Amplifying Scientific Innovation: AI and the Future of Workforce Development

Amplifying Scientific Innovation® returns for its second year as an LA Tech Week host with a live virtual conversation exploring AI and the future of workforce development.

Hosted and moderated by Dr. Sophia Ononye-Onyia, Founder and CEO of The Sophia Consulting Firm, an innovation leadership organization focused on digital storytelling and workforce development, the event builds on six years of the Amplifying Scientific Innovation® Video Podcast, which has grown to nearly 90 episodes and 2 million views.

📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026 ⏰ 8:00–9:00 AM PT 💻 Live virtual podcast-style panel streamed on YouTube

This year’s conversation asks:

How is AI changing the way we prepare people for meaningful work?

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, education, and career pathways, the panel will explore:

• How AI is changing the skills employers and learners need • Career readiness, digital fluency, and scientific communication • Practical training pathways for youth ages 16–24, adult learners, veterans, people with disabilities, and emerging talent • How apprenticeship and work-based learning can bridge education, training, and real-world opportunity • What employers, educators, workforce leaders, and policymakers should prepare for next

The conversation directly reflects work underway at The Sophia Consulting Firm. With support from the Orange County Department of Education, the firm has launched two paid Amplifying Scientific Innovation® Apprenticeship cohorts with 10 apprentices in training, with Cohort 3 planned for October 2026.

The firm is also pursuing approval through the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards and U.S. Department of Labor across five occupations, supporting longer-term plans to expand apprenticeship pathways statewide and nationally.

CONFIRMED PANELISTS

Jill Katevas Senior Administrator, Career Education and Workforce Development Orange County Department of Education

Jen García Founder Ingrained

Ian O.…

Part of Los Angeles Tech Week. RSVP on tech-week.com.