Industry and academic leaders convened at Cedar Crest College recently for the inaugural Tech & Talent Summit to address the evolving technological needs and persistent skills gaps facing the Lehigh Valley workforce.
The event, titled “Building Tomorrow’s Workforce,” was presented by ADVANCE at Cedar Crest and the Harmon Center for Leadership in Technology. The summit focused on the dual necessity of technical proficiency and “power skills”—such as communication and critical thinking—as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the labor market.
Lauren Holubec, executive director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, delivered the keynote address. She argued that current labor shortages are more than just a lack of candidates.
“This is not a pipeline problem. It is a systems problem,” Holubec said. “And systems problems require systems solutions.”
A central theme of the discussions was the disconnect between technical training and foundational interpersonal effectiveness. Panelists noted that while digital literacy is essential, the ability to collaborate remains a primary concern for regional employers.
Karianne Gelinas, vice president of talent strategies at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp., highlighted the region’s strength in STEM, healthcare, and manufacturing, emphasizing that adaptability is now a core requirement for new hires.
Cedar Crest officials said the college is responding to these shifts through its ADVANCE program, which offers industry-aligned credentials for professional learners.
“As the first Allentown college to educate women, Cedar Crest is rooted in a tradition of aligning education with opportunity,” said Dr. Robert Wilson, provost and vice president for academic affairs. He noted that the summit serves as a practical step toward integrating emerging technologies across various sectors.
Melanie Kohler, chief transformation and technology officer at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania and a Cedar Crest alumna, attended the event and stressed the urgency for leadership to invest in AI literacy.
“Investing in upskilling, AI literacy, and critical thinking is no longer optional; it’s a core leadership responsibility,” Kohler said.
For more information on the college’s workforce initiatives, visit cedarcrest.edu/advance.