Empowering Excellence 2025 Awardees
Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas Honors Excellence at the 2025 Empowering Excellence Awards
Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) held its annual Empowering Excellence Awards ceremony recently, celebrating the achievements of outstanding partners and individuals whose efforts have been instrumental in advancing workforce development in the region. The event, attended by local leaders, community stakeholders, and workforce professionals, highlighted the remarkable contributions of those shaping the economic landscape and creating opportunities for residents across North Central Texas.
Among the notable awards presented were the Leadership Achievement Award, Foundation Builders Award, Innovation Catalyst Award, Partner of Excellence Award, and the prestigious Workforce Champion of the Year awards. These honors recognized organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to workforce development, innovation, and community engagement.
Phedra Redifer, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, opened the event emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing the region’s workforce needs. "Today, we celebrate those who are committed to transforming lives and creating a brighter future for families in North Central Texas," Redifer said. "Our work is more than just job training—it's about ensuring that every individual in our region has the opportunity to thrive and succeed."
The Workforce Champions of the Year awards were the highlight of the ceremony, recognizing three exceptional leaders whose efforts have had a lasting impact on workforce development:
- Guy Romney and Goodwill North Central Texas were honored for their holistic approach to workforce development, serving over 9,500 individuals each year, and providing vital services to veterans, the homeless, at-risk youth, and people with disabilities. Romney’s leadership has helped Goodwill empower underserved populations by providing essential resources and technical training, making a significant contribution to the community’s economic and social fabric.
- Yolanda Willis and Camp Fire First Texas were recognized for their groundbreaking work in early education and workforce development. Willis and her team have transformed the landscape of early education through the Early Education Apprenticeship Program, the first of its kind in Texas. Their work has led to the graduation of 35 apprentices in 2023, 19 of whom earned Child Development Associate credentials, providing crucial support to child care professionals in the region.
- Jan Jungman and the Allen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) were celebrated for their leadership in aligning workforce initiatives with the needs of local industries. Under Jungman’s leadership, the Allen EDC has facilitated career exploration programs, supported business growth, and worked closely with educational institutions to ensure that training programs meet industry demands. Their work has played a key role in strengthening the region’s economic resilience.
"These individuals and organizations represent the very best of what it means to champion workforce development," said Redifer. "They are not only helping individuals secure meaningful employment, but they are also driving the economic prosperity of our region. Their efforts are an inspiration to us all."
The Leadership Achievement Award was presented to Judge Danny Chambers (Somervell County) for his exemplary leadership and contributions to WSNCT’s mission, while the Foundation Builders Award honored Anna Torres, a Licensed Child Care Home Provider, for her exceptional work in Spanish-language early childhood education and Ya-Ya Univeristy for helping educators understand the child care industry. The Innovation Catalyst Award was given to the Forney Chamber of Commerce for its transformative workforce development programs, and the Partner of Excellence Award was awarded to both the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce and the Wylie Economic Development Corporation for their outstanding collaboration in fostering economic growth and development in their communities.
As Redifer concluded the ceremony, she underscored the agency's ongoing commitment to strengthening the workforce in North Central Texas. “Our work is urgent, and it’s personal. Every day, we strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families across our 14-county, 9,000-square-mile service area. We are proud to collaborate with such dedicated partners who share our vision and commitment.”
About Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas
Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) is one of 28 workforce development agencies in Texas. WSNCT provides a variety of services designed to help individuals connect to quality employment opportunities and support employers in meeting their workforce needs. Its mission is to build a competitive workforce that supports economic growth and individual success across a 14-county, 10,000-square-mile region.
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The Leadership Achievement Award was presented to Judge Danny Chambers (Somervell County) for his exemplary leadership and contributions to WSNCT’s mission, while the Foundation Builders Award honored Anna Torres, a Licensed Child Care Home Provider, for her exceptional work in Spanish-language early childhood education and Ya-Ya Univeristy for helping educators understand the child care industry. The Innovation Catalyst Award was given to the Forney Chamber of Commerce for its transformative workforce development programs, and the Partner of Excellence Award was awarded to both the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce and the Wylie Economic Development Corporation for their outstanding collaboration in fostering economic growth and development in their communities.
As Redifer concluded the ceremony, she underscored the agency's ongoing commitment to strengthening the workforce in North Central Texas. “Our work is urgent, and it’s personal. Every day, we strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families across our 14-county, 9,000-square-mile service area. We are proud to collaborate with such dedicated partners who share our vision and commitment.”
About Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas
Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) is one of 28 workforce development agencies in Texas. WSNCT provides a variety of services designed to help individuals connect to quality employment opportunities and support employers in meeting their workforce needs. Its mission is to build a competitive workforce that supports economic growth and individual success across a 14-county, 10,000-square-mile region.
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