Peter Moreno                                                                             Mia Greene

In 2025, the Wisconsin Workforce Development Association held the annual Talent and Development Conference (TDCON), hosted by Employ Milwaukee. The conference highlighted the latest in programming, innovation, hiring, and education shaping the workforce field.  

Mia Greene, a Career and Workforce Advisor at the UW Madison-Prison Education Initiative (UW-PEI), which works to provide individuals inside of institutions with associate and bachelor's degree programming, attended the conference to learn more about current trends in the workforce space. There, she met experienced workforce professionals like Wylbur Holloway, EMI’s Reentry Services Manager.  

“Events like TDCON give people from education, reentry, and workforce programs a chance to connect and learn from each other,” Wylbur said. “Those cross-sector connections are how we build more integrated systems that truly support people as they transition back into the workforce.”  

Mia attended a joint session with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) and EMI about employment-based programs including Windows to Work, a DOC funded program focused on instruction in financial literacy, workplace competencies, conflict resolution, and problem solving through case managers who plan for successful reintegration with participants. The session also shared the resources available through the DOC and EMI, along with personal stories from participants through EMI’s reentry programs including Windows to Work and a former SMART reentry participant. One man shared the ways he built mental strength with specific examples of books he read, DOC programming he participated in, and academic investments he made. With a background in case management and social work, Mia resonated with what was shared.      

After TDCON, UW-PEI invited that same Windows to Work participant to co-lead their Career Pathways: Building a Mindset for Success presentation with Wylbur. The session was open to individuals within 2 years of release at Columbia Correctional Institution or individuals who participated in one of UW-PEI's college jumpstart courses delivered by Odyssey Beyond Bars (OBB).  

“It was very impactful for every guy there,” Mia said. “The way he was able to connect with the students and how powerful it was for them to see somebody on the other side still navigating the workforce challenges. It was very valuable to have him there. And I feel the social workers...  received a lot from listening to him. They benefited from his lived experience and that wouldn't have happened without the connection at TDCON.”  

Peter Moreno, Director of UW-PEI, is excited and hopeful for potential future collaborations with Employ Milwaukee’s Reentry Services Team, including possible events, in reach, and workshops. He emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships between the UWs and workforce development boards.  

“We need to see more of it,” Peter said. “Not just with formerly incarcerated people but just more explicit connections between folks graduating with a UW degree and the workforce development boards to make sure they are placed in the right spot.” 

This year, TDCON is on April 21-22 in Green Bay. Don’t miss this opportunity to make meaningful connections, gain impactful insight, and learn from leaders in the workforce field. Click here to learn more and register: TDCON26 — WWDA