a broader strategy to position Gwinnett as a regional leader in workforce innovation and economic development. Through initiatives like the Workforce Forum and ongoing partnerships with schools, colleges, and major employers, the organization is creating a scalable model for other communities across Georgia to follow.
“Gwinnovation at Work” wasn’t just a theme — it was a call to action, urging business and education leaders to embrace creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking workforce strategies.
To learn more about Partnership Gwinnett’s mission and its partners in industry, talent, and community, visit PartnershipGwinnett.com
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