In this episode, our host, Kristin Wolff, talks with Laura Ring and Dr. Jonathan Barlow. Laura is the Director of the Office of Grant Management at the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, and Jonathan is the Associate Director of Software Architecture and Development at NSPARC – National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center – located on the Mississippi State University Campus in Starkville. Grab your trainers and chart your course – this episode is longer than most and you’ll want to hear every word. We discuss how to build sustainable partnerships, the key turning points in the evolution of Mississippi’s longitudinal data system, and a raft of new products and tools under development now. Jonathan and Laura’s rich explanations and stories paint a picture of how policy and program work changes when data is connected, supported by high-quality governance structures, and used collectively, and why that’s so important for Mississippi students, workers, and businesses. It’s a remarkable story. Have a listen. For more information: · MS Department of Employment Security: https://mdes.ms.gov/information-center/; MSWorks: https://www.mississippiworks.org/; MSWorks App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ms-works/id773775917 · NSPARC: https://www.nsparc.msstate.edu/ · About the Hub: https://www.govtech.com/workforce/New-State-Hub-Connects-Mississippi-Agencies-Around-Workforce-Data.html · Find Laura: https://mdes.ms.gov/information-center/about-mdes/contact-us/ · Find Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-barlow-97174661/ · MS Scorecard: https://swib.ms.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ScoreCardApril19.pdf Social: · Twitter: @NSPARC_MSState · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nsparc/ _______   Disclaimer: This podcast was produced by Social Policy Research and Workforce 180 with support from the US Department of Labor. The views expressed are those of the speakers and should not be attributed to the US Department of Labor or other public agencies (state, federal, or local). Mentions of trade names, commercial products or organizations does not imply endorsement of same by the US Government or representatives.