One Bite at a Time
January 2026 – Workforce development can sound like a big, abstract concept. In reality, it’s much closer to home.
Behind every first job, career change, apprenticeship, or training opportunity is a network of people and organizations working together to help individuals build skills, find opportunity, and create stability for themselves and their families. Schools, employers, labor, community partners, and public agencies all play a role.
SkillSource created the Common Thread conversation series to help make that bigger picture more visible. The goal is simple: to help community members better understand how workforce systems work, why they matter, and how they support real people at different stages of their lives and careers. When that understanding is stronger, it becomes easier to connect to opportunity and to advocate for the resources that keep this work moving.
In this inaugural Common Thread conversation, Kelli Martinelli of SkillSource hosted a discussion with board members Zach Williams, Director of Human Resources at Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, and Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy, President of Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake.
Together, they shared perspectives from industry and education, discussed the importance of taking initiative, and talked about taking the next best step when career decisions feel overwhelming — approaching goals one bite at a time. They also talked about how tools like artificial intelligence are beginning to shape education, agriculture, and the way people prepare for work, and emphasized the value of relationships, awareness of available resources, and collaboration across systems.
Many people may not use the term “workforce development” in their day to day, but they recognize pieces of it. Seeing how those pieces fit together helps individuals recognize opportunity for themselves and strengthens understanding across communities, organizations, and decision-makers.
Thank you to Zach and Sara for joining the conversation and sharing your own career pathways and insights, and for helping us notice the common threads that tie us all together. And, of course, thank you for sharing your insider-tips for the best places to go for a cup of tea or a slice of pizza in Moses Lake and Wenatchee!
▶ Watch the full conversation below.
Next Up ...
The next Common Thread conversation will take place on March 6th and will feature SkillSource board members Michelle Price of North Central Educational Service District 171 and Tad Hildebrand of Pilot Rock Consulting. These conversations are open to anyone. The Zoom link for the next conversation will be published on the SkillSource events calendar.
