Austin Chamber's State of Talent & Education 2025 Recap

The 20th Annual State of Talent and Education brought together business, education, and community leaders to explore how Central Texas can strengthen the connection between classrooms and careers. The discussion highlighted the region’s growing workforce demands and the Chamber’s commitment to advancing education and training initiatives.

At this event, we released our new Regional Education Outcomes Report. This report tracks 10 key indicators that measure progress across the education continuum—offering a cradle-to-career framework that helps our region understand how well we are preparing students for success in both life and the workforce. Find more information ---> here.

Panel: The State of Education: Data, Trends & Takeaways

Together, the panelists explored the current state of education and workforce readiness in the region, identifying challenges such as workforce shortages, access to early learning, and the need for stronger partnerships between employers and educators. Richard Tagle shared data trends for our region while Dr. Azaiez shared how his district is managing these growing needs.
Their collective call to action encouraged business leaders and community members to engage directly with schools, support pathways to careers, and invest in programs that connect students with real-world opportunities.
Panelists:
- Dr. Hafedh Azaiez, Superintendent, Round Rock ISD
- Richard Tagle, President & Executive Director, E3 Alliance
- Moderator: Geronimo Rodriguez, Vice Chair of Education & Workforce, Austin Chamber
Panel: From Campus to Career: The Higher Ed Workforce Connection

Our panel, comprised of four inspiring education leaders, representing very different institutions of higher education, shared one central message: the need to be collaborative and flexible to changing workforce needs. Throughout the conversation, panelists addressed the impact of recent legislative changes and how their institutions are adapting to new models to help engage all types of learners.
Their collective message to the business community: be active partners -share workforce needs, get involved in the design process of courses, join an advisory council and support career opportunities to help keep talent in our community.
Panelists:
- Dr. Kelly Damphousse, President, Texas State University
- Dr. Montserrat “Montse” Fuentes, President, St. Edward’s University
- Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, Chancellor, Austin Community College District
- Dr. Kristi Kirk, President & CEO, Concordia University Texas
- Moderator: Kelsey Evans, Executive Director of Industry Engagement, UT Extended Campus

Summer Internship Program Highlighted

Throughout the program, we heard from students, parents, and businesses who participated in our Summer Internship Program. Check out the video of student Jonah Peyton discussing his time at TyRex Group. Interested in participating or know someone who would be? Find out more here!

Thanks to all our sponsors, including our Presenting Sponsor Texas Mutual and Program Sponsor UT Austin Extended Campus, along with all the elected officials, VIPs, and school district representatives who were in attendance.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Program Sponsor

Corporate Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

A+ Federal Credit Union	SailPoint Technologies
Amazon	Samsung Austin Semiconductor
Austin Community College
Baylor Scott & White Health
Fairfield University

Related Categories: Education and Talent, Events, Signature

State of Talent & Education 2025 Recap

Panel: The State of Education: Data, Trends & Takeaways

Panel: From Campus to Career: The Higher Ed Workforce Connection

Keynote: Building a Talent Strong Texas