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Thank You to Our Sponsors
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Ten years of Promoting Technical Professions
2016
A Movement Begins in Arkansas
Be Pro Be Proud launched in Arkansas as a workforce initiative focused on addressing skilled labor shortages by introducing students to technical careers through interactive experiences.
2020
First Multi State Expansion
Be Pro Be Proud expanded beyond Arkansas with the launch of initiatives in Georgia and South Carolina, marking the beginning of its national growth.
2022
First National Conference
Be Pro Be Proud hosted its first National Conference in Bentonville, bringing together educators, industry partners, and workforce leaders to share best practices and collaborate on solutions.
Today
Impact Across Seven States
Be Pro Be Proud now operates in seven states, connecting students, educators, employers, and policymakers through immersive experiences that elevate skilled careers nationwide.
A Movement That Now Spans Seven States… and Counting
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, workforce leaders, educators, policymakers and industry partners are facing one of the nation’s greatest challenges: preparing the next generation for high-demand careers that power our economy and strengthen our communities. For 10 years, Be Pro Be Proud has worked to elevate technical professions and connect students to high-demand careers through immersive experiences, industry partnerships and statewide collaboration. Now leaders from across the country are coming together at the Be Pro Be Proud National Conference to shape what’s next.
This is more than a conference. It’s an opportunity to:
Build partnerships
Share proven workforce solutions
Explore scalable models
Strengthen state and regional workforce pipelines
Help shape the future of workforce development in America
Featured Speaker
Josh Perkes was appointed senior vice president and chief human resources officer in August 2024. He is responsible for all human resources and labor relations functions and is a member of Union Pacific’s senior leadership team.
Previously, Perkes served as vice president-Loup Logistics, a wholly owned Union Pacific subsidiary providing innovative transportation and logistics solutions. He joined Union Pacific in 2002, and has held leadership positions on the railroad’s Marketing and Sales’ Premium, Industrial, Bulk and Operations teams, as well as across Human Resources functions such as talent management, talent acquisition, employee engagement, training, compensation and benefits. He also spent time in field sales, logistics and Operating as part of a cross-functional leadership training program.Perkes graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in English and has an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He serves as a board member for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands.
Josh Perkes
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
Why Attend the National Conference?
Whether you’re part of an established Be Pro Be Proud state team, exploring how to launch the model in your state or looking to build stronger workforce partnerships, this year’s National Conference offers valuable insights, meaningful connections and scalable solutions designed to help your state grow and thrive.
Learn Proven Workforce Strategies
Hear directly from national workforce leaders, policymakers, educators and industry experts about innovative approaches to workforce development, student engagement and talent pipeline solutions.
Build Partnerships that Drive Impact
Connect with state leaders, industry associations, employers, educators and policymakers who are actively building scalable workforce solutions in their communities.
Bring the Model to Your State
Explore how Be Pro Be Proud’s nationally recognized model can support workforce development, economic growth and career awareness efforts in your region.
