Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Lauren Jones, visited Holyoke Media on May 28, 2025, as part of the MassHire 250 Workforce Innovation Tour, celebrating local and regional workforce innovations across the state.

This visit in Hampden County, allowed the partnership of Holyoke Media and MassHire Holyoke, Youth Services, to interview Secretary Jones in our studios about her work, and asking for advice for youth getting into the workforce.

This interview was led by Jacob Santos, councilor with MassHire Youth Services, and Isaura Reyes, youth producer who has been participating of the YouthWorks program, assisting multiple production work at Holyoke Media.

Also, it was an opportunity to show how the YouthWorks program that provides summer jobs, and year long job opportunities for youth in the Holyoke community, has been a positive impact for shaping their future, and teach them new skills.