Season 5- Episode 6: Robert Sainz, Yali Lincroft, and David Charron

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, we dive into one of Southern Nevada’s most pressing challenges—supporting the 45,000 young adults aged 16-24 who are currently disconnected from school and employment. Our conversation brings together leading voices in workforce development: Robert Sainz (New Ways to Work), Yali Lincroft (Walter S. Johnson Foundation), and David Charron (JobsFirstNYC). These experts discuss how leadership, strategic investments, and collaboration transform workforce systems to serve Opportunity Youth better, ultimately driving economic growth in the region.

Southern Nevada has one of the country's highest rates of disconnected youth, with nearly 1 in 5 young adults not engaged in work or education. Robert Sainz shares his deep experience in workforce development, emphasizing the need to connect existing programs rather than reinvent them. He highlights how collaboration between public and private partners can create sustainable solutions, ensuring more young people access education, training, and career pathways. Yali Lincroft explains the role of philanthropy in bridging funding gaps, likening her foundation’s approach to a “tugboat” that helps steer government resources in the right direction. Meanwhile, David Charron introduces the JobsFirstSNV model, a workforce intermediary modeled after successful New York City and Pennsylvania initiatives designed to bring national expertise while keeping decision-making local.

One of the biggest takeaways from the discussion is how technology plays a vital role in strengthening the workforce systems. The ATLAS referral-sharing platform, a new tool designed to streamline real-time collaboration between workforce agencies, education providers, and employers, is now being implemented to help Opportunity Youth navigate available services. This initiative is fueled by significant investments, including $500,000 from the Walter S. Johnson Foundation and $2.3 million from Nevada’s Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR). These funds will directly remove employment barriers, such as access to skills training, transportation, and childcare.

For young people, the message is clear: take advantage of training and job opportunities, build relationships, and continue developing skills to secure long-term career success. Looking ahead, Workforce Connections and its partners are committed to cutting the number of disconnected youths in half over the next five years. This July, an essential step toward that goal will be the New York City Adapting to the Future of Work Conference, where workforce leaders from across the country will come together to exchange ideas, learn from best practices, and explore innovative workforce solutions.

Workforce Connections:
https://nvworkforceconnections.org/

New York City Adapting to the Future of Work Conference:
ISG Future Workplace Summit 2025 | New York, NY