How We Can Keep Pace with Change through Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-Skilling
In the ever-evolving landscape of work, just one thing is guaranteed: change.
With automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation reshaping industries, the demand for a skilled and adaptable workforce has never been higher.
As we navigate this shifting terrain, reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling emerge as crucial pillars in supporting workers to stay competitive, fostering diverse workplaces, and spurring economic development.
So we don’t further marginalize low-wage workers — who have the most to lose as workforce needs evolve — businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits must invest in these opportunities.
A Seismic Shift
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us, marked by technological advancements radically transforming how we work.
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation, while 97 million new roles may emerge, underscoring the urgent need for a workforce that can adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.
It’s safe to assume none of us is immune.
Reskilling, Upskilling, Next-Skilling: What’s the Difference?
Staying competitive and adaptable goes beyond traditional education. There are three key strategies that individuals and organizations can employ to navigate the shifting landscape of work effectively:
- Reskilling involves learning new skills to transition to a different role or industry. It’s about equipping workers with the abilities needed for jobs that are in demand.
- Upskilling focuses on enhancing existing skills to keep pace with technological advancements within one’s current role or industry.
- Next-Skilling anticipates future skills requirements and prepares individuals for upcoming job roles, often leveraging emerging technologies and trends.
Robust reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling initiatives hold tremendous promise in empowering diverse communities, addressing systemic inequities, and fostering inclusive economic growth. Historically marginalized groups, such as women, people of color, and individuals from lower-income backgrounds, frequently encounter formidable barriers when seeking access to education and employment opportunities. These barriers, ranging from financial constraints to discriminatory hiring practices, perpetuate cycles of inequality and hinder social mobility.
However, by implementing tailored training programs and support mechanisms, we can begin to dismantle these barriers and forge pathways for all individuals to excel in the workforce.
For example, targeted mentorship programs, like Next 100 Colorado, can provide invaluable guidance and support to women and people of color aspiring to enter traditionally white male-dominated fields, empowering them to break through glass ceilings and pursue fulfilling careers.
Additionally, initiatives that offer financial assistance, such as scholarships or subsidized training courses, can help alleviate the financial burdens that often deter individuals from underserved communities from pursuing further education and skill development.
Investing in reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling initiatives is not just a matter of economic necessity; it is a moral imperative. We can build a more just, equitable, and prosperous society for all by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce development efforts. Through collective action and commitment to empowering marginalized communities, we can unlock the full potential of every individual and create a future where everyone can thrive.
An Economic Development Imperative
A skilled workforce also serves as the bedrock of economic growth, catalyzing innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in today’s rapidly evolving global economy. As industries undergo digital transformation and technological advancements reshape the nature of work, the demand for specialized skills continues to escalate.
When workers possess the expertise and proficiency required to excel in high-demand roles, they not only contribute to the success of their respective organizations but also drive broader economic development.
Investing in reskilling and upskilling programs has far-reaching implications for regional economic development.
Companies seeking to establish operations are drawn to regions with a talented and adaptable workforce capable of meeting evolving industry demands. By prioritizing investments in workforce development initiatives, governments and local authorities can position their communities as attractive destinations for businesses looking to set up shop. This, in turn, generates job opportunities, stimulates economic activity, and fosters a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
But don’t just take my word for it. Review the research:
- Individual benefits. Individuals who continuously upskill and reskill are better equipped to adapt to evolving job requirements and technological advancements. Research by the World Economic Forum found that individuals who invest in lifelong learning and skills development are more resilient to job displacement and are less likely to experience periods of unemployment.
- Business benefits. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that companies with high employee turnover incur significant costs associated with recruitment, onboarding, and training new hires. By investing in upskilling and reskilling programs, businesses can reduce turnover rates and minimize these costs. The Center for American Progress estimates that the cost of replacing an employee can range from 16% to 213% of their annual salary, depending on the level of the position and the industry.
- Community benefits. National Employment Law Project research also shows that higher-wage jobs often have positive spillover effects on other sectors of the economy, creating multiplier effects that amplify economic growth and lead to job creation in industries such as retail and food services, as workers have more purchasing power to support local businesses.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Realizing the full potential of reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling requires a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors. Governments play a vital role in setting policies, allocating funding, and creating frameworks that support lifelong learning and skills development.
Here in Colorado, the drivers of these changes are the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Office of the Future of Work and the Colorado Workforce Development Council. This includes investing in education systems, incentivizing businesses to provide training opportunities, and fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders.
At the same time, private businesses must take proactive steps to prioritize employee development and invest in the future workforce. At SE2, we do this providing financial support to team members who seek to grow their skills, talents, and expertise.
As an alumnus, I am an energetic proponent of community colleges. Programs like Workforce Resilience Program, Career Advance, and Care Forward Colorado from the Colorado Community College System are making reskilling, upskilling and next-skilling more accessible to workers.
Finally, nonprofit organizations are leading the change. This includes a personal favorite, ActivateWork, which helps employers solve talent gaps by finding promising candidates who aspire to work in tech and preparing them to excel in new careers. It also includes former SE2 clients The Center for Workforce Education and Employment, Mi Casa Resource Center and Worklife Partnership.
A Call to Action for All of Us
As we stand on the cusp of a new era of work, reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling represent powerful tools for navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.
By embracing lifelong learning, fostering diversity, and investing in our workforce, we can build a future where every one has the opportunity to thrive, and our economies are more resilient and inclusive than ever before.
It’s time to harness the transformative potential of skills development and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Three Questions with Alvina Vasquez, SE2’s Newest Principal and a Veteran Engagement Strategist
Q: What issues in our community ignite your inner fire, and how do you channel that passion into impactful action?
Alvina Vasquez: I strongly believe that making a genuine impact on people’s lives is more than just addressing specific issues. It’s about providing individuals and families with a real alternative to the societal systems that may not meet their needs.
There are countless tools and resources available to support individuals and families, but many people don’t take advantage of them because they don’t think they apply to their situation. I enjoy finding areas where we can improve and bridge those gaps. Supporting our community leaders and services is crucial, but it’s equally important to challenge the system and ensure we serve individuals and families in Colorado and beyond to the best of our ability.
Q: What excites you about joining forces to tackle community challenges? What unique blend of perspectives do you imagine creating together?
Alvina: Joining forces with a larger team and utilizing the right tools can significantly enhance your abilities. As a natural team player, I thrive on collaborating with others. When I first experienced working with SE2 in 2021, I immediately recognized its unique qualities. We share the same values and a deep passion for making a positive impact on the world.
My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how major government projects are initiated and ensure that the services provided are truly beneficial. I aspire to be a catalyst within the SE2 team, expanding our network of stakeholders, strengthening our grassroots outreach, and consistently delivering creative, thoughtful, and impactful work that leaves a lasting influence on our country.
Q: When the clock strikes free time, what passion projects captivate your energy?
Alvina: I love hosting my podcast, Alvina Talks Shift.
With my background in broadcast media, radio has always been a passion of mine. So, I took the leap last year and started my own podcast.
The show dives into the shifts that occur in our lives, both ones we can control and ones we can’t. We cover everything from personal stories and transformations to important political and policy changes that affect our communities. It’s been so much fun!
A quarter century ago, Eric Sondermann helped plant the seeds of SE2 today
In the mid-1990s I was adrift.
A child and sibling of newspaper reporters, all I had ever wanted to do was become one too.
And then, after a half dozen years of journalism in Washington, Hong Kong and Denver, I hit a wall.
My gut, literally a knot in my stomach, told me I was done with newspapers.
But I had no idea what was next. I realized journalism wasn’t how I’d make my mark on the world, but I didn’t know what else I could do.
So, I called Eric Sondermann.
I met Sondermann when I was a political reporter. I came to appreciate his straightforward, spin-free commentary.
Sondermann was (and remains) a political iconoclast.
He grew up as a Democrat but increasingly felt uncomfortable with that party’s orthodoxy. He found common cause with free-market Republicans but had no use for right-wing social dogma.
I was a political and policy junkie, but I, too, didn’t feel completely comfortable in one camp or the other. As a political reporter, I had effortlessly moved back and forth across the aisle – finding thoughtful voices among both Democrats and Republicans – and I didn’t see why I should have to choose sides.
I also was impressed that, back in the day when most political consultants happily cashed checks from Big Tobacco, Sondermann worked only on the scrappy and underfunded side of anti-tobacco rebels. (We continue to fight the tobacco industry today.)
I was hungry and ready to learn, and Sondermann let me learn by his side, initially as a sort of apprentice and then quickly as a business partner, when we co-founded SE2 25 years ago.
Although Sondermann stepped away from the agency in 2014, we carry lessons I learned from him.
Here are three:
- The customer is not always right. Always tell clients the truth, even when they don’t want to hear it.
- Focus on the bold strokes. While it’s easy to become preoccupied with tasks and to-do lists, we must focus on the big strategies that will make a lasting impact.
- Stick to your values. It’s easy to chase the money or go with the flow, but all we have in the end is our reputation and credibility.
Sondermann remains engaged in the community and as insightful as always in his commentary, which includes a regular column in Colorado Politics and the Gazette newspapers and the Colorado Inside Out panel on PBS12.
He’s a voracious reader and deep thinker who loves ideas. I don’t always agree with him, but I appreciate the intellectual rigor in his takes on current events.
Thanks, Eric Sondermann, for helping to set me – and SE2 – on the journey that we continue today. You’ve helped us all make a positive impact on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
PowerMap Ltd. and Alvina Vasquez join SE2, elevating the agency’s capacity to create positive change through communications, marketing and community engagement
DENVER — Alvina Vasquez and her company PowerMap Ltd. have become part of SE2, combining expertise and experience as the Denver-based agency looks forward to its next 25 years of creating positive change around pressing public issues.
Vasquez has joined Susan Morrisey, Brandon Zelasko, and Eric Anderson as a principal and shareholder of SE2, a 16-person integrated marketing and communications agency focused exclusively on pressing public issues.
Vasquez founded PowerMap Ltd. in 2019 with the mission to make Colorado “a place where every person can succeed and every community can thrive.” That mission aligns with SE2’s focus on creating Perpetual Movements: Change for Good®.
“Alvina and SE2 have collaborated for years on impactful campaigns to support healthy and successful communities. She’s established herself as a visionary leader in the field. We know that we will drive even more positive change by fully integrating our talents and expertise,” said Morrisey, SE2’s CEO.
“Our shared expertise in communications, policy, media and marketing is enhanced by Alvina’s proven leadership on community engagement, which will continue to become a growing element of SE2’s strategy for creating positive change,” Morrisey added.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the team at SE2,” Vasquez said. “This incredible opportunity allows me to build on the impactful work I’ve been fortunate enough to do for my amazing clients for the past five years. It is a true honor to be recognized and valued, and to have the chance to become a leader in an organization that shares my commitment to informing and supporting communities across the state and beyond.”
“Our shared community engagement philosophy recognizes that effective movements require pushing power out to diverse community leaders and organizations. They know their audiences best and bring their credibility and trust to important causes. Key to this success is effectively engaging with ethnically and racially diverse communities, and Alvina will further elevate our commitment to and expertise in this area,” Zelasko added.
Vasquez is a tested and respected community leader and political strategist. In 2018, she served as political director on Jared Polis’s gubernatorial campaign, where she was responsible for building a statewide network of influential leaders and supporters that helped power Polis to his first term as Colorado governor. She also served as senior vice president in the Colorado office of Strategies 360, a public affairs firm, where she led coalition-building and messaging efforts on a variety of local and national initiatives.
“Alvina’s deep roots in Colorado ensure that she can connect with communities across the state, from frontier to rural to suburban to urban, with a wide network of established contacts in every corner of Colorado,” Anderson said. “We also will apply her proven community engagement strategies far beyond Colorado’s borders.”
Vasquez also brings to the table more than 20 years of experience in Spanish-language and general-market broadcasting, working with many of Colorado’s leading editors and reporters, with whom she maintains close ties.
Vasquez has been recognized as one of Denver’s 40 Under 40. She serves on various organizational boards focused on education, equality, and civic engagement. She is a trustee at Western Colorado University and a fellow at the Latino Leadership Institute Executive Program at the Daniels College of Business.
Since its inception in 1998, SE2 has focused exclusively on creating positive change on important public issues in Colorado and nationally. This includes health, the environment, education, housing, early childhood, substance use, economic empowerment, energy, and other pressing issues.
As SE2 marks its 25th anniversary, this announcement reflects the next step in a measured and sustained growth strategy that aims to expand and enhance the services SE2 offers existing and new clients to broaden its positive impact and build on its legacy.
