2026 Connecticut Workforce Summit: Reimagining Career Pathways

How individuals learn, work, and develop skills continues to change rapidly, requiring new approaches to workforce development. 

Estimates suggest that more than half the jobs today’s students will hold within five years do not yet exist, raising questions about relevant career pathways and how Connecticut can respond to evolving talent needs. 

The 2026 Connecticut Workforce Summit: Reimagining Career Pathways convenes leaders from business, education, government, and nonprofit organizations to review and address best practices.

The April 2 summit will examine workforce development strategies, career pathway trends, and programs supporting long-term talent development across the state. 

The summit will also feature panel discussions, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities focused on current workforce initiatives, employer needs, and participant perspectives. 

Agenda

7:30 am | Networking Breakfast 

8:30 am | Opening Remarks 

• Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA  

• Ryan Drajewicz, Chair, Governor’s Workforce Council; Head of External Affairs & Communications, Bridgewater Associates   

• Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Chief Workforce Officer, Office of Workforce Strategy 

9 am | Keynote 

• Mark Perna, CEO, TFS Results 

10 am | Connecticut’s Talent Pipeline: Workforce & Education Blueprint 

• Dustin Nord, Director, CBIA Foundation 

10:45 am | Networking Break 

11:05 am | Breakout Sessions 

12:05 pm | Networking Lunch 

1 pm | Career Pathways: Program Participant Perspectives 

• Moderator: Shannon Marimón, Executive Director, ReadyCT   

2 pm | Breakout Sessions

3 pm | Adjourn