Education and Workforce Luncheon

Description

Workforce development is top of mind as our recent survey showed it’s one of the top major challenges member businesses are facing today. Join us as we bring education and industry leaders together for a timely conversation on how schools and employers are partnering to meet this critical need.

Featured speakers include Tabitha Branum, Superintendent of Richardson ISD, and Dr. Theresa Williams, Superintendent of Plano ISD, who will share their vision for preparing students to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy. They will be joined by Career & Technical Education (CTE) directors and business partners who have achieved remarkable success by connecting classrooms with career opportunities, helping to grow and strengthen the local workforce.

In addition, attendees will enjoy interactive tabletop exhibits showcasing CTE programs from both Richardson ISD and Plano ISD. Students and teachers will be on hand to demonstrate their work, answer questions, and highlight the skills being developed that directly align with today’s business needs.

This is a unique opportunity to see firsthand how education and industry are collaborating to create talent pipelines, drive economic growth, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
 

✨Sponsorships Available!
Luncheon Sponsor - $1500 (includes 1 reserved table of 8, logo on all event promotion, remarks from the podium)
Full Table Sponsor - $500 (includes 1 reserved table of 8, logo on website and program, and recognition from the podium) 
Half Table Sponsor - $250 (includes 1 reserved half table of 4, logo on website and program, and recognition from the podium) 

About the speakers:

With more than 25 years of experience in Texas education, Tabitha Branum is an experienced leader committed to student success through research-based and innovative practices.

In August 2022, Branum was named the 20th superintendent of Richardson Independent School District (RISD), following her service as interim superintendent. Before assuming this role, she spent eight years serving RISD families as assistant superintendent of secondary schools and later as deputy superintendent, where she led curriculum, instruction, and district operations while developing RISD’s five-year strategic plan.

Branum’s career spans classroom teaching, school leadership, and curriculum innovation. She began as a teacher in Coppell ISD in 1997, later leading the design and launch of New Tech High School in Coppell. A respected presenter and skilled grant writer, she has driven instructional improvements in both Coppell and Richardson. She also co-authored Digital Learning: Meeting the Challenges and Embracing the Opportunities for Teachers.

A dedicated member of the RISD community, Branum and her family reside in the district. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in educational administration from the University of North Texas and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in educational administration at Dallas Baptist University. Her contributions to education have earned her notable recognition, including the National PTA Lifetime Achievement Award (2022), Altrusa International’s Outstanding Woman of Today (2023), and the Chairman’s Award from the Richardson Chamber.

Branum actively shapes educational policy and initiatives and believes in giving back to our community through her involvement in organizations that enhance public education. She serves on the boards of the UIL Region 20 Music Executive Committee, the Texas Academic Decathlon and Junior Achievement of Dallas. She is a Director for the Texas Association of Suburban and Mid-Urban Schools (TAS/MUS) and sits on the Board of Advisors for the Phone-Free Schools Movement and the SMU Master of Public Policy Advisory Committee.

Passionate about public education, Branum is dedicated to ensuring that all students graduate prepared to navigate a future they create.

As superintendent, Dr. Theresa Williams serves as the chief executive officer of a district with 6,500 employees serving 44,000 students across 69 schools and programs. Dr. Williams was unanimously appointed by the Plano ISD Board of Trustees as superintendent of schools in March 2022. She previously served as Plano ISD’s deputy superintendent and chief operating officer for four years. During her tenure as deputy superintendent, she led all aspects of the organization’s daily operations, including operationalizing the district’s strategic plan. 

She began her educational leadership journey in Garland ISD where she taught high school Spanish, then rose through the ranks, holding various campus and district leadership positions, including director of student services and director of special programs. She went on to serve in a cabinet level position as executive director of educational operations. Additionally, Dr. Williams served four years as Lubbock ISD’s deputy superintendent, where among her accomplishments were leading the design of that district’s strategic plan, expansion of Career and Technical Education, Advanced Placement and Dual Credit, implementation of the district’s early college model and districtwide digital learning.

Dr. Williams is a distinguished educational leader whose accomplishments have been widely recognized through numerous awards, nominations and accolades. She was recently featured in the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) “Inspiring Leader Spotlight.” She was honored as a nominee for the 2024 AASA Women in School Leadership Award, recognizing the exceptional leadership of active, front-line leaders making a difference in students’ lives every day. Additionally, in October 2023, Dr. Williams received the Outstanding Women of Today Award from the Altrusa International of Richardson Foundation. She was also nominated for the North Texas Commission’s Outstanding Leadership Award in September 2023. In December 2022, she was recognized as one of the Plano Chamber of Commerce’s 50 Leading Women, highlighting her impact on the community.

In 2025, Dr. Williams was honored with the Richardson Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and perseverance in guiding Plano ISD through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. This award highlights her commitment to leading the district with grace and tenacity, maintaining a focus on student success even in the most challenging times. Dr. Williams was awarded the prestigious ATHENA Award in 2024 by the Plano Chamber of Commerce. This award honors accomplished professional women who excel in their field, contribute to their community, and empower other women to succeed. Dr. Williams was recognized for her outstanding educational leadership and her commitment to mentoring future leaders within Plano ISD and beyond. 

A Plano ISD PTA Life Member and graduate of Leadership Plano Class 37, Dr. Williams is committed to enhancing her leadership and expertise in the field of education.

Dr. Williams earned a bachelor of arts degree from Texas Tech University, a master of science degree, educational administration and supervision, and a doctor of education, from Texas A&M University – Commerce. 

RCC registration/cancellation policy:
Reservations with payment are required and will not be refunded unless cancelled three days prior to event. Substitutions will be accepted until noon the day of.  Walk-in attendees will be seated based on space availability.