What if the life you want is waiting—just outside of what you’ve always known?At the Talking Leaves Job Corps Center, located in the heart of the Cherokee Nation, that’s exactly what’s happening.

In this episode, Jill Zimmer shares how this unique center is helping young people—many from rural and tribal communities—step into new opportunities while staying connected to their culture, identity, and community.

From open spaces and hands-on training to cultural traditions like Cherokee stickball, Talking Leaves is more than a training center—it’s a place where students begin to see a bigger future for themselves.

Because for many, this is the first time they’ve stepped outside what they’ve always known.

And that’s where everything changes.

Take a chance. Give yourself a chance.

Listen now, subscribe, and discover how opportunity and culture come together to shape the next generation.

Sometimes, all it takes is one person to see something in you.

Lorraine Lane sits down with Rodney Butler, Executive Director at Adams and Associates, to talk about a 25-year journey shaped by leadership, growth, and opportunity through Job Corps.

Rodney didn’t start where you might expect—from bowling alleys to finance, and eventually into leadership—his path is proof that careers aren’t always linear… but they are full of possibility.

What makes this conversation powerful isn’t just his story—it’s what it represents.

You’ll hear insights on:

• How Job Corps helps young people discover their leadership potential

• Why being “seen” can change the trajectory of someone’s life

• The importance of culture, communication, and continuous improvement

• How leadership skills can transfer across any path

• Why “every student counts” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset

One message stands out:

Opportunity is everywhere—you just need someone to help you see it.

If you’ve ever wondered how leadership is built, how lives are changed, or why this work matters—this episode delivers.

Listen now, subscribe, and be part of building the next generation of leaders.

Job Corps has always been about opportunity—and its future is full of even greater potential.

In this episode of the iBuild America podcast, Dr. Francis Cole is joined by Korey Adams (CEO, Distinction LLC), Ramon Serrato (CEO, Serrato Corporation), and Brian Fox (CEO, Education & Training Resources) for a powerful panel discussion on what’s next for one of the nation’s most impactful workforce development programs.

With decades of combined experience, this group reflects on the strength of Job Corps—and how it can continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities.

You’ll hear honest perspectives on:

• Why compliance alone is no longer enough

• How outdated policies are limiting innovation

• The urgent need for flexibility at the local level

• What AI literacy should actually look like for students

• Why investing in staff is just as critical as training students

This isn’t just about programs—it’s about preparing people for a future that’s already here.

Because when you step back, one thing becomes clear:

The foundation is strong—and the future is full of opportunity.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and be part of the next chapter of Job Corps.