/ About this event
Amplifying Scientific Innovation® returns for its second year as an LA Tech Week host with a live virtual conversation exploring AI and the future of workforce development.
Hosted and moderated by Dr. Sophia Ononye-Onyia, Founder and CEO of The Sophia Consulting Firm, an innovation leadership organization focused on digital storytelling and workforce development, the event builds on six years of the Amplifying Scientific Innovation® Video Podcast, which has grown to nearly 90 episodes and 2 million views.
📅 Tuesday, October 13, 2026 ⏰ 8:00–9:00 AM PT 💻 Live virtual podcast-style panel streamed on YouTube
This year’s conversation asks:
How is AI changing the way we prepare people for meaningful work?
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, education, and career pathways, the panel will explore:
• How AI is changing the skills employers and learners need • Career readiness, digital fluency, and scientific communication • Practical training pathways for youth ages 16–24, adult learners, veterans, people with disabilities, and emerging talent • How apprenticeship and work-based learning can bridge education, training, and real-world opportunity • What employers, educators, workforce leaders, and policymakers should prepare for next
The conversation directly reflects work underway at The Sophia Consulting Firm. With support from the Orange County Department of Education, the firm has launched two paid Amplifying Scientific Innovation® Apprenticeship cohorts with 10 apprentices in training, with Cohort 3 planned for October 2026.
The firm is also pursuing approval through the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards and U.S. Department of Labor across five occupations, supporting longer-term plans to expand apprenticeship pathways statewide and nationally.
CONFIRMED PANELISTS
Jill Katevas Senior Administrator, Career Education and Workforce Development Orange County Department of Education
Jen García Founder Ingrained
Ian O. Williamson Dean Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine
Together, the panel brings perspectives spanning workforce development, career education, practical AI fluency, higher education, talent development, apprenticeship, and the future of work.
Advance questions for the panel are welcome.
The event also reflects the continued evolution of the Amplifying Scientific Innovation® platform from digital storytelling into publishing and workforce development. Dr. Ononye-Onyia’s new book, Amplifying Scientific Innovation®: From Podcast to Apprenticeship, is now available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle eBook, and audiobook, including on Audible.
RSVP for event updates and livestream information.
This event is part of #LATechWeek, a week of events hosted by top founders, funds, companies, and ecosystem leaders to bring together the technology community.
Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
