Tuesday, June 23, 2026
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Breakfast and Networking
 
9:30 AM - 9:35 AM
The Foundation's Mission and Purpose
Michael Carney - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
9:35 AM - 9:45 AM
Welcome and Introductions
Sarah Castro - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Challenge Presentation #1
Lauren Hall Riggins - Braided Futures
Kayla Alvarez - Beacon Health System
Heather Wagner - Beacon Health System
Rachael Polston - Elkhart County WBL Hub
Amanda Fox - Elkhart County WBL Hub
Learners from Elkhart County WBL Hub
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Challenge Presentation #2
Susie Lantz - San Clemente Chamber of Commerce
Jane Little - San Clemente Chamber of Commerce
Sheena Johnson - South Coast Water District
Ben Wright - PoolRx
Dr. David Foster - College and Career Advantage
Learners of San Clemente High School
10:45 AM - 11:25 AM
Panel Discussion - Building the Infrastructure for Scalable Work-Based Learning
Dan Gonzalez - The College Board
Kate Parsons - CAPS Network
Liz Texeira - Britebound
Mara Woody - Riipen
Amanda Winters - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
11:25 AM - 11:55 AM
Challenge Presentation #3
Kennedy Dumas - Georgia Life Sciences
Scott Robinson - FCS Innovation Academy
Learners of FCS Innovation Academy
11:55 AM - 12:40 PM
Lunch + Networking
 
12:40 PM - 1:20 PM
Challenge Presentation #4
Joe Bamberger - Emerge
Andrew Stinson - CrossFire Group
Janna D'Amico - Adrian College
Learners of Adrian College
1:20 PM - 2:00 PM
Panel Discussion - The Business Value of Work-Based Learning
Veronica Monge - Canela Media
Ryan Riley - Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Andrew Stinson - CrossFire Group
Andreea Trufasu - PoolRx
Heather Wagner - Beacon Health System
Jaimie Francis - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Challenge Presentation #5
Jonathan Adell - Miami Tech Works
Veronica Monge - Canela Media
Juliet Bedard - Miami Dade College
Learners from Miami Tech Works
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Challenge Presentation #6
Dr. Sylvester Williams, IV - East Stroudsburg University
Ryan Riley - Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Learners from East Stroudsburg University
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Break
 
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Breakout: Scaling What Works: Building Employer-Led WBL for Long Term Impact
Sarah Castro - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Eleanor Buxton - Riipen
Breakout: Funding and Sustainability: The Value Proposition for Investible WBL
Jason A. Tyszko - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Breakout: Centering Learners: Designing WBL Experiences that Drive Success
Peter Beard - U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Foundation
Breakout: The Engine Behind the Experience: Tools, Supports, and Systems for Effective Work-Based Learning
Amanda Winters - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Mara Woody - Riipen
4:00 PM - 4:20 PM
Plenary/Report Out
Mara Woody - Riipen
4:20 PM
Closing Remarks
Sarah Castro - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
4:20 PM - 4:30 PM
Group Photo on U.S. Chamber of Commerce Roof
 
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Networking Reception