On Saturday, July 18, 2026, over 180 students who recently completed the Vegas PBS Workforce Education program celebrated their achievements at the station's fourth Workforce Education Graduation Luncheon.
From teacher professional development courses to certifications in construction and trades — totaling over self-paced 400 career programs and 2,000 short-term and compliance courses — Vegas PBS’ Workforce Training and Economic Development provides Southern Nevadans and out-of-staters with the means to pursue good-paying, high-demand careers, helping community members find the path to fulfilling careers.
The 2026 Workforce Training and Economic Development Graduation Luncheon, which took place at Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, was emceed by Nevada Week host Amber Renee Dixon and Student Spotlight host Maria Silva.
Kicking off the ceremony was Vegas PBS President & General Manager Mare Mazur, who expressed what an "honor and privilege" it was to recognize the 187 students who'd completed coursework in "a remarkable array of disciplines."
"Your achievements go so far beyond the classroom, and that's I think what makes this event such a joy," Mazur said. "You were willing to try something new and invest in yourself in the future."
The ceremony's keynote speaker was Anthony "Tony" Gladney, Vice President of Community & Business Engagement for MGM Resorts International. A UNLV graduate and former NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers, Gladney offered words of encouragement and recited a poem titled, "Don't Quit."
Director of Workforce Training and Economic Development at Vegas PBS Debra Solt has led the station's workforce initiative for 16 years. In that time, she explained in her remarks, she has partnered with and mentored students who've faced multiple barriers to entering the workforce, including evictions and homelessness, incarcerations, deaths of loved ones, health challenges, and even divorce.
This past year in particular was one of "challenges and triumphs," Solt said.
"You're all a group of determined, resilient, tenacious, driven, successful individuals, and I thank you for allowing Vegas PBS and me to be part of that education and career journey."
Graduate of the Certified Paralegal Training Program
Graduate of the Medical Administrative Assistant and Certified Medical Coding and Billing program
Graduate of the Freight Broker Agent Training program
Three student speakers also shared their stories of resiliency and determination with their fellow graduates: Semetress Simmons, a graduate of the Certified Paralegal Training Program, Vernell Meredith, a Medical Administrative Assistant and Certified Medical Coding and Billing graduate, and Ederick Dillard, who completed the Freight Broker Agent Training program.
"Managing work, finances, families, assignments, and unexpected life changes while pursuing a better future is no small accomplishment," said Simmons.
The 2026 graduating class was comprised of not only Nevadans, but also residents of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas — with ages ranging from 18 to 70+.
Graduating students received certificates of achievement from the offices of government officials, including Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros S. Anthony, U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, Congressman Steven Horford, Congresswoman Susie Lee, Congresswoman Dina Titus, and Clark County Commissioner Michael Maft. Representatives from several elected officials' offices were in attendance, as were several Clark County School District Board Trustees and members of the Southern Nevada Public Television Board.
More than 970,000 people have been served on their employment journeys by the Vegas PBS Workforce Training and Economic Development program since it first launched in 2010 in response to the Great Recession.
Watch the entire graduation ceremony in the player below.
