Women’s Leadership Council – Workforce Development Information Exchange – 05/1/2026

Workforce Development Information Exchange for Business Leaders

Location:

Dominican University
Lawrence Room – Rosary Hall
470 Western Highway South
Orangeburg, New York 10962

May 1, 2026
8:00AM – 10:00AM

Rachel Adler

Moderator: Rachel A. Adler, Commissioner’s Regional Representative, Mid-Hudson New York State Department of Labor. Office of the Chief of Staff | External Affairs

Workforce Development Information Exchange for Business Leaders will be moderated by Rachel Adler, focusing on Workforce Trends in Rockland. We will explore valuable data and resources provided by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). The NYSDOL and partners are here for You and Your Business!

Key individuals at the session include:

– Jiwanda V Gale-Rogers, Apprenticeship Training Representative, NYSDOL

– Jamiyla Cody, Business Service Representative, NYSDOL, Nyack

– Shannon Hargrove, Director, Rockland Works

– Ava Andrews, Disability Resource Coordinator (Jawonio, Rockland Works/WDBRC)

– Rich Gore, Business and Employer Services, Rockland Works

– Debra J. Thomas, Executive Director, WDBRC

– Daniel McConnell, Business Adviser, Small Business Development Center, STAC

– Manual Juarez, Director of Career Development, DUNY NY

New York State Department of Labor Hudson Valley  Labor Analyst Johny Nelson will provide information on the local labor market and data available through NYSDOL.

The NYSDOL offers a range of free services to support small businesses, including:

– **Recruitment and Hiring:** Access to the NYS Job Bank and Virtual Career Center for candidate searches, along with assistance for job fairs and candidate screening.

– **Cost-Saving Programs:** The Shared Work Program allows businesses to retain trained employees during downturns by reducing hours instead of layoffs. Tax credits and incentives, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), are available for hiring individuals facing barriers to employment.

– **Human Resources & Compliance:** Free consultations for employee handbooks, job descriptions, turnover analysis, and legal compliance.

– **Starting/Expanding a Business:** The Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) supports eligible individuals in launching new businesses while collecting unemployment benefits.

– **Training & Safety:** Support for on-the-job training programs and grants for occupational safety and health hazards.

– **Business Advocacy:** The Business Advocacy Office (BAO) helps resolve DOL-related issues