Session 6B Navigating the Changing World: Empowering Guides for Equity and Resiliency in Workforce Development in the Weather–Water–Climate Enterprise

Tuesday, 30 January 2024: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM
307 (The Baltimore Convention Center)
Host: Presidential Conference
Cochairs:
Andrea A. Lopez Lang and Vernon Morris, Arizona State University, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Phoenix, AZ
Moderators:
Andrea A. Lopez Lang and Vernon Morris, Arizona State University, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Phoenix, AZ
Panelists:
Krizia Negrón-Hernández, WFO Melbourne, WFO Melbourne, Melbourne, FL; Alicia C. Wasula; David B. Parsons, Univ. of Oklahoma, School of Meteorology, Norman, OK and Anjuli S. Bamzai, Ph.D., NSF

As forecasts continue to improve and their use-inspired applications continue to expand, the urgency for an inclusive, equitable, resilient workforce in the weather, water, and climate enterprise grows. The changing landscape of career opportunities available for atmospheric and climate scientists after graduation must be addressed by broadening access to workforce-relevant training and adapting current educational experiences and training to better prepare students for the wide variety of future jobs. Navigating the changing workforce needs requires a collective effort with strategic intentionality for engaging underserved communities, creating educational experiences that are equitably available to the full spectrum of the future workforce, and to elevate and empower leaders who champion inclusive excellence, equity, and resiliency in the weather, water, and climate enterprise.

This session brings together leaders in the weather, water, and climate enterprise for a meaningful fireside-style discussion about navigating the changing world and to address the who and how of (a) recognizing and defining the changing workforce needs, (b) broadening access and dismantling barriers in education and training the future workforce, (c) creating and advancing novel education and training strategies, and (d) developing and sustaining the onramps to emerging careers.

- Indicates paper has been withdrawn from meeting
- Indicates an Award Winner