web02.fireside.fm Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:26:47 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) The Leading Ladies of Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Econ Dev” https://www.llofed.com/tags/econ%20dev Fri, 05 Dec 2025 04:30:00 -0500 This podcast is a safe place for female economic development professionals to share stories, insights, and challenges of the economic development industry. We hear from women leaders across the country about their careers in ED and how you can apply their experiences to your own economic development career goals. en-us episodic These are the women leading economic development across the US. Kaycee Bunch This podcast is a safe place for female economic development professionals to share stories, insights, and challenges of the economic development industry. We hear from women leaders across the country about their careers in ED and how you can apply their experiences to your own economic development career goals. no economic development, econ dev, development, community development, women, leadership Kaycee Bunch kayceegbunch@gmail.com Building Equity and Empowering Change in Workforce Development │Stephanie Bradley http://www.llofed.com/episode24-stephaniebradley 988e52d3-d768-4c82-92f6-94816847799f Fri, 05 Dec 2025 04:30:00 -0500 Kaycee Bunch full 2 Kaycee Bunch 1:01:44 no This episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development features a heartfelt and empowering conversation with Stephanie Bradley, a respected workforce development expert and the visionary behind Platinum Bell Consulting. Stephanie shares her personal journey—one marked by resilience, reinvention, and a deep commitment to helping people access meaningful opportunity. She and host Kaycee Bunch explore the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the transformative role of DEI in workforce systems, and what it truly takes for organizations to support people at every level. Filled with personal stories, practical wisdom, and genuine inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in people-first culture, courageous advocacy, and creating pathways for all to thrive. In this episode, we explore: * How effective workforce development goes far beyond job placement—it reshapes communities. Stephanie discusses the power of providing people with the right tools, support, and opportunities, and shares real examples of how workforce programs can change the trajectory of individuals and families. * Complex realities of leading within workforce systems. Stephanie outlines persistent barriers—including funding constraints, siloed partnerships, and evolving employer needs—while also highlighting emerging opportunities to modernize training, elevate collaboration, and build more responsive systems. * A troubling contradiction: Black women attain higher levels of education at increasing rates, yet face disproportionately high unemployment and underemployment. Stephanie offers data-informed context and personal reflections on the structural and cultural factors contributing to this gap. * Strategies for pushing past limiting beliefs, recognizing one’s own power, and navigating environments that may not initially feel welcoming or supportive. Quotable: “  Because when you get uncomfortable, it creates growth. It creates change, it creates a space for organizations and people to kind of hold a mirror up to themselves and say, what can I do differently?” Resources and Links Connect with Stephanie Bell-Bradley on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniedbellbradley/) Connect with Platinum Bell Consulting, LLC on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/platinum-bell-consulting-llc/posts/?feedView=all) The Paradox: Most Educated, Yet Facing Rising Unemployment (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/paradox-most-educated-yet-facing-rising-unemployment-rj3hc/?trackingId=%2BW8KRck9FHzbBj6A1j4sew%3D%3D) Special Guest: Stephanie Bradley. Workforce development, Economic development leadership, Equity in workforce systems, DEI in workforce development, Supporting marginalized communities, Career pathways and opportunity access, People-first organizational culture, Workforce development challenges, Modernizing workforce training, Stephanie Bradley, Platinum Bell Consulting, econ dev, economic development This episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development features a heartfelt and empowering conversation with Stephanie Bradley, a respected workforce development expert and the visionary behind Platinum Bell Consulting. Stephanie shares her personal journey—one marked by resilience, reinvention, and a deep commitment to helping people access meaningful opportunity. She and host Kaycee Bunch explore the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the transformative role of DEI in workforce systems, and what it truly takes for organizations to support people at every level. Filled with personal stories, practical wisdom, and genuine inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in people-first culture, courageous advocacy, and creating pathways for all to thrive.

In this episode, we explore:

  • How effective workforce development goes far beyond job placement—it reshapes communities. Stephanie discusses the power of providing people with the right tools, support, and opportunities, and shares real examples of how workforce programs can change the trajectory of individuals and families.
  • Complex realities of leading within workforce systems. Stephanie outlines persistent barriers—including funding constraints, siloed partnerships, and evolving employer needs—while also highlighting emerging opportunities to modernize training, elevate collaboration, and build more responsive systems.
  • A troubling contradiction: Black women attain higher levels of education at increasing rates, yet face disproportionately high unemployment and underemployment. Stephanie offers data-informed context and personal reflections on the structural and cultural factors contributing to this gap.
  • Strategies for pushing past limiting beliefs, recognizing one’s own power, and navigating environments that may not initially feel welcoming or supportive.

Quotable: “  Because when you get uncomfortable, it creates growth. It creates change, it creates a space for organizations and people to kind of hold a mirror up to themselves and say, what can I do differently?”

Resources and Links
Connect with Stephanie Bell-Bradley on LinkedIn
Connect with Platinum Bell Consulting, LLC on LinkedIn
The Paradox: Most Educated, Yet Facing Rising Unemployment

Special Guest: Stephanie Bradley.

]]> This episode of Leading Ladies of Economic Development features a heartfelt and empowering conversation with Stephanie Bradley, a respected workforce development expert and the visionary behind Platinum Bell Consulting. Stephanie shares her personal journey—one marked by resilience, reinvention, and a deep commitment to helping people access meaningful opportunity. She and host Kaycee Bunch explore the challenges faced by marginalized communities, the transformative role of DEI in workforce systems, and what it truly takes for organizations to support people at every level. Filled with personal stories, practical wisdom, and genuine inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in people-first culture, courageous advocacy, and creating pathways for all to thrive.

In this episode, we explore:

  • How effective workforce development goes far beyond job placement—it reshapes communities. Stephanie discusses the power of providing people with the right tools, support, and opportunities, and shares real examples of how workforce programs can change the trajectory of individuals and families.
  • Complex realities of leading within workforce systems. Stephanie outlines persistent barriers—including funding constraints, siloed partnerships, and evolving employer needs—while also highlighting emerging opportunities to modernize training, elevate collaboration, and build more responsive systems.
  • A troubling contradiction: Black women attain higher levels of education at increasing rates, yet face disproportionately high unemployment and underemployment. Stephanie offers data-informed context and personal reflections on the structural and cultural factors contributing to this gap.
  • Strategies for pushing past limiting beliefs, recognizing one’s own power, and navigating environments that may not initially feel welcoming or supportive.

Quotable: “  Because when you get uncomfortable, it creates growth. It creates change, it creates a space for organizations and people to kind of hold a mirror up to themselves and say, what can I do differently?”

Resources and Links
Connect with Stephanie Bell-Bradley on LinkedIn
Connect with Platinum Bell Consulting, LLC on LinkedIn
The Paradox: Most Educated, Yet Facing Rising Unemployment

Special Guest: Stephanie Bradley.

]]> Navigating Economic Growth: Insights from Kimberly Rossetti at BE NKY Growth Partnership http://www.llofed.com/episode23-kimberlyrossetti 740a0927-f2df-4ef0-9047-f42d45f7e5e0 Fri, 07 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500 Kaycee Bunch full 2 Kaycee Bunch 29:19 no In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development podcast, Kaycee interviews Kimberly Rosetti, who shares her 20-year journey in economic development, from working at the Chamber of Commerce in Lexington, Kentucky to her current role at Be NKY Growth Partnership. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community impact, and balancing professional growth with family decisions. She also discusses several initiatives at Be NKY, including data-informed community dashboards and workforce development programs, and offers advice for young professionals in the field. In this episode, we explore: * The importance of mentoring, Kimberly’s commitment to community growth, and the strategic evolution of Be NKY. * Northern Kentucky's unique economic landscape, BE NKY’s data-driven initiatives, and workforce development efforts. * The significance of professional development, networking, and maintaining a clear organizational 'why' for long-term success. Quotable: “  Claim my seat at the table. It sounds somewhat cliche, but, not sitting in the back, not sitting on the sides, but sitting at the table with these decision makers.” Resources and Links Connect with Kimberly Rossetti on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-rossetti-b0ab6115/) Be NKY Growth Partnership (https://be-nky.com/) Northern Kentucky Atlas (https://atlas.northernkentuckyusa.com/) Deliver Customized Workforce Solutions – BE NKY (https://be-nky.com/build-elevate-nky/initiatives/deliver-customized-workforce-solutions/) Special Guest: Kimberly Rossetti. be nky, be nky growth partnership, kentucky, economic development, econ dev, kimberly rossetti, northern kentucky In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development podcast, Kaycee interviews Kimberly Rosetti, who shares her 20-year journey in economic development, from working at the Chamber of Commerce in Lexington, Kentucky to her current role at Be NKY Growth Partnership. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community impact, and balancing professional growth with family decisions. She also discusses several initiatives at Be NKY, including data-informed community dashboards and workforce development programs, and offers advice for young professionals in the field.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The importance of mentoring, Kimberly’s commitment to community growth, and the strategic evolution of Be NKY.
  • Northern Kentucky's unique economic landscape, BE NKY’s data-driven initiatives, and workforce development efforts.
  • The significance of professional development, networking, and maintaining a clear organizational 'why' for long-term success.

Quotable: “  Claim my seat at the table. It sounds somewhat cliche, but, not sitting in the back, not sitting on the sides, but sitting at the table with these decision makers.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Kimberly Rossetti on LinkedIn
Be NKY Growth Partnership
Northern Kentucky Atlas
Deliver Customized Workforce Solutions – BE NKY

Special Guest: Kimberly Rossetti.

]]> In this episode of the Leading Ladies of Economic Development podcast, Kaycee interviews Kimberly Rosetti, who shares her 20-year journey in economic development, from working at the Chamber of Commerce in Lexington, Kentucky to her current role at Be NKY Growth Partnership. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community impact, and balancing professional growth with family decisions. She also discusses several initiatives at Be NKY, including data-informed community dashboards and workforce development programs, and offers advice for young professionals in the field.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The importance of mentoring, Kimberly’s commitment to community growth, and the strategic evolution of Be NKY.
  • Northern Kentucky's unique economic landscape, BE NKY’s data-driven initiatives, and workforce development efforts.
  • The significance of professional development, networking, and maintaining a clear organizational 'why' for long-term success.

Quotable: “  Claim my seat at the table. It sounds somewhat cliche, but, not sitting in the back, not sitting on the sides, but sitting at the table with these decision makers.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Kimberly Rossetti on LinkedIn
Be NKY Growth Partnership
Northern Kentucky Atlas
Deliver Customized Workforce Solutions – BE NKY

Special Guest: Kimberly Rossetti.

]]> Economic Development: Readiness, Risks, and Rewards │Didi Caldwell & Carrie Kelly http://www.llofed.com/episode15-didicaldwellcarriekelly 81499341-0730-416e-abaf-9fc820e1de35 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500 Kaycee Bunch full 2 Kaycee Bunch 47:53 no Didi Caldwell is the President and CEO of Global Location Strategies. Carrie Kelly is the Managing Director of the Site Selectors Guild. They discuss the intricacies of preparing investment-ready sites, the evolution and impact of the REDI Sites program, and the crucial differences between economic developers and site selectors. In this episode, we explore: * The launch and impact of the REDI Sites program from pilot to full implementation * Criteria and benefits of site designations * The relationship between economic developers and site selectors * Strategies for communities to attract quality investments * The role and expansion of the Site Selectors Guild Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.” Resources and Links Connect with Didi Caldwell on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/didicaldwell/) Connect with Carrie Kelly on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-kelly-mpa/) Site Selectors Guild (https://siteselectorsguild.com/) REDI Sites (https://siteselectorsguild.com/about/redi-sites/) Special Guests: Carrie Kelly and Didi Caldwell. economic development, econ dev, women in economic development, site selection, site selectors, site selectors guild, REDI sites Didi Caldwell is the President and CEO of Global Location Strategies. Carrie Kelly is the Managing Director of the Site Selectors Guild. They discuss the intricacies of preparing investment-ready sites, the evolution and impact of the REDI Sites program, and the crucial differences between economic developers and site selectors.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The launch and impact of the REDI Sites program from pilot to full implementation
  • Criteria and benefits of site designations
  • The relationship between economic developers and site selectors
  • Strategies for communities to attract quality investments
  • The role and expansion of the Site Selectors Guild

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Didi Caldwell on LinkedIn
Connect with Carrie Kelly on LinkedIn
Site Selectors Guild
REDI Sites

Special Guests: Carrie Kelly and Didi Caldwell.

]]> Didi Caldwell is the President and CEO of Global Location Strategies. Carrie Kelly is the Managing Director of the Site Selectors Guild. They discuss the intricacies of preparing investment-ready sites, the evolution and impact of the REDI Sites program, and the crucial differences between economic developers and site selectors.

In this episode, we explore:

  • The launch and impact of the REDI Sites program from pilot to full implementation
  • Criteria and benefits of site designations
  • The relationship between economic developers and site selectors
  • Strategies for communities to attract quality investments
  • The role and expansion of the Site Selectors Guild

Quotable: “Think of it as a journey – from bronze to silver, silver to gold, and eventually platinum. Each step helps identify improvements and brings you closer to being truly investment-ready.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Didi Caldwell on LinkedIn
Connect with Carrie Kelly on LinkedIn
Site Selectors Guild
REDI Sites

Special Guests: Carrie Kelly and Didi Caldwell.

]]> Fail Fast, Collaborate Faster: A Career Path in Economic Development │Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S, CEcD, CERP http://www.llofed.com/episode14-brittanylacourdeal 0977fd77-5252-4168-baed-6d1cdde4a3b9 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500 Kaycee Bunch full 1 Kaycee Bunch 40:01 no Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S, CEcD, CERP shares her journey from an aspiring reporter to becoming a pivotal figure in economic development with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. Recognized for her leading role, Brittany emphasizes the importance of "failing fast" to learn and grow quickly. She discusses her current and future roles, revealing how her adaptability and business intelligence expertise contribute to community redevelopment. In this episode, we explore: The concept and benefits of "failing fast" in professional growth Essential traits for leading women in economic development: collaboration, adaptability, and bias management The significance of building and leveraging a supportive network among women The evolution and future of Brittany Deal's roles, including her upcoming responsibilities as Director of Economic Competitiveness Strategies for bold networking and engaging effectively in the industry Quotable “Empowered women inspire and support other women, fostering a community where we can all thrive.” Resources and Links Connect with Brittany Deal on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-lacour-deal-m-s-cecd-cerp-2913645b/) Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) (https://lafayette.org/) Special Guest: Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S., CEcD, CERP. economic development, women in economic development, Louisiana, Lafayette, Louisiana economic alliance for development, research, data, econ dev, Lafayette Economic Development Authority Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S, CEcD, CERP shares her journey from an aspiring reporter to becoming a pivotal figure in economic development with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. Recognized for her leading role, Brittany emphasizes the importance of "failing fast" to learn and grow quickly. She discusses her current and future roles, revealing how her adaptability and business intelligence expertise contribute to community redevelopment.

In this episode, we explore:
The concept and benefits of "failing fast" in professional growth
Essential traits for leading women in economic development: collaboration, adaptability, and bias management
The significance of building and leveraging a supportive network among women
The evolution and future of Brittany Deal's roles, including her upcoming responsibilities as Director of Economic Competitiveness
Strategies for bold networking and engaging effectively in the industry

Quotable
“Empowered women inspire and support other women, fostering a community where we can all thrive.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Brittany Deal on LinkedIn
Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA)

Special Guest: Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S., CEcD, CERP.

]]> Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S, CEcD, CERP shares her journey from an aspiring reporter to becoming a pivotal figure in economic development with the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. Recognized for her leading role, Brittany emphasizes the importance of "failing fast" to learn and grow quickly. She discusses her current and future roles, revealing how her adaptability and business intelligence expertise contribute to community redevelopment.

In this episode, we explore:
The concept and benefits of "failing fast" in professional growth
Essential traits for leading women in economic development: collaboration, adaptability, and bias management
The significance of building and leveraging a supportive network among women
The evolution and future of Brittany Deal's roles, including her upcoming responsibilities as Director of Economic Competitiveness
Strategies for bold networking and engaging effectively in the industry

Quotable
“Empowered women inspire and support other women, fostering a community where we can all thrive.”

Resources and Links
Connect with Brittany Deal on LinkedIn
Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA)

Special Guest: Brittany LaCour Deal, M.S., CEcD, CERP.

]]> Women Leading the Charge in Economic Development │Cecilia Harry http://www.llofed.com/episode9-ceciliaharry 860dfcf5-8c93-44fa-b65e-6eccda62e51f Fri, 02 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 Kaycee Bunch full 1 Kaycee Bunch 40:27 no Cecilia Harry's journey began in the early 2000s when she was a psychology student with aspirations of becoming a professor and pursuing a PhD. However, life took an unexpected turn, leading her into social services. In the state of Indiana, she dedicated herself as a case manager for child protective services. For several years, she conducted investigations and managed cases, providing crucial support to families in need. Her passion and dedication have profoundly impacted numerous lives, illustrating her commitment to making a difference beyond academic aspirations. In this episode, we explore: * ‘Male Allyship’ and Including men in discussions about women's issues * Navigating perceptions around age and experience * Promoting diversity on boards * How can employers better support working parents? * The importance of being confident and vulnerable as a leader Quotable “I've taken the risk multiple times in my career to just be my authentic self and be vulnerable about an obstacle in front of me, a challenge I was having, a solution that wasn't readily coming to me." Resources and Links SizeUp (https://www.sizeup.com/) Connect with Cecilia Harry on on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliaharry/) Special Guest: Cecilia Harry, CEcD. economic development, women in economic development, SizeUp, econ dev Cecilia Harry's journey began in the early 2000s when she was a psychology student with aspirations of becoming a professor and pursuing a PhD. However, life took an unexpected turn, leading her into social services. In the state of Indiana, she dedicated herself as a case manager for child protective services.

For several years, she conducted investigations and managed cases, providing crucial support to families in need. Her passion and dedication have profoundly impacted numerous lives, illustrating her commitment to making a difference beyond academic aspirations.

In this episode, we explore:

  • ‘Male Allyship’ and Including men in discussions about women's issues
  • Navigating perceptions around age and experience
  • Promoting diversity on boards
  • How can employers better support working parents?
  • The importance of being confident and vulnerable as a leader

Quotable
“I've taken the risk multiple times in my career to just be my authentic self and be vulnerable about an obstacle in front of me, a challenge I was having, a solution that wasn't readily coming to me."

Resources and Links
SizeUp
Connect with Cecilia Harry on on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Cecilia Harry, CEcD.

]]> Cecilia Harry's journey began in the early 2000s when she was a psychology student with aspirations of becoming a professor and pursuing a PhD. However, life took an unexpected turn, leading her into social services. In the state of Indiana, she dedicated herself as a case manager for child protective services.

For several years, she conducted investigations and managed cases, providing crucial support to families in need. Her passion and dedication have profoundly impacted numerous lives, illustrating her commitment to making a difference beyond academic aspirations.

In this episode, we explore:

  • ‘Male Allyship’ and Including men in discussions about women's issues
  • Navigating perceptions around age and experience
  • Promoting diversity on boards
  • How can employers better support working parents?
  • The importance of being confident and vulnerable as a leader

Quotable
“I've taken the risk multiple times in my career to just be my authentic self and be vulnerable about an obstacle in front of me, a challenge I was having, a solution that wasn't readily coming to me."

Resources and Links
SizeUp
Connect with Cecilia Harry on on LinkedIn

Special Guest: Cecilia Harry, CEcD.

]]> Local Growth and Global Minds, IEDC Economic Recovery Corps Senior Program Director │Nicole Manapol http://www.llofed.com/episode6-nicolemanapol 3ec0edbc-4c2d-4af7-bb46-237500496b43 Fri, 10 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400 Kaycee Bunch full 1 Kaycee Bunch Nicole Manapol is the Senior Program Director of the Economic Recovery Corps at the International Economic Development Council. She has nearly 20 years of international development and education experience in social enterprise, organizational capacity building, tech innovation, strategic partnerships, and workforce development. 44:19 no In this episode, we explore: What is the Economic Recovery Corps Program? Nicole's role in framework creation and stakeholder collaboration Selection criteria balancing distress, equity, and organizational capacity How the involvement of fellows impacts long-term development efforts The power of listening, empathizing, and connecting in leadership Quotable “If we can create those incentives and those things that allow people to come back at a different point in their life to serve, I think that is a really interesting model." Resources and Links International Economic Development Council (IEDC) (https://www.iedconline.org/) Economic Recovery Corps (https://economicrecoverycorps.org/) CARES Act Funding (https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/coronavirus-relief-fund) National Association of Counties (https://www.naco.org/) National Association of Development Organizations (https://www.nado.org/) National League of Cities (https://www.nlc.org/) Center on Rural Innovation (https://ruralinnovation.us/) International City County Management Association (ICMA) (https://icma.org/) RAIN Catalysts (https://www.raincatalysts.org/) United Keetoowah Band (https://www.ukb-nsn.gov/) The Center by Lendistry (https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecenterbylendistry/) Wind River Development Fund (https://wrdf.org/) Special Guest: Nicole Manapol. IEDC, Economic Recovery Corps, Economic Development, Econ Dev In this episode, we explore:
What is the Economic Recovery Corps Program?
Nicole's role in framework creation and stakeholder collaboration
Selection criteria balancing distress, equity, and organizational capacity
How the involvement of fellows impacts long-term development efforts
The power of listening, empathizing, and connecting in leadership

Quotable
“If we can create those incentives and those things that allow people to come back at a different point in their life to serve, I think that is a really interesting model."

Resources and Links
International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Economic Recovery Corps
CARES Act Funding

National Association of Counties
National Association of Development Organizations
National League of Cities
Center on Rural Innovation

International City County Management Association (ICMA)

RAIN Catalysts
United Keetoowah Band

The Center by Lendistry

Wind River Development Fund

Special Guest: Nicole Manapol.

]]> In this episode, we explore:
What is the Economic Recovery Corps Program?
Nicole's role in framework creation and stakeholder collaboration
Selection criteria balancing distress, equity, and organizational capacity
How the involvement of fellows impacts long-term development efforts
The power of listening, empathizing, and connecting in leadership

Quotable
“If we can create those incentives and those things that allow people to come back at a different point in their life to serve, I think that is a really interesting model."

Resources and Links
International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Economic Recovery Corps
CARES Act Funding

National Association of Counties
National Association of Development Organizations
National League of Cities
Center on Rural Innovation

International City County Management Association (ICMA)

RAIN Catalysts
United Keetoowah Band

The Center by Lendistry

Wind River Development Fund

Special Guest: Nicole Manapol.

]]>