“Coffee Chat” on Employment Programs

On September 21st, 2021, Snohomish County Economic Alliance hosted a virtual panel discussion on the topic of the “Untapped Workforce” – that is to say, the employment demographic comprised of historically overlooked (and, unfortunately, undervalued) populations of workers, including individuals with disabilities.

Guest speakers included Michelle Crowther and Bridget Espinola from Washington Vocational Services, an organization that matches the employment skills and talents of individuals with disabilities with the specific business needs of employers. Washington Vocational Services works in several counties throughout western Washington. Also present on the panel was Kate Mallahan from Orion Works, a Washington-based manufacturer of machine parts for the aerospace and defense industries, which is also a social enterprise and job training program in manufacturing and office skills. Orion Works maintains office space in both Auburn and Mukilteo.

View the recorded conversation HERE.