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Pro Talk

Episode #22 State of RI Job Market

Air Date: October 10, 2026

Description

A strong workforce is essential to building strong families and a strong Rhode Island. In this episode of UNITED in 401, Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, is joined by Matthew Weldon, Director of Labor and Training, for a conversation about the current state of Rhode Island's job market and the opportunities available to workers across the state. Together, they discuss workforce trends, in-demand industries, apprenticeships, career training programs, and the many pathways that can connect Rhode Islanders to meaningful employment. The conversation also explores the barriers that often stand between people and opportunity, including childcare, transportation, housing, and training costs, and highlights the partnerships working to address those challenges.

Episode #22 State of RI Job Market
Air Date: October 10, 2026
Description
A strong workforce is essential to building strong families and a strong Rhode Island. In this episode of UNITED in 401, Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, is joined by Matthew Weldon, Director of Labor and Training, for a conversation about the current state of Rhode Island's job market and the opportunities available to workers across the state. Together, they discuss workforce trends, in-demand industries, apprenticeships, career training programs, and the many pathways that can connect Rhode Islanders to meaningful employment. The conversation also explores the barriers that often stand between people and opportunity, including childcare, transportation, housing, and training costs, and highlights the partnerships working to address those challenges.

United in 401

Pro Talk 

Episode #20: Refugees, Immigration & Building Belonging in Rhode Island
Air Date: September 26, 2026
Description

Rhode Island has long been shaped by the contributions of immigrants and refugees seeking safety, opportunity, and a place to call home. In this episode of UNITED in 401, guest host Kyle Bennett, Chief Policy & Impact Officer at United Way of Rhode Island, welcomes Teddi Jallow, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Refugee Dream Center. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities newcomers face, the importance of community connection and belonging, and the ways immigrants and refugees strengthen Rhode Island through their resilience, leadership, and contributions to our communities.

Episode #20: Refugees, Immigration &amp; Building Belonging in Rhode Island Air Date: September 26, 2026 Description
Rhode Island has long been shaped by the contributions of immigrants and refugees seeking safety, opportunity, and a place to call home. In this episode of UNITED in 401, guest host Kyle Bennett, Chief Policy &amp; Impact Officer at United Way of Rhode Island, welcomes Teddi Jallow, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Refugee Dream Center. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities newcomers face, the importance of community connection and belonging, and the ways immigrants and refugees strengthen Rhode Island through their resilience, leadership, and contributions to our communities.

Episode #21: The Data Landscape in Rhode Island

Air Date: October 3, 2026

What do the numbers tell us about life in Rhode Island today? In this episode of UNITED in 401, Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, is joined by Brenda Clement, Executive Director of HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University. Together, they explore how data helps illuminate the realities facing Rhode Island households, including housing affordability, economic stability, and access to opportunity. The conversation examines the connection between housing and family well-being, the growing gap between wages and the cost of living, and how community leaders can use data to inform solutions that help more Rhode Islanders thrive.

Episode #21: The Data Landscape in Rhode Island
Air Date: October 3, 2026
What do the numbers tell us about life in Rhode Island today? In this episode of UNITED in 401, Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island, is joined by Brenda Clement, Executive Director of HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University. Together, they explore how data helps illuminate the realities facing Rhode Island households, including housing affordability, economic stability, and access to opportunity. The conversation examines the connection between housing and family well-being, the growing gap between wages and the cost of living, and how community leaders can use data to inform solutions that help more Rhode Islanders thrive.

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