Name: Retail Careers Start Here: Preparing Students for the Skills America’s Largest Private-Sector Employer Needs
Start: 2026-10-07T11:15:00-0700
End: 2026-10-07T12:15:00-0700

Retail Careers Start Here: Preparing Students for the Skills America’s Largest Private-Sector Employer Needs

Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Colorado Ballroom

Retail is the largest private-sector employer in the United States and one of the most accessible entry points into the workforce. It offers students a wide range of career pathways—from in-store roles to warehouse and distribution center operations to corporate opportunities—while helping them build durable skills that translate across industries.
In this fireside chat, a regional retail leader joins an NRF Foundation representative to share what employers are looking for in today’s entry-level talent. The conversation will highlight the human-centered skills that matter most—communication, teamwork, reliability, adaptability, customer focus, and problem solving—and how these skills show up in real retail roles.
CTE educators will gain practical insights they can bring back to the classroom to help students connect what they’re learning today with the expectations of today’s employers. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how retail can serve as a launchpad for students’ next steps—whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing college, or serving in the military.

Speakers

Kate Fessler

Sr. Director of Outreach, RISE Up

Kate Fessler is the senior director of outreach for RISE Up at the NRF Foundation, where she works with organizations across the country – including high schools, workforce organizations and community colleges – to introduce and deliver the RISE Up credentials to learners preparing... Read More →

Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Colorado Ballroom

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