The communities of Mesa, Queen Creek, Chandler, and Gilbert gathered for a Regional Business and Education Summit to discuss workforce challenges and opportunities across sectors, according to a May 14 announcement. The event focused on how regional alignment can help address the evolving needs of talent development and economic growth.
The summit highlighted the importance of building sustainable talent pipelines, aligning education with industry requirements, and ensuring access to opportunities in rapidly growing areas. By bringing together leaders from different communities, the event aimed to break down silos and encourage shared responsibility for solutions.
Sheri Marlin, Executive Director of the Waters Center for Systems Thinking, led interactive sessions at the summit. Marlin said that “workforce challenges are not isolated problems—they are interconnected systems.” She guided attendees through exercises designed to reveal interdependencies between education, business needs, and public policy while encouraging participants to identify patterns and root causes rather than surface-level issues.
Tara Jackson, President of Arizona Town Hall, also spoke at the event. Jackson said that “progress happens when diverse perspectives are not just heard—but integrated into the path forward.” She emphasized inclusive dialogue as key to addressing workforce issues by fostering cross-sector listening, trust-building, shared accountability, and intentional pathways toward action.
Participants were encouraged by Marlin and Jackson to commit to specific next steps during a “Do One Thing” exercise at the end of the program. Attendees identified actions such as starting new partnerships between schools and businesses or rethinking hiring practices within their organizations.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce serves as a partner in these efforts by supporting business growth in Gilbert through networking programs; it also advocates for pro-business policies while enhancing community quality of life via leadership development initiatives according to its official website. Sarah Watts has served as president and chief executive officer of the organization according to its official website.
