SkillRise

Throughout history, women from all walks of life have broken barriers, rewritten the rules, and made the workforce a better place for everyone. Dolores Huerta — Co-founder of the United Farm Workers, Dolores fought tirelessly for fair wages and safe conditions for agricultural laborers, proving that organized advocacy can change an entire industry. Rania Anderson — A global thought leader on women's advancement in emerging markets, Rania has spent decades empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa and Asia, showing that investing in women transforms entire economies. Indra Nooyi — As the first woman of color to lead a Fortune 50 company (PepsiCo), Indra pioneered the idea of "Performance with Purpose" — proving that profitability and social responsibility are not opposites. Mary Barra — The first female CEO of a major automaker, Mary has led General Motors through one of the most significant pivots in automotive history, championing the shift to electric vehicles and a sustainable future. Dr. Mae Jemison — The first Black woman to travel to space, Mae's legacy reaches beyond NASA. Her work in science education has inspired generations of young women to pursue STEM careers without limits. Reshma Saujani — Founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma has worked to close the gender gap in tech by teaching hundreds of thousands of girls to code — building a pipeline of future leaders the industry desperately needs. Ai-jen Poo — A labor organizer and advocate for domestic workers, Ai-jen has fought to extend legal protections to some of the most vulnerable and undervalued workers in the U.S. — nannies, caregivers, and housecleaners. ✨ Special Shoutout: Shirley Chisholm The first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first to seek a major party's presidential nomination, Shirley Chisholm said it best: "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Shirley didn't wait for permission. She showed up, spoke up, and made space for every woman who came after her. Her boldness redefined what political — and professional — representation could look like in America. 🪑 This International Women's Day, tell me who inspires YOU in the workforce? Drop their name in the comments. Let's keep lifting each other up. 👇 #WomenInLeadership #WorkplaceEquality #Diversity #Inclusion #WomenWhoInspire #Leadership #IWD #workforce

4% → 66% planned to use digital credentials after training. The tools were always there. The access wasn't. See what SkillRise's research reveals about the modern job search. #WorkforceDevelopment #DigitalSkills #SkillsBasedHiring #Upskilling #FutureOfWork

SkillRise is headed to SxSW Edu... are you? let us know and come say hello! #adulted #workforce #CTE

Digital citizenship and literacy are no longer optional — they are foundational for adult learners and job-seekers navigating today’s workforce. Understanding how to communicate, create, and evaluate information online shapes not only employability but also confidence and agency in an increasingly digital world. From safeguarding personal data to recognising misinformation, from using AI tools responsibly to building a professional online presence — digital literacy is the new language of opportunity. As educators, workforce leaders and training organisations, we have a responsibility to ensure every adult learner has access to these skills, regardless of background or circumstance. Empowering adults to become informed, ethical and effective digital citizens is key to closing the equity gap and unlocking the full potential of a modern, inclusive economy. #DigitalCitizenship #digitalcitizenshipweek #AdultLearning #WorkforceSkills #SkillRise ISTE

However, it is also imperative that we invest just as deeply in developing durable skills as we do in technical or digital ones. Skills such as communication, critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration, and problem-solving enable workers to navigate constant change and apply new tools effectively. In a labor market defined by automation, AI, and rapid transitions, durable skills are what allow people to learn, lead, and stay resilient across careers—not just survive disruption but shape what comes next.

The Skills Gap Crisis: The numbers are stark. 87% of companies report talent shortages, and the global skills gap costs $8.5 trillion annually in lost productivity. So what skills are we missing? Critical thinking tops the list. While 78% of employers say critical thinking is the most important skill they want, only 34% believe college graduates arrive well-prepared in this area—the largest gap between demand and preparedness of any skill. Over half of business leaders identify strategic thinking and problem-solving as their top workforce needs. Technical skills follow close behind. Data analysis ranks as the number one hard skill companies need, with 44% reporting shortages. AI and machine learning skill demand has increased by 71%, cybersecurity expertise demand is up 31%, and there will be 1.4 million unfilled tech jobs by 2025. Communication and adaptability round out the top gaps. 46% of leaders cite communication as a top needed skill, while 43% need workers who can quickly adapt to new roles and learn new skills. Here's the irony: Nearly half of employees' current skills will become irrelevant by 2025, requiring widespread reskilling. Yet while technical skills have short shelf lives, cognitive skills like strategic thinking and communication are enduring and critical to long-term success. The biggest workforce deficit isn't in what machines can do—it's in uniquely human capabilities like critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. Precisely the skills that become more valuable as AI handles routine work. The companies investing in these durable skills today will have the workforce of tomorrow. What skills gaps are you seeing in your industry? ISTE #skillsgap #workforce #lifelonglearning #training #upskilling #labor

Can AI help people navigate the maze of an everchanging job market? #adulteducation #ai #Lifelonglearning #Workforce #research ISTE

SkillRise ISTE is at EDTECH WEEK in NY this week. Let's hear it for those advocating for a skills-first mindset!! #workforce #adulteducation #skills #digitalliteracy

Digital citizenship and literacy are no longer optional — they are foundational for adult learners and job-seekers navigating today’s workforce. Understanding how to communicate, create, and evaluate information online shapes not only employability but also confidence and agency in an increasingly digital world. From safeguarding personal data to recognising misinformation, from using AI tools responsibly to building a professional online presence — digital literacy is the new language of opportunity. As educators, workforce leaders and training organisations, we have a responsibility to ensure every adult learner has access to these skills, regardless of background or circumstance. Empowering adults to become informed, ethical and effective digital citizens is key to closing the equity gap and unlocking the full potential of a modern, inclusive economy. #DigitalCitizenship #digitalcitizenshipweek #AdultLearning #WorkforceSkills #SkillRise ISTE

💡 Excited to reshare the new SkillRise Micro-Learning Experience: Skills — a free interactive tool that helps people see, show, and grow their skills in new ways. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eX5PeSR6 Here’s how this experience can shift our thinking: 1️⃣ Job Seekers: Learn to articulate your real skills — even those gained through life, volunteering, or side projects. 2️⃣ Employers: See talent more clearly — hire for skills, not just credentials. 3️⃣ Educators: Connect teaching to the skills that matter in the modern #SkillsBasedHiring #FutureOfWork #DigitalCredentials #Education #WorkforceDevelopment