March 3, 2025
The 2025 GRIT Days of Learning Conference brought together workforce professionals, educators, and community leaders across Ohio and beyond for an impactful two-day event focused on innovation, collaboration, and regional development. Their thought-provoking insights set the stage for meaningful discussions and actionable takeaways.
Conference highlights included presentations from industry leaders who were keynote speakers. These speakers shared inspirational stories and addressed critical topics in workforce development, leadership, and regional economic growth.
39 Counties were represented, including Ohio Appalachian counties served by GRIT partnerships and others.
199 Attendees registered for the 2-day event.
50 Dynamic presenters were showcased in total, including three esteemed keynote speakers: Dr. Denise Reading, Coach Darrell Andrews, and Youngstown University President Bill Johnson.
Highlights included a panel of five high school students from Ashtabula County sharing their experiences in GRIT Summer programs and a presentation by Dan Leffingwell and seven school superintendents on best practices in school workforce initiatives. Additionally, representatives from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Recovery Ohio contributed to inspiring discussions on adult workforce reentry.
GRIT DAYS OF LEARNING KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
- Dr. Denise Reading, CEO, Future Plans
- Coach Darrell Andrews, Darrell Andrews, LLC
- President Bill Johnson, Youngstown State University
These are just a few powerful speakers who shared their expertise, making this year’s conference a genuinely impactful event.
The GRIT Days of Learning Conference 2025 successfully advanced its mission of empowering communities through workforce innovation, professional development, and strategic partnerships. Attendees left with renewed motivation, valuable connections, and actionable insights to drive positive change within their organizations and regions.
To learn more about GRIT and the conference, go to: https://www.gritohio.org/grit-days-of-learning/2025-conference/
