Sheila Ireland, the dynamic new President and CEO of Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC) will visit with us to discuss the current state of play of workforce development and OIC's 60 years of service. OIC was founded by the late great Reverend Leon Sullivan, who built the first African American-owned shopping Center, Progress Plaza, at Broad & Jefferson and popularized the term "a hand up, not a hand out". Sheila is now leading the cause and will speak about her leadership, new programs and carrying on Rev Sullivan's legacy. Sheila previously served as the Commonwealth of Pa's Deputy Secretary, Workforce Development, Department of Labor and Industry- where she oversaw a staff of over 600 and a budget of $270 million. Prior to that, Sheila was the City of Philadelphia's Executive Director of Workforce Development and the founding Director of The University City District's West Philadelphia Skills Initiative. There, she launched UCD's first social venture, Green City Works. Recently, Ms. Ireland was tapped to serve on Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker's Transition Team as a member of the Commerce and Economic Development Sub-Committee. Ireland was also recognized as City and State PA's 100 Most Influential Labor Leaders for the 3rd consecutive year and awarded the University City Science Center's prestigious Nucleus Award.