May 3, 2025 - 00:00

On April 24, 2025, over 100 leaders from the business, education, and government sectors convened at the Seattle Southside Chamber's annual Education and Workforce Summit. The event aimed to enhance the pipeline connecting students to their future careers and address pressing workforce challenges in the region.
Taking place at the accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, the summit provided a platform for insightful discussions on the current state of education and employment opportunities. Highline School Board President Joe Van led a diverse panel discussion that explored innovative strategies to better align educational programs with industry needs.
Chamber CEO Samantha Le and Kent Mayor Dana Ralph opened the event with remarks emphasizing the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders. Their messages underscored a shared commitment to fostering a skilled workforce equipped to meet the demands of an evolving job market. The summit served as a vital forum for exchanging ideas and building partnerships that will benefit students and employers alike.