Our first keynote speaker is Eric Chester, a former high school CTE teacher/instructor and football coach turned motivational speaker for youth. Over the course of ten years, he helped millions of students at more than 1000 schools understand the significance of career goals and planning for success. Since 2001, Eric has been presenting to employers who are feeling the effects of an emerging workforce that lacks the work ethic necessary to succeed. He knows their challenges, and he helps them recruit, train, manage, motivate and retain young workers. Eric is also the founder of the Center for Work Ethic Development , and is considered the leading authority on developing work ethic in teens and young adults.

Our second keynote speaker is Julian Alvarez III, the Commissioner Representing Labor of the Texas Workforce Commission. Mr. Alvarez represents the interest of Texas workers with respect to TWC services and ensures that their concerns are considered in all Commission actions. Prior to his appointment by Gov. Abbott, Commissioner Alvarez served as president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, fostering relationships and coordinating programs to advance regional economic development and employment opportunities. He also served as a Texas regional director for the U.S. Senate and advised on legislative and policy issues related to South Texas. Prior to that, Alvarez served on the South Texas Drug Task Force as a state trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). After his service with DPS, Alvarez inspired stewardship and leadership as the director of college information for Texas State Technical College in Harlingen.