In our inaugural podcast episode, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris breaks down the urgent realities shaping New York City’s workforce development ecosystem. From how public dollars are being spent to support job seekers to the widening gap between low-wage and high-wage workers, Gregory brings sharp insight and lived experience to a critical conversation.

This episode is your inside look at:

Where New York City’s $640M workforce funding is really going, and who it’s leaving behind.

A reality check on underemployment in NYC, including the overlooked crisis facing middle-wage earners.

Why adult workforce development is underfunded and how that impacts long-term economic mobility.

The challenges nonprofits face in navigating NYC's contracting and procurement systems.

A candid call to philanthropy and business leaders to commit to long-term, multi-year workforce investments.

How equity, accessibility, and diversity must become core tenets of the city’s workforce future.

With underemployment topping 900,000 residents, stagnant wages in fast-growing industries like healthcare and hospitality, and a vanishing middle class, NYC must rethink how it invests in its workers.

This episode dives into the disconnect between economic development and workforce development, and how to fix it. Whether you’re a policymaker, nonprofit leader, business owner, funder, or job seeker, this episode lays out what’s at stake and what must change.

Explore the full conversation on how to build a workforce system that works for everyone.

Topics: Workforce development, public funding, underemployment, youth employment, equity, nonprofit contracting, economic mobility, NYC jobs, middle class, training programs

In this mini episode, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris and Citizens Union Executive Director Grace Rauh sit down to unpack the latest indictments to drop against seven individuals, including Ingrid Lewis-Martin, and this week's scandal involving Winnie Greco — a longtime ally of Mayor Adams who resigned last year as his Asian community liaison after being the subject of multiple investigations.

Greco has recently re-emerged as a visible presence in the mayor’s re-election campaign and reportedly attempted to hand THE CITY reporter Katie Honan a wad of cash in a red envelope tucked inside an open bag of potato chips.

Greg and Grace share their first impressions of the controversy and discuss what it reveals about public trust and accountability across all levels of government, especially with mayoral elections on the horizon this fall.

Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 15 minutes, perfect for leaders on the go who want clear analysis and bold ideas for NYC’s workforce future.

Topics: scandal, political accountability, mayoral elections, public trust, ethics in government, media and transparency, voter confidence, civic engagement, NYC politics, watchdog journalism, leadership credibility

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Gregory J. Morris sits down with David Fischer, Interim Executive Director of the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP), for a conversation on the state of New York’s workforce development system and what it will take to unlock true mobility for workers.

Drawing on his decades of leadership across city government, education, philanthropy, and nonprofit advocacy, David reflects on the throughline of his career: building systems that center people. From his early work founding the workforce policy desk at the Center for an Urban Future, to championing CTE innovation at NYC DOE, to launching the Center for Youth Employment, his trajectory underscores the power of aligning policy, philanthropy, and lived experience.

Greg and David unpack the systemic challenges holding back progress: fragmented funding streams, misaligned performance metrics, and a scarcity mindset that leads to short-term fixes rather than durable solutions. 

The conversation highlights what’s at stake if New York continues to underinvest in its workforce infrastructure, and what’s possible if policymakers treat workforce equity as essential to the state’s future competitiveness and inclusive growth.

This episode offers a blueprint for moving from “just employment” to real mobility, calling on listeners, advocates, and policymakers alike to help reclaim the ladder of opportunity for New Yorkers too often left behind.
Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Topics: Workforce policy reform, NYATEP, systemic alignment, workforce equity, middle-wage jobs, care economy, reskilling pathways, poverty and opportunity, NYCETC, funding fragmentation, long-term investment, career mobility

Gregory J. Morris sits down with Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of FPWA, for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven leadership, the realities of economic deprivation, and the urgent need to rethink how we measure and achieve economic dignity for New Yorkers.

Jennifer opens up about her personal journey, from growing up as the daughter of civil rights leader Rev. William Augustus Jones Jr. to facing and overcoming a life-threatening battle with leukemia. Through stories of faith, family, and recovery, she shares how these deeply formative experiences shaped her unwavering commitment to service, equity, and systems change.

Greg and Jennifer dig into her career spanning senior city government roles, leading the NYC Racial Justice Commission, and shepherding the groundbreaking “True Cost of Living” ballot measure into law. They unpack the concept of “structural economic deprivation,” revealing how outdated poverty metrics and flawed policy design leave too many working New Yorkers unable to make ends meet.

From low wages and benefits cliffs to inaccessible child care and the often-overlooked toll of trauma, Jennifer makes the case for a new framework, one that treats advocacy, wraparound supports, and trauma-informed care as essential pillars of workforce development. 

This conversation moves from the deeply personal to the urgently political, offering both inspiration and a clear-eyed call to action for policymakers, practitioners, and anyone who believes that economic security should be a right, not a privilege.

Stream the full episode and subscribe for future conversations with changemakers, industry leaders, and the voices shaping New York’s workforce future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: Purpose-driven leadership, structural economic deprivation, economic dignity, workforce equity, poverty measurement reform, trauma-informed care, advocacy as infrastructure, FPWA, True Cost of Living, NYC public policy, racial equity, systemic change, child care access, wraparound supports, NYCETC

In this mini episode, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris issues an urgent call to action in response to the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and the real-time threats it poses to essential safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP. 

Greg reflects on NYCETC’s recent mobilization, where over 100 organizations joined a collective letter opposing the federal government’s push toward economic contraction. He discusses why any effort to reduce access to healthcare and food security is also an attack on economic mobility, equitable job opportunities, and employment growth.

If New York is to remain a place of opportunity, leaders at every level must rethink how we use our dollars, how we collaborate, and how we move forward with collective strength.

Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 15 minutes, perfect for leaders on the go who want clear analysis and bold ideas for NYC’s workforce future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: federal policy, Medicaid, SNAP, safety net cuts, economic contraction, workforce stability, family security, public investment, collective action, economic mobility, civic engagement, NYCETC

Gregory J. Morris is joined by Maria Lizardo, Executive Director of NMIC and longtime human services leader, for a powerful and personal conversation about what it takes to lead with heart, humility, and impact in today’s nonprofit sector.

Maria reflects on her journey from organizing in Washington Heights to becoming NMIC’s first Latina Executive Director, sharing how her upbringing, early professional experiences, and personal conviction shaped her values-driven leadership style. 

Together, Greg and Maria confront one of the most avoided topics in the nonprofit world: failure. From funder pressures to cultural expectations, Maria lays out the invisible costs of perfectionism and, in particular, the toll it takes on women of color in leadership. They unpack why embracing failure is a critical function of innovation, healing, and sustainable systems change.

As the episode moves through leadership lessons, service delivery challenges, and broader calls to action for city and state leaders, Maria offers wisdom forged through decades of advocacy and organizing. Care is infrastructure, metrics must serve the mission (not the other way around), and systems must make room for truth, risk, and real transformation.

Stream the full episode and subscribe for future conversations with changemakers, industry leaders, and the voices shaping New York’s workforce future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Topics: Nonprofit leadership, cultural stigma around failure, women of color in leadership, workforce equity, human services workforce, immigrant communities, Latina leadership, systemic advocacy, care infrastructure, NMIC, NYC public policy, trust-based funding, NYCETC

In this first mini episode, Gregory J. Morris offers a look at what New York City’s 2025 Democratic primary results mean for the future of workers, affordability, and public investment. As general election season heats up, this episode delivers a sharp call to action for incoming leadership: workforce equity and affordability aren’t side issues; they are the foundation of a thriving city.

Greg lays out the stakes: early policy signals from candidates, and the urgent need for real outcomes. He challenges City Hall to embrace workforce providers as strategic partners in building an inclusive and resilient New York City.

This mini episode delivers focused insights on what the primary reveals about voter priorities on jobs, cost of living, and public services; what real leadership requires: smart investments, transparent metrics, and collaboration; why the next administration must treat affordability, equity, and mobility as interconnected

Topics: NYC mayoral primary, workforce equity, affordability, economic mobility, public investment, labor market, NYCETC

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Gregory J. Morris sits down with Andrew Rasiej, civic and social entrepreneur, technology strategist, and Founder of Civic Hall @ Union Square. Together, they explore Andrew’s roots in grassroots innovation, the sweeping disruption of generative AI, and what city and state leaders must do to build a more equitable digital economy.

The discussion begins with Andrew’s early years transforming Irving Plaza into a community space and witnessing the stark digital divide just outside his window. That awareness sparked a decades-long journey: from early efforts to bring tech access to public schools to launching Civic Hall as a national hub for innovation. Andrew shares the moments that shaped his career and why equity has always been the driving force behind his work.

With AI accelerating at breakneck speed, Andrew and Greg examine the dramatic reset now facing workforce systems across the country. From training pipelines and school curricula to outdated infrastructure, they unpack why this moment demands more than incremental change and what it means for middle-skill workers who risk being left behind.

This episode offers a powerful call to action for policymakers, nonprofit leaders, technologists, and public workforce officials: if we’re to build an equitable AI future, we must fundamentally rethink how we train, govern, and lead in the digital age.

Whether you're navigating workforce funding, leading public systems, or trying to understand what AI means for the future of work, this episode offers sharp insights, personal reflections, and a roadmap for what comes next.

Stream the full episode and subscribe for future conversations with changemakers, industry leaders, and the voices shaping New York’s workforce future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: AI disruption, civic tech, workforce innovation, equity, digital access, public policy, training infrastructure, Civic Hall, middle-skill jobs, NYC digital future, leadership in tech

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, host Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC, sits down with David Lebenstein Executive Managing Director and Co-Chair of Cushman & Wakefield’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Group, for a deep dive into how real estate decisions shape the future of New York City’s workforce and nonprofit sector.

Greg and David explore how questions about buying, selling, or leasing space are far more than financial considerations; they are questions about mission, strategy, and organizational survival.

David draws on decades of experience helping nonprofits navigate complex real estate deals, including Manhattan Neighborhood Network’s transformation of its space into a vibrant media hub. He explains why timing is crucial in today’s market, why most nonprofits still lease rather than buy, and how enlightened developers can create win-win solutions for communities.

The conversation covers the impact of remote work on space needs, the challenges of making long-term decisions in a moment of uncertainty, and the opportunity for nonprofits to leverage today’s tenant-friendly market. Greg and David also discuss the intersection of workforce development, city planning, and the “City of Yes” rezoning efforts, highlighting the urgent need for thoughtful leadership and public-private collaboration.

Topics: nonprofit real estate strategy, leasing vs. buying, endowments and long-term sustainability, COVID-19’s impact on office space, community development, mission-driven decision-making, landlord-tenant dynamics, human services funding, workforce equity, affordable housing, zoning and land use, NYC real estate market trends, leadership in times of change, win-win development strategies

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In this mini episode, real estate veteran David Lebenstein, Executive Managing Director, Not For Profit Specialty Practice Group at Cushman & Wakefield, joins The NYC Workforce Drop to share a powerful story about balancing development pressures with the moral imperative to keep vulnerable New Yorkers housed.

David walks listeners through two real-world examples where nonprofits faced difficult decisions about selling or renovating Single Room Occupancy (SRO) buildings with residents still living inside. Instead of displacing tenants, David and his partners worked with City Hall to close financial gaps, protect residents, and ensure dignified transitions when relocation was necessary.

The conversation highlights the friction between market forces and mission-driven goals, the importance of creative problem-solving, and the human impact of policy choices.

Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 15 minutes, perfect for leaders on the go who want clear analysis and bold ideas for NYC’s workforce future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: affordable housing, nonprofit partnerships, SRO preservation, ethical development, tenant protection, City Hall negotiations, housing policy, displacement prevention, public-private collaboration, NYC real estate

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, host Gregory J Morris, CEO of NYCETC, sits down with Collin Smith, Director at The Information Lab US and the leader of The Data School’s U.S. operations. Together, they explore how innovative apprenticeship models are opening doors to high-demand data careers for New Yorkers from all backgrounds.

Collin shares his personal journey from nonprofit data storytelling to building a pipeline of data professionals through a paid, 24-month, cohort-based program that prioritizes potential over pedigree. He breaks down how the Data School approach removes traditional barriers—such as degree requirements and resume screenings—while equipping participants with in-demand skills in data visualization, analytics, and cloud tools.

The conversation highlights why apprenticeships matter now more than ever: connecting untapped talent with employer demand, fostering economic mobility, and creating more inclusive workforce pipelines. Greg and Collin also discuss how data literacy is becoming a core competency across industries and why scalable models like this could redefine workforce development for NYC.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: apprenticeships, data careers, potential-based hiring, workforce equity, economic mobility, diversity in tech, data literacy, mentorship, employer demand, training-to-placement models, NYC workforce development, inclusive pipelines, future of work

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, host Gregory J Morris, CEO of NYCETC, sits down with Grace Rauh, award-winning former NY1 political reporter, founder of the 5Boro Institute, and now Executive Director of Citizens Union.

Together, they trace Grace’s journey from journalism to civic leadership and explore how her work is shaping systemic reform across New York City.

Grace shares why childcare must be viewed as essential civic infrastructure, keeping families rooted in the city and ensuring that parents, especially women, can fully participate in the workforce.

She also breaks down her call to “finish the job” on election reform by expanding access for New York’s 1+ million unaffiliated voters, aligning local elections with higher-turnout years, and protecting the city’s pioneering campaign finance system.

The conversation goes beyond elections to spotlight Citizens Union’s broader push for stronger ethics enforcement, independent oversight, and building public trust in government through transparency and accountability.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion about the connections between democracy, opportunity, and the systems that make New York work for all.

Topics: Civic reform, Citizens Union, election reform, open primaries, voter participation, campaign finance, childcare as infrastructure, women in the workforce, public trust, government accountability, ethics and oversight, transparency, inclusive democracy, civic leadership, New York City governance

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In this NYC Workforce Drop Mini Pod, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris shares his remarks from the City & State Economic Development & Workforce Summit, where NYCETC served as a co-sponsor alongside leaders from across the city and state.

Greg underscores why workforce and economic development cannot be treated as separate conversations. He calls out the persistent gaps—gender and racial wage disparities, unemployment inequities, and the lack of strong on-ramps for local talent into major economic projects—while outlining bold solutions for aligning policy, investment, and accountability.

From the urgent need to better serve prime-age workers and public housing residents, to strengthening wraparound supports like childcare and transit, Greg lays out NYCETC’s Workforce Development Agenda as a roadmap for a more equitable, transparent, and opportunity-driven system. He also makes the case for new city structures—such as a deputy mayor for workforce and economic mobility—and a statewide Empire State Workforce Alliance to unite priorities across New York.

With rising costs, stagnant wages, and a pivotal election just weeks away, Greg emphasizes that the stakes could not be higher. But with coordinated action, he argues, New York can stop managing scarcity and start building prosperity—delivering dignity, mobility, and opportunity for every New Yorker.

Listen now to hear why workforce must be at the center of NYC’s economic future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 15 minutes, perfect for leaders on the go who want clear analysis and bold ideas for NYC’s workforce future.

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, host Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC, sits down with Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, for a powerful conversation about equity, leadership, and resilience in New York City’s social safety net.

Grace reflects on her journey as the daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants in Queens, where early experiences interpreting for her parents shaped her pursuit of law and public service. She takes us inside her years at the Human Resources Administration (HRA), where she rose from staff attorney to agency leader, navigating moments of crisis like Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic. Grace shares candid stories about fighting for immigrant families, implementing emergency food supports like D-SNAP, and the human toll of leading a workforce during unprecedented times.

Now at the helm of United Way of New York City, Grace speaks to the urgent challenges facing New Yorkers as federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid loom. She underscores the pressure on local nonprofits and food pantries, and the collective responsibility to ensure that families remain fed, healthy, and supported. Greg and Grace close by looking ahead to the city’s political future, where she offers clear advice for the next mayor: hire people who know what they’re doing, keep ideology in check, and focus on the basics of health and food security.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: immigrant experience, law and public service, HRA and DHS leadership, emergency response (Hurricane Sandy, COVID-19), food insecurity and SNAP, nonprofit resilience, equity in government systems, immigrant rights, United Way’s role in NYC, leadership in times of crisis, lessons for the next mayor

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Kalilah Moon, Executive Director of Drive Change, and Debbie Roman, Managing Director, New York, at Per Scholas, for a conversation that bridges personal journeys, nonprofit innovation, and systems-level change.

Kalilah reflects on her path from Oakland to New York, sharing early career lessons from The Door to leading Drive Change’s culinary training and social enterprise work with justice-involved youth. She opens up about leadership growth, tough decisions, and the power of rebranding a food truck into a broader movement for equity and opportunity.

Debbie traces her journey from Puerto Rico to New York’s workforce ecosystem, spotlighting how strategic partnerships and intentional training pathways at Per Scholas are closing gaps in the tech sector for underrepresented communities.

Together, they tackle questions of economic mobility, affordability, and how nonprofits can sustain impact in a changing city.

Greg, Kalilah, and Debbie also preview NYCETC’s annual conference, “Advancing Affordability Through Jobs, Wages, and Wealth,” discussing why now is the time to align systems, center workforce development in the city’s policy agenda, and hold leadership accountable for tangible change.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: nonprofit leadership, culinary and tech training, reentry and workforce, affordability crisis, partnerships and systems alignment, NYC workforce ecosystem, leadership journeys, strategic advocacy.

In this mini episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris welcomes Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, back on the pod to unpack the devastating ripple effects of the federal government shutdown on millions of New Yorkers.

As critical safety net programs like SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid face cuts and delays, families are being forced to choose between rent, food, and medicine. Grace shares alarming data from United Way’s network of 400 pantries, where visits have surged 86% since 2019, and underscores how the shutdown deepens an already dire affordability crisis.

Greg and Grace explore what’s at stake for working families, the mounting strain on community organizations, and the urgent need for local and corporate leaders to fill the gap left by federal inaction.

Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 20 minutes, perfect for leaders on the go who want clear analysis and bold ideas for NYC’s workforce future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)
Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: government shutdown, food insecurity, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, safety net, economic equity, community resilience, workforce stability, philanthropy, New York policy

In this special mini episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Debbie Roman to share some exciting personal news. After three and a half impactful years at Per Scholas New York, Debbie is joining National Grid to lead workforce development initiatives connecting employers and community-based organizations across New York City and the state.

Debbie reflects on her two decades in the nonprofit sector and how her new role at National Grid represents the perfect bridge between employer engagement and community impact. She and Greg discuss how the energy company’s growing commitment to workforce pathways aligns with NYCETC’s mission to create inclusive economic opportunity.

Listeners will hear firsthand how Debbie plans to leverage her experience to connect the dots between the corporate and nonprofit sectors: building stronger partnerships, shaping equitable pipelines into energy careers, and driving systemic change across New York’s workforce ecosystem.

Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 15 minutes, perfect for leaders on the go who want clear analysis and bold ideas for NYC’s workforce future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: workforce development, employer partnerships, energy sector jobs, career pathways, community engagement, nonprofit leadership, equitable hiring, economic opportunity, corporate social responsibility, New York workforce ecosystem

In this mini episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris dives into the recent New York City mayoral debates and the glaring silence around jobs and workforce development. While candidates sparred over affordability and business incentives, critical conversations about wages, job quality, and equitable access to opportunity barely surfaced.

Greg breaks down why workforce development must be central to any serious economic plan, connecting the dots between corporate growth, community benefit, and long-term investment in New Yorkers’ skills. He calls out the missing scaffolding between economic and workforce development and challenges the next mayor to build it.

This episode asks one key question: if affordability is the headline issue, how can we afford to ignore the workforce?

Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 15 minutes, perfect for leaders on the go who want clear analysis and bold ideas for NYC’s workforce future.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: NYC Mayoral debates, affordability, economic development, workforce development, wages, job quality, re-skilling, up-skilling, accountability, New York City workforce

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa (District 10) for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about care, courage, and the fight to make New York City work better for working people.

From her early years growing up in Upper Manhattan as the daughter of Dominican immigrants to chairing the Council’s Committee on Civil Service and Labor, De La Rosa traces her journey through Catholic church basements, a history-making Assembly win, and the pandemic-era decision to run for City Council while raising her daughter.

With Greg, she explores imposter syndrome, how lived experience fuels public service, and what it means to “occupy every room for the people back home.” Together, they dig into the realities facing New York’s workforce, from municipal hiring bottlenecks and nine-month onboarding delays to the two-for-one hiring policy and why frontline city workers are carrying the load of three.

CM De La Rosa also spotlights the fights she’s taken on, from SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes to Amazon and Teamsters organizing, from nurses to newsroom workers, using her committee as a platform to demand dignity, safety, and a real seat at the table.

Looking ahead, the conversation turns to what’s next: grading the outgoing administration, calling for bold, not whispered, governance on Day One of a new mayoralty, and defining the Council’s role in aligning budgets, plugging federal holes, and centering families, stability, and mobility in the future of New York City.
Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: care and courage in public service; immigrant leadership and representation; workforce systems as civic infrastructure; labor solidarity and worker dignity; civil service reform and hiring equity; wage justice and the Construction Justice Act; family, caregiving, and resilience in leadership; City Hall transitions and future council leadership

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Teresa Gonzalez, partner at Bolton-St. Johns and principal at DalyGonzalez Consulting, for a candid, pragmatic conversation about what it takes to build a healthier, more affordable New York where workforce is the throughline across every policy area.

Teresa traces her journey from a Puerto Rican kid growing up in Williamsburg to roles at the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, and into values-aligned government relations work. She opens up about why she prioritizes directness with clients, the power of structure and coalition-building, and how her portfolio keeps her anchored to impact.

With Greg, she reframes workforce development as the scaffolding of a city: a cradle-to-later-life system that ties affordability, small business vitality, immigration, arts and culture, and economic mobility together. The two dig into what happens when that scaffolding breaks down, how to make workforce legible to elected officials, and why advocates should help leaders refine agendas rather than just pitch ideas. They also look ahead to City Hall’s next chapter—what an incoming mayor and Council leadership will need, how the New Majority changed representation (and why it matters for policy), and the wins a workforce-first agenda can deliver.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: workforce as economic scaffolding; coalition strategy; values-aligned lobbying; arts, immigration, and small business linkages; affordability and mobility; City Hall transitions; New Majority & Council leadership; truth-telling in advocacy; cradle-to-career/later-life training

In this mini episode, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Stephanie Birmingham, NYCETC’s Director of Community and Operations, to talk about what it really means to make the 2025 NYCETC Conference accessible and inclusive.

Drawing from her decade-long experience managing events at the Whitney Museum, Stephanie shares how accessibility planning goes far beyond checking an ADA box, instead, focusing on designing spaces where every attendee can fully participate. She and Greg discuss lessons learned from past conferences and why accessibility must be integrated into every operational detail, from amplified sound and signage to lactation and quiet rooms.

The conversation also lifts up the collaborative work happening across City agencies and community partners to raise the bar on inclusion, showing how accessibility, like workforce, is both a commitment and a continuous process of learning and improvement.

Mini episodes of The NYC Workforce Drop deliver high-impact insights in under 15 minutes—perfect for leaders on the go who want clear ideas and real strategies to strengthen New York City’s workforce ecosystem.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)
Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: accessibility, inclusion, event design, workforce equity, universal design, community partnerships, disability inclusion, operational best practices, NYCETC Conference

NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris is joined by Ngozi Okaro, founder and CEO of Custom Collaborative, for a conversation that threads together personal journey, workforce innovation, and a vision for a fairer fashion economy. From a childhood decision to practice law to a purpose-driven pivot into nonprofits (and the late-night sewing sessions that sparked a social enterprise) Ngozi unpacks how values, craft, and systems thinking led to a decade of training and dignified work for New Yorkers.

Grounded in real talk (Niagara Falls, corn mazes, and Anchor Bar wings make cameos), Greg and Ngozi dig into what it takes to help people thrive and advance. They cover Custom Collaborative’s model (a free, stipend-supported 15-week training; an incubator for jobs, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship; and worker-owned co-ops), why childcare is workforce infrastructure, and how wellness and belonging drive outcomes. The pair also look ahead to upskilling for the fashion jobs of tomorrow, from computerized machinery and 3D tools to circularity practices like felting and weaving, and connect the dots between city and state policy, affordability, and employer investment in talent.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: ethical and sustainable fashion; stipend-supported training and completion; incubators and worker co-ops; childcare as workforce infrastructure; wellness and retention; upskilling (advanced machinery, 3D tools, circularity); immigrant and women’s economic mobility; NYC–NYS policy alignment; affordability, wages, and wealth building.

On a wet, gray Halloween-eve in Manhattan, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, president of Empire State University (SUNY Empire), for a high-energy conversation about expanding opportunity through high-quality online public education. From her scholarly roots in 16th–17th century women’s cultural history to leading a 98% online SUNY institution serving 17,500 students across every NY county, all 50 states, and 50 countries, Dr. Vollendorf traces how access, design, and partnerships move learners from “some college” to completion.

They dig into what “quality” means for asynchronous learning—universal design, a robust digital learning environment, data-driven student supports—and why SUNY Empire’s ecosystem meets learners where they are. The pair also tackles basic needs and policy shocks: SUNY Empire’s virtual food pantry, GI Bill interruptions and emergency scholarships during the shutdown, and anticipated SNAP cutbacks, as well as how colleges, employers, agencies, and philanthropy can blunt the impact.

Workforce is the throughline: SUNY Empire builds cohort pathways, evaluates prior learning (up to 93 transfer credits), and stacks certificates toward degrees while meeting urgent employer skill needs (including emerging AI capabilities). The duo drives home the idea that a college degree remains a powerful driver of mobility and community wellbeing, and how business investment plus flexible public higher ed can scale it.

Topics: online/asynchronous quality & universal design; digital learning environments & data; prior learning assessment & transfer; apprenticeship/union pathways; basic needs, GI Bill gaps & SNAP cutbacks; employer partnership models; stackable credentials to degrees; reskilling/upskilling for AI-era roles; adult learner completion & social mobility; NYC–state workforce alignment; equity, affordability, and belonging.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In this Thanksgiving mini-episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, Encore Community Services Executive Director Jeremy Kaplan returns to share what the holiday really looks like inside one of New York City’s most mission-driven older adult organizations. What starts as a simple question — “What’s going on at Encore on Thanksgiving?” — unfolds into a vivid picture of community care at scale.

Jeremy walks Greg through the astonishing scope of Encore’s holiday operation: 25,000 meals cooked during the week of Thanksgiving in a small Times Square basement kitchen; 7,000 to 8,000 meals dispatched up to the Bronx each week; and 4,000 special Thanksgiving lunches prepared on the holiday itself. About 300 older adults join Encore in Midtown for a family-style feast complete with live music and full table service, while thousands more receive a home-delivered Thanksgiving meal crafted with all the classics — turkey, yams, collard greens, cranberry sauce, rolls, and more.

With well over 100 volunteers supporting the day — from managing the in-person celebration to delivering meals up and down the West Side — Jeremy reflects on how Encore ensures older New Yorkers feel connection, dignity, and warmth on a day that can otherwise magnify loneliness. The work is about making sure every older adult knows someone is thinking of them.

Greg and Jeremy close with reflections on gratitude, chosen family, and the joy Jeremy finds in returning home after a full day of service — including to his beloved mini cockapoo, Cody — with a renewed appreciation for togetherness. Their message is simple and powerful: no one in this city should ever feel alone on Thanksgiving, or any day.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with leaders shaping New York’s workforce, care systems, and communities.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J Morris sits down with Jeremy Kaplan, Executive Director of Encore Community Services, for a warm, funny, and moving conversation about what it means to grow older and to never have to do it alone. From barefoot Florida Thanksgivings and anxiety-inducing “what are you thankful for?” rituals to New York City chosen family traditions, Greg and Jeremy explore how holidays crystallize our deepest fears and hopes about togetherness, aging, and belonging. 

Jeremy traces his journey from classroom teacher and school founder to head of one of New York City’s largest older adult–serving nonprofits, rooted in the basement of St. Malachy’s “Actors’ Chapel” in the theater district. He shares Encore’s origin story, from a few dozen hot meals to a multi-site hub that now feeds, houses, and connects thousands of older New Yorkers, and breaks down what “community care” really looks like on the ground. 

Together, Greg and Jeremy zoom out from the holiday table to the systems that shape how we age. They grapple with loneliness as a public health crisis, ageism in hiring, and why older adults are both disproportionately poor and a vastly underestimated economic engine. 

Along the way, they spotlight NYC Aging’s chronic underfunding, the Human Services Council’s Just Pay campaign, and the paradox of a human services workforce paid poverty wages to fight poverty itself.

As listeners prep turkeys, mac and cheese, or a pernil for chosen family, this episode doubles as a love letter to older New Yorkers and a call to action: to value caregiving, invest in human services, and build a city where nobody has to spend the holidays, or any day, in the shadows. 

Topics: Thanksgiving, family, and chosen family; aging, loneliness, and community care; Encore Community Services and Times Square’s theater roots; older adults as an economic engine; ageism and second-act careers; community schools and wraparound services; LGBTQ+ elders, dignity, and home-based care; human services workforce, Just Pay, and wage justice; NYC Aging and city budget priorities; building a New York where no one ages alone.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J. Morris sits down with Wayne Ho, president and CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, community power, and what it really takes to move policy when the stakes are highest.

Wayne traces his journey from being the child of immigrants to leading the nation’s largest Asian American social services organization. With Greg, he unpacks how partnership with his wife and a trusted leadership team makes it possible to juggle family life, night meetings, board service, and crisis response, without losing sight of the people at the center of it all.

Together, they revisit SOMOS—FOMOs included—and the shift in mood from last year’s federal anxiety to this year’s post-election optimism. Wayne breaks down how CPC responds when crisis hits, from SNAP cuts and food insecurity to the dual pandemics of COVID and anti-Asian hate. He shares how CPC built a real policy engine, helped win the $30 million AAPI Equity Budget, and sparked parallel victories for Latinx and Black communities, without playing “oppression Olympics” and instead growing the pie for all.

The conversation also digs into the nuts and bolts of power-building in human services: funded vs. unfunded mandates, wage justice for frontline workers through Just Pay and Fair Pay for Home Care, and why authentic relationships with government matter when a bad RFP drops or law enforcement shows up at your afterschool program.

Looking ahead, Greg asks Wayne for his message to the mayor-elect. Wayne calls for a true reset that treats nonprofits as partners, not vendors; centers the city’s most marginalized residents; and surrounds City Hall with leaders who are deeply rooted in community. And, yes, the episode ends where all serious policy conversations eventually do: professional wrestling, podcasts, and a teaser for a future episode devoted entirely to their shared fandom.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: immigrant leadership and family; crisis response and community care; SNAP cuts, food insecurity, and anti-Asian hate; building AAPI, Latinx, and Black equity budgets; human services as civic infrastructure; funded vs. unfunded mandates; wage justice, Just Pay, and Fair Pay for Home Care; coalition-building, disagreement, and trust; nonprofit–government partnership in a new administration; SOMOS, FOMO, and AAPI–Latinx solidarity; joy, wrestling, and staying human in the work.

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Greg Morris welcomes Kathy Wylde, outgoing president & CEO of the Partnership for New York City, for a conversation about affordability, power, and the future of New York’s workforce and economy.

Kathy reflects on five decades of shaping the city, from her early organizing in Sunset Park to partnering with David Rockefeller to rebuild neighborhoods in the 1980s. She breaks down her idea of “horizontal and vertical networks,” explaining why real progress in housing, workforce, and economic development requires connections from block associations and community boards all the way to corporate leaders, banks, and federal partners.

Greg and Kathy discuss priorities for the new administration, including childcare, housing production and preservation, employer engagement, and strengthening the city’s talent pipeline through initiatives like CUNY Beyond. Kathy also offers insights on political power shifts, what surprises business leaders, and the traits that make an effective mayor.

The conversation closes with personal reflections on career, legacy, and Kathy’s “pastel life” in Puerto Rico, a contrast to the intensity of New York and a reminder of the perspective needed to lead through change.

A thoughtful, high-impact episode on leadership, collaboration, and building a more affordable and economically vibrant city.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In the final episode of the year of The NYC Workforce Drop, NYCETC CEO Gregory J Morris sits down with NYS Assembly Member Amanda Septimo (AD-84) for a conversation about leadership rooted in community, workforce equity, and New York’s next political chapter.

A lifelong Bronxite, AM Septimo reflects on her path from early organizing and community advocacy to elected office, and how her lived experience continues to inform her approach to policymaking. She shares what it means to lead with accountability to place, bringing the voices, needs, and aspirations of Bronx families directly into Albany, and how that grounding shapes her priorities around affordability, public health, education-to-career pathways, and workforce access for working adults.

With Greg, AM Septimo digs into the often-overlooked role state policy plays in shaping New York City’s workforce system, from funding decisions and eligibility rules to the alignment (or misalignment) between city and state priorities. Together, they explore how workforce systems function as economic infrastructure and why access, equity, and mobility must remain central as New York navigates ongoing labor shortages, rising costs of living, and widening opportunity gaps.

The conversation also looks ahead. Against the backdrop of a new mayoral administration, a shifting federal landscape, and AM Septimo’s recent announcement to run for Congress, they unpack what this moment of transition means for Bronx communities, city–state coordination, and the responsibility of workforce leaders, advocates, and policymakers to stay engaged as New York defines what comes next.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: leadership grounded in community; Bronx-rooted policymaking; workforce equity for working adults; affordability and economic mobility; education-to-career pathways; public health and local economic opportunity; city–state coordination; political transition and future leadership; staying engaged in shaping New York’s next chapter.

In this mini episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, Gregory J. Morris, Stephanie Birmingham, Courtney Granger, and Jennifer Tausig dig into the conference comment cards—what attendees told NYCETC about communications, content, and what the next mayoral administration should prioritize on workforce and economic development.

The group reads directly from the cards, surfacing candid, sometimes surprising feedback: calls for new leadership voices inside government, stronger representation from social workers, immigrants, and people with lived experience.

They also reflect on recurring themes attendees wanted elevated in future convenings—from alternatives to incarceration and public safety, to thicker pipelines between CUNY and government careers, and a desire for solutions-focused conversations that move beyond diagnosing problems.

On the communications side, the conversation covers what people actually want to engage with: podcasts, meetups, infographics with video, walk-and-talks, and more accessible, centralized stages that reach audiences both in-person and online. The episode underscores how attendee feedback directly shaped this year’s conference—and will continue to shape NYCETC’s strategy going forward.

The mini pod closes with reflections on the “less swag, more good” initiative, directing conference funds to frontline organizations like the New York Immigration Coalition, and a look ahead to what’s coming next, including a 100-day analysis of the new administration and ideas for 2026.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)
Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In this episode of The NYC Workforce Drop, Gregory J. Morris, CEO of NYCETC, is joined by Stephanie Birmingham, NYCETC Director of Community & Operations, Courtney Granger, and Jennifer Tausig for a real-time debrief of the 2025 NYCETC Conference—what resonated, what surprised them, and what comes next for the workforce field.

Together, they unpack the energy inside (and outside) the rooms: the “workforce prom” reunions, the hard truths about systems that still don’t work for too many New Yorkers, and the conference through-lines—power, coalition-building, and the plumbing of public systems that need more than patchwork fixes.

The conversation digs into standout moments and themes, including the push to get more specific—and more honest—about how AI is changing work, the renewed urgency around advocacy, and the case for wraparound supports backed by data and ROI. They also explore why workforce is still treated as an afterthought in economic development and why small businesses, neighborhood health, and “warm handoffs” to employers have to be central to the next chapter.

The episode closes with lightning-round reflections, what’s giving each guest hope (and urgency) heading into 2026, and an invitation to stay engaged as NYCETC carries conference momentum forward—through partnerships, metrics that matter, and a clearer story about who gets the job done.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)
Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In this NYC Workforce Drop mini episode, Greg Morris talks with Jeff Brault, Vice President of Global Public Affairs at Hornblower Group, about how NYC Ferry invests in training, retention, and long-term career growth for its workforce.

Jeff breaks down what deckhand training actually includes, from customer service and ADA accessibility to safety, emergency response, and hands-on learning on active ferry routes. He also explains how ongoing professional development, internal training programs, and mentorship support career mobility, including pathways to captain licensure and advanced maritime roles.

The conversation highlights the employer investment required to make workforce development work—and why sustainable training pathways depend on long-term commitment, public–private partnership, and a focus on retention rather than churn.

Listen in for a look at how NYC Ferry is building durable maritime careers on New York City’s waterfront.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Welcome aboard the NYC Workforce Drop as NYC Employment and Training Coalition CEO Greg Morris sits down with Jeff Brault, Vice President of Global Public Affairs at Hornblower Group, for a conversation about the “blue highway” and why water transit is more than just a scenic commute.

Recorded at Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Greg and Jeff dig into what makes NYC Ferry feel like the “People’s Yacht,” from skyline views (even in freezing weather) to a strong rider culture. They break down the basics—routes and stops, fares and discount programs, and why the NYC Ferry app can be a game-changer for planning trips.

But the heart of the episode is workforce: Jeff shares how NYC Ferry is helping open doors to maritime careers for New Yorkers who’ve never imagined themselves working on the water. Hear how many captains started as entry-level deckhands, what it takes to move up, and why access to waterfront jobs matters in a city with hundreds of miles of shoreline.

Plus: the story behind NYC Ferry’s 50 millionth rider, how ferries show up in moments of crisis, and a look ahead to NYC Ferry’s February 10 career fair at Brooklyn Borough Hall as hiring ramps up for the busy season.

Whether you ride daily or have never stepped on board, this episode is a deep dive into transit, opportunity, and the future of NYC’s waterfront.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: the “blue highway” and the future of NYC’s waterways; public transportation as workforce and economic development; NYC Ferry routes, fares, and accessibility; reduced-fare programs and transit equity; ferry culture and the “People’s Yacht”; maritime careers and entry-level pathways; deckhand-to-captain career mobility; workforce development on the waterfront; community outreach and hiring across all five boroughs; transit deserts and neighborhood connectivity; ferries in times of crisis and recovery; climate resilience and sustainable transportation; building inclusive public transit systems run by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers.

This episode explores what it means to build a “for-community-benefit” organization for older adults, and what it takes to lead through the intersecting realities of aging, workforce shortages, and persistent ageism in New York City.

Greg is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Farber, President and CEO of The New Jewish Home, and his journey from geriatric medicine and academic training to executive leadership. Together, Greg and Dr. Farber trace the organization’s legacy of innovation, from its 19th-century origins to its modern-day role caring for thousands of older New Yorkers each year, while unpacking the deeper cultural forces that shape how society values (or devalues) aging and caregiving.

A major throughline is workforce: the urgent need for more caregivers and the systems required to recruit, train, and retain them. Dr. Farber breaks down how SkillSpring evolved from the original Geriatrics Career Development (GCD) program into a fast-growing workforce pipeline, supporting high school students and young adults alike with training, mentorship, wraparound supports, and clear career ladders into roles like CNA, LPN, and beyond. The episode also digs into what “real” workforce development looks like: removing barriers, building social capital, and creating a workplace culture people actually want to stay in.

The conversation closes with a reflection on leadership during COVID-19, and what it meant to steward an older adult care system in the heart of the crisis, what the organization learned, and what moments of resilience and purpose emerged even in the hardest days.

This episode is a deep dive into aging services leadership: the weight of responsibility, the power of intergenerational connection, and the urgency of building a workforce—and a culture—that honors older adults with the dignity they deserve.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)
Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: aging services leadership and innovation; confronting ageism and redefining “nonprofit”; the caregiver workforce crisis and chronic underfunding; SkillSpring and career pathways from CNA to LPN and beyond; mentorship, wraparound supports, and retention; intergenerational connection as a workforce strategy; leading through COVID-19 in older adult care.

What does it really take to build pathways to economic security, especially in moments of uncertainty?

In this mini episode, NYCETC CEO Greg Morris sits down with first-time guest host Courtney Granger for a conversation about what’s working, what isn’t, and why the way we talk about “workforce development” may need a serious rebrand.

Drawing on her experience across New York City’s education, workforce, and social service systems, Courtney reflects on the power of relationships, place-based hubs, and truly holistic models that meet people where they are--whether they’re young adults disconnected from school, workers navigating instability, or individuals experiencing housing insecurity.

Together, Greg and Courtney unpack real-life examples from Courtney’s career, including lessons from The Door and partnerships with major employers, to illustrate how low-barrier, human-centered design can unlock opportunity and dignity.

The conversation also looks ahead to Courtney’s next chapter at Project Renewal, and what it means to connect job pathways with stability, care, and long-term mobility, especially for people navigating crisis.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

In this mini episode, we return to the urgent question at the heart of nearly every workforce conversation: wages—and whether working New Yorkers can actually afford to live in the city they serve.

Michelle Jackson, Executive Director of the Human Services Council of New York, joins us again for a discussion about the growing number of wage justice campaigns unfolding across the city and state. From #JustPay to Living Wage for All NY, fair pay for home care, childcare, and beyond, the two unpack what it takes to align movements that share the same goal but often move on parallel tracks.

Michelle reflects on the responsibility of coalition leadership in a moment when coordination matters more than ever—why rowing in the same direction (and ideally the same canoe) is essential to building power, avoiding fragmentation, and making real progress toward a true cost-of-living wage. The conversation digs into hard realities, including wage compression, business concerns, subminimum wages for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people, and youth, and why those most often left out must be centered in economic justice efforts.

The episode also confronts the often-overlooked benefits cliff—how raises can unintentionally put families at risk of losing essential supports—and why imperfect progress is still progress if the sector is willing to move together.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

This episode explores what it means to lead not just an organization, but a broad, values-driven coalition responsible for shaping systems, policy, and power across New York City’s human services sector.

The conversation centers on Michelle Jackson, Executive Director of the Human Services Council, and her leadership journey stewarding collective power at scale. From the early days of large-scale mobilization—most notably the 6,000-person #JustPay rally—to the ongoing responsibility of representing providers, workers, and communities, Michelle reflects on what it takes to responsibly hold power that extends far beyond any single institution.

Together, Greg and Michelle dig into the current moment facing human services and workforce advocates: persistent workforce shortages, compensation challenges, and sustainability concerns, all unfolding amid a transition to a new city administration and evolving state dynamics. Michelle speaks candidly about the emotional and strategic weight of coalition leadership—what feels most urgent, what feels most heavy, and what continues to fuel her commitment to the sector.

Looking ahead, the conversation turns to what’s next. With a new mayoral administration on the horizon and shifting policy priorities at the state level, Michelle outlines where the human services sector needs to go and how HSC helps chart that path—balancing advocacy, partnership, and accountability while translating shared vision into real, measurable action.

This episode is a deep dive into coalition leadership: the joy, the pressure, and the responsibility of building power collectively—and using it to move systems that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day.

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition (NYCETC)

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Topics: coalition leadership and collective power; human services workforce sustainability; the legacy and lessons of mass mobilization; navigating city and state transitions; advocacy at scale; translating shared vision into policy action; responsibility, resilience, and stewardship in movement leadership.

In Part Two of this two-part conversation, ⁠Aldrin Bonilla⁠, Executive Vice President of the ⁠Fund for the City of New York⁠, joins ⁠Greg Morris⁠ to unpack the findings behind the Fund’s latest “Overlooked and Undercounted” True Cost of Living brief and why it demands urgent attention.

46% of working-age New York City households don’t earn enough to meet the true cost of living. This episode goes beyond the headline to explore what that actually means, who is most affected, and why traditional poverty measures fail to capture the full picture.

Aldrin breaks down how the report redefines economic security, from housing and childcare to transportation, healthcare, and wages, as well as why having a job is no longer enough in today’s economy. The discussion also highlights deep disparities across boroughs, the uneven post-pandemic recovery, and the growing gap between income and essential costs.

Greg and Aldrin dig into what the data reveals and what it demands: targeted policy solutions, smarter investments, and a clearer understanding of what it truly takes for New Yorkers to thrive.

Read the full “Overlooked and Undercounted” True Cost of Living report from the Fund for the City of New York to explore the data behind this conversation: https://www.fcny.org/nyc-true-cost/

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: true cost of living; economic mobility; workforce development; income inequality; public policy; affordability; data and equity; New York City; labor market; systems change

Christine Quinn—President and CEO of Women In Need (WIN), former New York City Council Speaker, and one of the city’s most passionate advocates—joins Greg Morris for a conversation on leadership, housing, and what it takes to make change stick in New York City.

From her early days organizing and cold-calling her way into the room, to breaking barriers as the first woman and first openly gay Speaker of the City Council, Quinn walks through the moments that shaped her and the urgency that still drives her work today. Now leading the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for families in the city, she brings both policy savvy and frontline perspective to one of New York’s most pressing challenges.

Greg and Chris unpack the myths around homelessness, the reality of raising children in shelter, and the systems that too often keep families cycling instead of stabilizing. They also get into burnout in the human services workforce, the tension between service delivery and advocacy, and why “doing good” isn’t enough if the system itself isn’t working.

Along the way, Quinn shares stories from the height of COVID, navigating crisis after crisis, and what it looks like when an entire sector has to improvise in real time and still deliver. There’s strategy, there’s honesty, and yes, there are a few unforgettable one-liners.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: homelessness; housing; advocacy; human services; workforce; public leadership; families; policy; WIN; New York City; systems change

Aldrin Bonilla, Executive Vice President of the Fund for the City of New York, joins Greg Morris for a conversation on public service, data, and what it takes to build stronger communities in New York City.

In this first part of a two-part episode, Aldrin reflects on his journey growing up in Washington Heights and the experiences that shaped his commitment to equity, opportunity, and economic mobility. From navigating New York City in the 1970s and 80s to finding his way through community-based organizations and public leadership, Aldrin shares how mentorship, neighborhood, and lived experience influenced his path.

The conversation explores the power of civic engagement—from transforming community board recruitment to leading one of the most successful census efforts in the country. Along the way, Greg and Aldrin dig into the role of data in shaping policy, why measurement matters, and how systems can either reinforce or challenge inequality.

As the episode closes, the conversation turns to a critical question: if nearly half of New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet, what has to change?

Part Two will dive into the Fund for the City of New York’s “Overlooked and Undercounted” True Cost of Living brief—and what the data reveals about the growing gap between wages and the real cost of living in New York City today. Stay tuned.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: workforce development; economic mobility; civic engagement; census; data and equity; public policy; community development; New York City; leadership; systems change

Randy Peers, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, joins Greg Morris for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to build a stronger, more inclusive economy in New York City.

From his early days in workforce development to leading one of the city’s most influential business organizations, Randy reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership and why he believes economic development must come first if workforce systems are going to work at scale.

The episode dives into the realities facing small businesses today: rising costs, regulatory pressure, and the ongoing challenge of accessing talent. Randy shares how the Chamber responded during COVID-19 by reimagining its role: meeting businesses where they are through direct outreach, launching new funding models for underserved entrepreneurs, and creating platforms to help local makers grow.

Along the way, the conversation explores bigger questions about leadership, mentorship, and what it means to build systems that actually empower people.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: small business; economic development; workforce development; entrepreneurship; COVID-19 recovery; BIPOC businesses; leadership; Brooklyn; public policy; economic mobility

In this episode, Greg Morris sits down with Jeffrey Ginsburg, President & CEO of Volunteers of America–Greater New York, to explore the systems driving the city’s housing crisis, and what it will take to fix them. Drawing on his experience in East Harlem and now leading one of the city’s largest human services organizations, Jeff shares how housing instability, education, and economic opportunity are deeply connected.

They discuss the barriers that keep thousands of New Yorkers cycling through homelessness, from bureaucratic delays to lack of political will, and unpack VOA-GNY’s “Street to Home” model, an approach focused on getting people into stable housing quickly rather than navigating a fragmented shelter system.

The conversation also highlights a central tension: we know what works, yet struggle to scale it. From empty housing units to lessons learned during COVID and progress with veteran homelessness, Jeff makes the case that meaningful change is possible if systems align with urgency and intention.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: homelessness; affordable housing; human services; workforce development; public policy; Street to Home; veteran homelessness; systems reform; economic mobility

What happens after college graduation, and why are so many degree-holders still struggling to find their footing?

In this episode, Greg Morris sits down with Kalani Leifer, Founder and CEO of COOP Careers, to unpack the growing crisis of underemployment among college graduates. Drawing from his early experience as a high school teacher in the Bronx, Kalani shares how a promise he made to his students—to work hard, go to college, and secure a path to the middle class—led him to confront a difficult reality: a bachelor’s degree is no longer a guarantee of economic opportunity.

Together, they explore why the transition from college to career is one of the most overlooked—and most critical—moments in the workforce pipeline. Kalani breaks down how isolation, lack of social capital, and systemic inequities leave many first-generation and low-income graduates navigating the job market alone, often internalizing structural barriers as personal failure.

The conversation dives into COOP’s model, which centers on peer networks, near-peer coaching, and the power of relationships to unlock opportunity. They also discuss the role of employers, the limitations of a “skills-first” narrative, and why building social capital may be just as important as building skills.

Finally, Greg and Kalani look ahead to what it will take to scale solutions—from catalytic funding to the promise of Workforce Pell—and how systems must evolve to truly deliver on the promise of higher education.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: workforce development; underemployment; social capital; college-to-career transition; economic mobility; first-generation college graduates; higher education policy; COOP Careers; Workforce Pell; alumni networks and peer coaching; equity in employment; public-private partnerships.

Greg Morris sits down with Randy Moore, President at CD&R Foundation, for a conversation about leadership, equity, and the role philanthropy can play in expanding economic opportunity.

Moore reflects on his journey from teaching in Miami classrooms to working across the country in workforce development, education, and social impact. Along the way, he shares how those early experiences, working with students reading years below grade level and navigating structural barriers, shaped his commitment to building systems that support long-term mobility.

The conversation explores Moore’s framework that “access is an event, but mobility is a system,” and what it means to pursue equity through opportunity by investing in ecosystems rather than isolated interventions. Morris and Moore discuss the intersection of philanthropy, private equity, and workforce development, and how organizations can move beyond symbolic commitments to make meaningful investments in communities.

Moore also shares personal stories that shaped his leadership philosophy—from the legacy of his grandfather in Jamaica, Queens, to lessons learned as an educator and nonprofit practitioner across the country. Together, they reflect on vulnerability in leadership, the importance of human connection in systems change, and why the next generation must remain at the center of workforce and economic policy.

The conversation closes with a reflection on love as an ethic for leadership and systems design and what it means to build opportunity with intention, humility, and a deep commitment to community.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: workforce development; philanthropy and social impact; economic mobility; equity through opportunity; systems change; private equity and community investment; education and literacy gaps; leadership and storytelling; HBCUs and Wilberforce University; youth opportunity; human capital infrastructure.

Greg Morris sits down with Chris Watler, Co-Chair of the New York City Employment and Training Coalition Board and Executive Vice President of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), for a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to build a safer, fairer New York—especially for New Yorkers returning from incarceration.

Watler traces his path from growing up in Crown Heights to national nonprofit leadership, sharing the lessons that shaped his commitment to service, community, and economic mobility. The discussion digs into why mass incarceration is a policy failure—not a behavior problem—and what real “public safety” looks like when communities have the resources to thrive.'

They explore CEO’s evidence-based reentry model, the importance of immediate income and wraparound supports, and how employment, training, and career pathways can reduce recidivism and expand opportunity. Watler also highlights the Reentry Assistance Bill and makes the case for direct financial support at release as a smarter, more humane investment than continued reliance on incarceration.

The conversation closes with a look at how city government can better partner with workforce organizations in moments of crisis—from major storms to pandemics—and a reflection on what it would mean to expand the supports that keep families and neighborhoods stable.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: workforce development; reentry and justice reform; mass incarceration; recidivism reduction; employment and economic mobility; transitional jobs; wraparound supports; Reentry Assistance Bill; community-based public safety; nonprofit–government coordination; NYC affordability and inequality.

Greg Morris sits down with Scott French, Administrator of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), for a conversation about protecting New York City’s safety net at a critical moment.

French shares his journey from nonprofit leadership to overseeing an agency that serves more than three million New Yorkers each year. The discussion focuses on the return of expanded federal SNAP work requirements, what they mean for hundreds of thousands of city residents, and how HRA is working with community-based organizations to minimize confusion, prevent benefit loss, and keep families connected to essential wraparound supports.

They also tackle common misconceptions about public benefits, the realities of affordability and generational poverty, and recent efforts to better align housing subsidies, homelessness prevention, and workforce systems to support long-term stability.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on public service, accountability, and keeping the safety net strong for New Yorkers who need it most.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: HRA leadership and public service; SNAP; work requirements; protecting food assistance access; affordability and generational poverty; workforce development and benefits systems; housing subsidies and homelessness prevention; strengthening NYC’s safety net.

This week on the NYC Workforce Drop, Greg Morris welcomes New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin for a dynamic conversation on affordability, workforce development, and the city’s economic future.

Speaker Menin outlines her vision for a more proactive City Council — from advancing bold affordable housing strategies using public assets like libraries and vacant land, to reforming a broken procurement system that wastes taxpayer dollars. She shares why cracking down on long-term no-bid contracts could free up billions for priorities like universal childcare, a longtime focus of her leadership.

The conversation also spotlights the Council’s first-ever Committee on Workforce Development and why connecting workforce strategy to economic growth is essential as New York competes with other cities for jobs and talent.

Speaker Menin reflects on her work protecting billions in federal funding through the 2020 Census, expanding access to banking through the Municipal ID program, and creating a Committee to Combat Hate during a historic moment for the city’s leadership.

Tune in for a conversation on accountability, expanding opportunity, and building a more affordable, inclusive, and economically competitive New York City.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: proactive City Council leadership and governing vision; affordable housing development using public libraries and city-owned land; tackling NYC’s affordability crisis; procurement reform and eliminating long-term no-bid contracts; fiscal accountability and smarter city spending; universal childcare as economic policy; after-school access and working family support; childcare workforce and facility expansion; launching the City Council’s first Committee on Workforce Development; connecting workforce strategy to economic growth; job creation trends and interstate economic competition; attracting businesses and building tech corridors; protecting federal funding through the 2020 Census; establishing a permanent NYC Office of the Census; Municipal ID and financial empowerment for unbanked New Yorkers; public libraries as trusted civic infrastructure; combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hate; interfaith leadership in a historic moment for New York City; long-term leadership and public service resilience.

Anthony Barrows, Executive Director of ⁠Lift New York⁠ and longtime advocate for economic justice and systems reform, joins ⁠Greg Morris⁠ for a conversation about poverty, public systems, and the role community plays in helping families thrive.

Drawing on his own experiences growing up in public housing in Boston, navigating foster care, and relying on social support systems as a young person, Anthony reflects on how these experiences have shaped his work and worldview.

Now leading Lift New York, he focuses on helping families build economic mobility through coaching, direct cash support, and community-centered approaches rooted in what Lift calls “Hope, Money, and Love.”

Greg and Anthony discuss the realities of chronic scarcity, the importance of lived experience in shaping policy, and why dignity and trust must be central to anti-poverty work. They also explore the long-term impacts of welfare reform, lessons learned during the pandemic, the challenges facing immigrant and working families in New York City, and what meaningful systems change could look like under a new administration focused on economic justice.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: economic justice; poverty; foster care; public benefits; workforce development; family support; behavioral science; lived experience; economic mobility; community building; social policy; New York City

Brian Aquart—Vice President of Workforce & Community Education at Northwell Health, host of the Why I Left podcast, and founder of Storyline by Kingswood—joins Greg Morris for a conversation on leadership, resilience, and building clearer pathways into healthcare careers.

From arriving in New York after the 2008 financial crisis and navigating early-career setbacks to leading workforce education initiatives at one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems, Brian reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to mentorship, storytelling, and opportunity creation. At Northwell, his work focuses on expanding access to healthcare careers through partnerships with NYC Public Schools, FutureReadyNYC, the Northwell School of Health Sciences, and MedVoyage.

Greg and Brian explore the role healthcare systems can play as anchor employers, the importance of early career exposure for young people, and how workforce development can create lasting economic mobility for underserved communities. They also discuss career transitions, failure, and why storytelling matters in helping people see where they belong.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: workforce development; healthcare careers; economic mobility; public education; leadership; mentorship; storytelling; FutureReadyNYC; Northwell Health; career transitions; New York City

In this special mini episode, Greg Morris and Gary P. Jenkins take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Fred Shack, the longtime CEO of Urban Pathways and a tireless advocate for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

Fred’s impact on the city—and on the people and colleagues who worked alongside him—was profound. Known for his unwavering commitment, sharp insight, and deep compassion, he helped shape a housing-first approach that changed lives across New York City.

This conversation reflects on Fred’s leadership, his lasting influence on the sector, and the responsibility to carry his work forward.

Gary P. Jenkins—CEO of Urban Pathways and former NYC Department of Social Services Commissioner—joins Greg Morris for a conversation on leadership, resilience, and building systems that actually work for New Yorkers.

From growing up in Fort Greene as the youngest of eight, to navigating early setbacks in college and rising through every level of city government, Jenkins shares the experiences that shaped his commitment to service. Now leading Urban Pathways, he brings that perspective to the frontlines of addressing homelessness, with a focus on housing-first solutions and long-term stability.

Greg and Gary unpack mentorship, failure, and the weight of expectation. Real change takes persistence, and people willing to push systems forward.

Produced by: Manhattan Neighborhood Network

Published by: New York City Employment and Training Coalition

Topics: homelessness; housing; public service; leadership; mentorship; systems change; Urban Pathways; NYC government; resilience; New York City