FutureMakers Coalition is a collective impact initiative working to help Southwest Floridians earn the high-quality credentials needed to enter the workforce. Our goal is to make sure 55% of adults between the ages of 25-64 in our region have education beyond high school by 2025.
FutureMakers Coalition has launched a new season of its podcast, Talent Talk, featuring in-depth conversations on talent and economic development. This fourth season explores topics like building workforce skills in rural counties, supporting adult learners, and prioritizing second chance hiring. Hosted by Tessa LeSage, the podcast brings together diverse perspectives from leaders and stakeholders in the field. New episodes are available on major streaming platforms and the FutureMakers website.
Welcome Megan and Diego
We’re thrilled to have two new members join the Collaboratory team with FutureMakers Coalition. Megan Greer officially joined the Collaboratory team as a Partnership Manager and Diego Sanchez as an Employer Recruitment Specialist.
Megan’s career includes work in many capacities to increase access to education, healthy food, livable environments, and supportive community programs. Megan served as a Workplace and Policy advocate for Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida before becoming the organization’s Executive Director. She is completing her master’s in public administration at Florida Gulf Coast University and has been named one of Naples Illustrated‘s Top 100 Leaders.
Diego brings a wealth of diverse experience from his work as an advisor in commercial real estate, where he successfully built strong relationships with clients and brokers. We’re thrilled to have him join the team, where he’ll be instrumental in helping FutureMakers’ reconnectors access resources and find employment in SWFL. Diego holds a Master of Arts in Theology and a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Welcome to the team Megan and Diego!
Holiday Happy Hour
Join us for a festive holiday happy hour on Thursday, December 19th from 4:00-6:00pm at Collaboratory! Mingle with fellow partners from FutureMakers Coalition, enjoy some holiday cheer, and expand your network! Don’t miss the fun of our
Ugly Sweater Contest, with the winner announced at 5:30pm!
Come ready to connect and celebrate the season together!
Second Chance Hiring Training
The Florida Chamber Foundation is partnering with Wellbeing & Equity Innovations (WEI) to expand the Second Chance Hiring and Retaining Talent initiative across Florida, helping businesses promote and retain second/fair chance hires. This initiative addresses workforce shortages by supporting the employment of individuals with criminal histories through tailored training, policies, and activities for over 100 businesses statewide. Guided by a statewide steering committee and technical workgroups, the program is designed to meet the unique needs of Florida industries in collaboration with the local business community.
Opportunities to Engage
Quarterly Regional Action Team Meetings:
- Persistence & Completion Team – Nov 18, 3:30-5:00 pm Register
FutureMakers Initiatives:
- Healthcare Systems Alignment Team – Nov 7, 9:00 – 10:00 am Register
- Data & Reporting Team – Nov 12, 3:00 – 4:30 pm Register
- Charlotte County Action Team – Nov 21, 2:00 – 3:30 pm Register
- Holiday Happy Hour – Dec 19, 4:00 – 6:00 pm Register
- Second Chance Hiring Training with the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Jan 29, 1:00 – 5:00pm Register
Job Seekers Available
We’re excited to highlight some incredible talent in our pipeline that’s ready for hire!
Here are six standout candidates with diverse skills, eager to make a difference. Want to learn more about them? Reach out to us for details—we believe RELATIONSHIPS will lead to their next great opportunity.
Email Diego, Employer Recruitment Specialist, at dsanchez@collaboratory.org.
FutureMakers Navigators
Are you interested in going back to school to complete your degree? Spring 2025 semester is right around the corner and it’s a great time to get the pre-enrollment steps complete. You are not alone- your FutureMakers Navigator can help walk you through the process!
Free Career Accelerator Programs for SWFL Residents at Florida Gulf Coast University
30+ micro-credentials, digital badges, and certifications are available free for residents of Southwest Florida. Learn more about these amazing opportunities made possible by the Lee County Economic Development Office and the Economic Development Authority. Reskill at FGCU
Sign up to connect to a Navigator at futuremakerscoaltiion.com/navigators
