Sen. Cicarella & United Way Host Workforce AI Discussion in Wallingford

WALLINGFORD — State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34), in partnership with the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, hosted Building a Future-Ready Workforce: An AI Discussion on June 4 at Choate Rosemary Hall, bringing together business leaders, educators, workforce development professionals, and community partners to discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence on Connecticut’s workforce and economy.

The discussion focused on how AI is changing the workplace, creating new opportunities for innovation, and shaping the skills that employers will need in the years ahead.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer something that’s coming in the future, it’s already here,” said Sen. Cicarella. “As technology continues to evolve, we need to make sure our students, workers, and businesses are prepared to adapt and succeed. Events like this help bring the right people to the table to have those important conversations.”

Panelists included State Senator Paul Cicarella; Dr. Alex Curtis, Headmaster of Choate Rosemary Hall; Maria Campos-Harlow, Executive Director of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford; Joe Mirra, Director of Workforce Partnerships for the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford; Ellen Devine, Director of Pedagogical Innovation & Emerging Technologies at Choate Rosemary Hall; and Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Ph.D., Chief Workforce Officer for the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy and Vice Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Council.

“At Choate, we are committed to helping students and adults become discerning, informed, and ethical users of AI,” said Ellen Devine, Director of Pedagogical Innovation & Emerging Technologies at Choate Rosemary Hall. “The work of education has always required us to learn from the past, respond thoughtfully to the complexities of the present, and prepare students for a future we cannot predict. Artificial intelligence adds new urgency to that responsibility, but it does not change its fundamental purpose: helping young people develop the creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and judgment needed to lead meaningful lives and contribute to their communities. We were grateful to be part of conversations about how Connecticut can work together to prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

“We are incredibly fortunate to live in a state rich with extraordinary knowledge, talent, and resources,” said Maria Campos-Harlow, Executive Director of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford. “Artificial intelligence presents tremendous opportunities, and it is up to us to embrace this technology thoughtfully and responsibly. By learning, collaborating, and investing in workforce development, we can harness AI in ways that help individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and our entire community thrive. Events like this are an important step in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the future of work.”

“Connecticut has built an incredible foundation for an AI-ready workforce,” said Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Ph.D., Chief Workforce Officer for the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy and Vice Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Council. “By bringing together educators, workforce partners, and employers, we are fostering a culture of lifelong learning and ensuring that all residents—from students to experienced workers—have equitable access to the skills needed to succeed, meet the evolving needs of business, and thrive in a rapidly changing economy.”

Panelists discussed how AI is being utilized across industries, the workforce challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and the importance of investing in education, training, and workforce development programs that help prepare Connecticut residents for emerging careers.

Sen. Cicarella said the discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration between educators, employers, workforce leaders, and policymakers.

“The future of our workforce depends on our ability to adapt, innovate, and work together,” Sen. Cicarella said. “Connecticut has tremendous talent and opportunity, and by bringing together leaders from education, business, and workforce development, we can help ensure our state remains competitive and continues to create opportunities for the next generation.”

Photo Attached (L-R): Maria Campos-Harlow, Executive Director of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford; State Senator Paul Cicarella; Ellen Devine, Director of Pedagogical Innovation & Emerging Technologies at Choate Rosemary Hall; Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Ph.D., Chief Workforce Officer for the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy and Vice Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Council; and Joe Mirra, Director of Workforce Partnerships for the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford.