Pfuture Workforce Luncheon

Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation, business growth and economic opportunity—but a strong economy depends on having the talent and skills to sustain it.

Join us for a timely and candid workforce luncheon panel exploring what Texas employers need today, how those needs are changing, and whether our training systems are keeping pace. Panelists will examine the skills employers are struggling to find, the evolving value of degrees and credentials, and the impact of AI on the future.

The conversation will also tackle some of the harder questions facing Texas: How can we expand workforce participation when workers are navigating child care, transportation and housing costs? How can employers reach talented people they may be overlooking? And what can business, education, government and community leaders do differently to strengthen the workforce?

Register today and join the conversation! 

• Amber Warne, Sr. Director, Business Engagement, Workforce Solutions Capital Area
• Dr. Kelly Coke, Provost, Texas State Technical College
• Dr. Laura Marmalejo, Dean, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Technology
• Stacey Pfefferkorn, Director, Business & Workforce Development, PCDC
• Traci Hendrix, Executive Director of CCMR, Pflugerville ISD

Panel Bios

Amber Warne is a workforce development professional with over 15 years of experience and a first-generation college graduate from the University of Arizona. As the Senior Director of Business Engagement for Workforce Solutions Capital Area, she excels in shaping strategic partnerships between local businesses, educational institutions, and community-based organizations. Her expertise lies in establishing talent pipelines through industry partnerships, work-based learning, apprenticeships, and upskilling strategies. Amber is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and community collaboration, driving initiatives to support underserved populations and meet local industry demands.

Traci Hendrix serves as the Executive Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) at Pflugerville ISD. With over two decades of experience in education, Traci is dedicated to bridging the gap between K–12 learning and Central Texas's dynamic economy. In this role, she leads the strategic expansion of career, college, and military programs aligned directly with the region's most in-demand occupations and postsecondary advising to help students find their path to success. By fostering strong connections between classroom pathways and local industry needs, Traci works to empower students with market-relevant skills while building a robust, sustainable talent pipeline for local employers.