2025 SC Education + Business Summit

Dr. Lisa Riegel organized Ohio Department of Education's Economic Education Summit for two years, so she understands the complex relationship between education and business. She also worked as an administrator at an Ohio Career Center where she was in charge of business and community outreach. She is a co-founder of an organization that seeks to close the soft skills gap and is in charge of all content development related to soft skill development and measurement. Durable skills, soft skills, essential skills continue to be at the heart of discussion related to workforce readiness, and businesses do not believe education is closing the gap. A comprehensive soft skills development program can show employers educators are not only listening, but also making sure students have the skills they need to get and retain a job. While everyone is talking about soft skills and their impact on academic, personal and professional success, they are not taught, measured and supported in a strategic way. This presentation will connect the dots so participants can leave with action steps to start building a soft skills culture in their programming and partnerships.