In this episode, Michael Bonner, Managing Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig&apos;s Las Vegas office, shares his journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a respected leader in corporate law. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Michael attended Western High School. His educational journey began at the historic Fifth Street School, and after graduating from high school, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Michael then attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his law degree. With decades of experience, Michael is now the Co-Managing Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Las Vegas office, focusing on corporate law and real estate matters. He’s known for his expertise in helping clients navigate complex legal challenges, earning him a prominent reputation in the legal community. Michael’s leadership extends beyond his law practice. He serves as Vice Chairman of the UNLV Foundation Board, supporting the university&apos;s educational initiatives and fundraising efforts. He’s also an active Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) board member and a Trustee Emeritus for the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce. Michael helps foster connections between business, politics, and academia in Southern Nevada through these roles. He’s particularly excited about the upcoming UNLV Foundation gala, featuring renowned Chef José Andrés and helping raise funds for university programs. These events are valuable opportunities to network with influential leaders, and support causes that make a difference in the community.  Outside of his professional and community work, Michael is dedicated to his family. He enjoys spending time with his seven grandchildren and attending their Little League games, dance recitals, and other school events. Michael is also an avid golfer, jokingly calling himself a &quot;hacker&quot; on the course. His deep love for Las Vegas is reflected in his efforts to preserve the city’s history and his reflections on its transformation over the years.   Michael offers valuable advice for young professionals and aspiring lawyers, encouraging them to read widely, pursue a well-rounded education, and understand history and philosophy. He stresses the importance of patience and persistence, especially for those entering the legal field, and advises young professionals to invest wisely in their 20s and 30s to build a strong financial foundation. Michael’s career and leadership insights provide meaningful guidance for anyone looking to make a lasting impact in their profession and community.  Greenberg and Traurig Law Offices: Las Vegas | Locations | Greenberg Traurig LLP UNLV Foundations Annual Dinner 2025: UNLV Foundation

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Michael Bonner, Managing Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig&amp;apos;s Las Vegas office, shares his journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a respected leader in corporate law. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Michael attended Western High School. His educational journey began at the historic Fifth Street School, and after graduating from high school, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Michael then attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his law degree. With decades of experience, Michael is now the Co-Managing Shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Las Vegas office, focusing on corporate law and real estate matters. He’s known for his expertise in helping clients navigate complex legal challenges, earning him a prominent reputation in the legal community.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Michael’s leadership extends beyond his law practice. He serves as Vice Chairman of the UNLV Foundation Board, supporting the university&amp;apos;s educational initiatives and fundraising efforts. He’s also an active Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) board member and a Trustee Emeritus for the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce. Michael helps foster connections between business, politics, and academia in Southern Nevada through these roles. He’s particularly excited about the upcoming UNLV Foundation gala, featuring renowned Chef José Andrés and helping raise funds for university programs. These events are valuable opportunities to network with influential leaders, and support causes that make a difference in the community.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Outside of his professional and community work, Michael is dedicated to his family. He enjoys spending time with his seven grandchildren and attending their Little League games, dance recitals, and other school events. Michael is also an avid golfer, jokingly calling himself a &amp;quot;hacker&amp;quot; on the course. His deep love for Las Vegas is reflected in his efforts to preserve the city’s history and his reflections on its transformation over the years. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Michael offers valuable advice for young professionals and aspiring lawyers, encouraging them to read widely, pursue a well-rounded education, and understand history and philosophy. He stresses the importance of patience and persistence, especially for those entering the legal field, and advises young professionals to invest wisely in their 20s and 30s to build a strong financial foundation. Michael’s career and leadership insights provide meaningful guidance for anyone looking to make a lasting impact in their profession and community. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Greenberg and Traurig Law Offices:&lt;br/&gt;Las Vegas | Locations | Greenberg Traurig LLP&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;UNLV Foundations Annual Dinner 2025:&lt;br/&gt;UNLV Foundation&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Michael Bonner, Managing Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig's Las Vegas office, shares his journey from growing up in Las Vegas to becoming a respected leader in corporate law. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Michael attended Western High School. His educational journey began at the historic Fifth Street School, and after graduating from high school, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Michael then attended the University of Califor...

Season 4- Episode 39: Michael Bonner

In this episode, Joyce Smith, Senior Vice President in Commercial Banking at MidFirst Bank and Vegas Chamber Board Trustee, shares her journey from growing up in Ely, Nevada, to building a successful banking career. After attending Great Basin College, Joyce started as a bank teller and worked her way up through various leadership roles at multiple banks. She developed a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to her community along the way. Joyce believes financial success comes from living within your means, saving, and making smart long-term decisions. She passionately advocates financial literacy, helping others understand budgeting, saving, and investing to secure their futures. Joyce strongly advocates fair wages and supports employees through various challenges. She believes in paying employees well and providing opportunities for growth within the organization. Joyce is committed to creating a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and are given the resources to succeed. She emphasizes that when employees are treated well and supported in their professional development, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged, contributing to the long-term success of both the bank and the community. As a Trustee for the Vegas Chamber, Joyce is passionate about supporting the local community. She’s excited about the upcoming Monday’s Dark Annual Event on December 9th at The Palms in Las Vegas, where world-class performers donate their time to raise funds for Southern Nevada nonprofits. Tickets are only $50. Joyce also shared details about an important capital campaign to build a new venue that provides mental health support for first responders, industry workers, and others who need a safe place to seek help. The groundbreaking is expected this December. Additionally, Joyce encourages everyone to attend the Vegas Chamber Installation Luncheon, a key event celebrating community leaders. In her downtime, Joyce enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She takes pride in teaching them important life skills, like budgeting and distinguishing between needs and wants, which she believes are essential lessons for today&apos;s young people. Joyce also offers excellent advice to those starting in their careers: begin with an entry-level position, such as a bank teller. It’s a great way to learn key skills in customer service, conflict resolution, and banking operations while gaining valuable industry experience. Many banks, Joyce explains, offer programs to help employees further their education and career goals. She highlights the fulfillment of helping businesses and communities grow: &quot;When you see a building you helped finance, it’s an incredible feeling.&quot; MidFirst Bank: Home | True to You Vegas Chamber: Events | Vegas Chamber | Las Vegas, NV Monday Dark Event: https://thespacelv.com/events/category/mondays-dark/photo/

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Joyce Smith, Senior Vice President in Commercial Banking at MidFirst Bank and Vegas Chamber Board Trustee, shares her journey from growing up in Ely, Nevada, to building a successful banking career. After attending Great Basin College, Joyce started as a bank teller and worked her way up through various leadership roles at multiple banks. She developed a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to her community along the way. Joyce believes financial success comes from living within your means, saving, and making smart long-term decisions. She passionately advocates financial literacy, helping others understand budgeting, saving, and investing to secure their futures.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Joyce strongly advocates fair wages and supports employees through various challenges. She believes in paying employees well and providing opportunities for growth within the organization. Joyce is committed to creating a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and are given the resources to succeed. She emphasizes that when employees are treated well and supported in their professional development, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged, contributing to the long-term success of both the bank and the community.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;As a Trustee for the Vegas Chamber, Joyce is passionate about supporting the local community. She’s excited about the upcoming Monday’s Dark Annual Event on December 9th at The Palms in Las Vegas, where world-class performers donate their time to raise funds for Southern Nevada nonprofits. Tickets are only $50. Joyce also shared details about an important capital campaign to build a new venue that provides mental health support for first responders, industry workers, and others who need a safe place to seek help. The groundbreaking is expected this December. Additionally, Joyce encourages everyone to attend the Vegas Chamber Installation Luncheon, a key event celebrating community leaders.&lt;br/&gt;In her downtime, Joyce enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She takes pride in teaching them important life skills, like budgeting and distinguishing between needs and wants, which she believes are essential lessons for today&amp;apos;s young people.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Joyce also offers excellent advice to those starting in their careers: begin with an entry-level position, such as a bank teller. It’s a great way to learn key skills in customer service, conflict resolution, and banking operations while gaining valuable industry experience. Many banks, Joyce explains, offer programs to help employees further their education and career goals. She highlights the fulfillment of helping businesses and communities grow: &amp;quot;When you see a building you helped finance, it’s an incredible feeling.&amp;quot;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;MidFirst Bank:&lt;br/&gt;Home | True to You&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Vegas Chamber:&lt;br/&gt;Events | Vegas Chamber | Las Vegas, NV&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Monday Dark Event:&lt;br/&gt;https://thespacelv.com/events/category/mondays-dark/photo/&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Joyce Smith, Senior Vice President in Commercial Banking at MidFirst Bank and Vegas Chamber Board Trustee, shares her journey from growing up in Ely, Nevada, to building a successful banking career. After attending Great Basin College, Joyce started as a bank teller and worked her way up through various leadership roles at multiple banks. She developed a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to her community along the way. Joyce believes financial success comes from living ...

Season 4- Episode 38: Joyce Smith

In this episode, Jeremy Aguero, a principal analyst at Applied Analysis and a trustee with the Vegas Chamber, joins us. Born and raised in Southern Nevada, Jeremy has been a key figure in shaping the region’s future. He earned his degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and has a career specializing in economic analysis, policy, and community development. Through his work at Applied Analysis and as a trustee with the Vegas Chamber, Jeremy plays an active role in helping the community grow and thrive.Jeremy has been involved in major projects that have made a real difference in Southern Nevada, such as the Campus for Hope initiative. This project is a collaboration between the public and private sectors, raising $200 million to build a state-of-the-art facility to support people experiencing homelessness. It’s just one example of how Jeremy is working to improve the lives of the people in his community. His dedication to public service and deep connection to Southern Nevada has made him a respected leader.Jeremy values family and enjoys spending time with his loved ones outside of work. He’s been through a lot personally, including the heartbreaking loss of his son, Jacob. This loss changed his perspective on life, teaching him the importance of being present and appreciating every moment. Jeremy encourages young people to work hard, take advantage of opportunities, and tackle challenges head-on. He believes life is a gift, and success comes from perseverance, good timing, and sometimes a little luck.Jeremy’s advice to young people is simple: be intentional with your actions. He believes every choice you make shapes your future and encourages resilience in facing challenges. Setbacks, he says, are just opportunities to grow. Jeremy also stresses the importance of staying curious and open to learning, especially in today’s fast-changing world. Success, for him, isn’t just about reaching goals; it’s about learning from your mistakes and evolving while staying true to your values. Applied Analyst: https://www.appliedanalysis.com/

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Jeremy Aguero, a principal analyst at Applied Analysis and a trustee with the Vegas Chamber, joins us. Born and raised in Southern Nevada, Jeremy has been a key figure in shaping the region’s future. He earned his degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and has a career specializing in economic analysis, policy, and community development. Through his work at Applied Analysis and as a trustee with the Vegas Chamber, Jeremy plays an active role in helping the community grow and thrive.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jeremy has been involved in major projects that have made a real difference in Southern Nevada, such as the Campus for Hope initiative. This project is a collaboration between the public and private sectors, raising $200 million to build a state-of-the-art facility to support people experiencing homelessness. It’s just one example of how Jeremy is working to improve the lives of the people in his community. His dedication to public service and deep connection to Southern Nevada has made him a respected leader.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jeremy values family and enjoys spending time with his loved ones outside of work. He’s been through a lot personally, including the heartbreaking loss of his son, Jacob. This loss changed his perspective on life, teaching him the importance of being present and appreciating every moment. Jeremy encourages young people to work hard, take advantage of opportunities, and tackle challenges head-on. He believes life is a gift, and success comes from perseverance, good timing, and sometimes a little luck.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jeremy’s advice to young people is simple: be intentional with your actions. He believes every choice you make shapes your future and encourages resilience in facing challenges. Setbacks, he says, are just opportunities to grow. Jeremy also stresses the importance of staying curious and open to learning, especially in today’s fast-changing world. Success, for him, isn’t just about reaching goals; it’s about learning from your mistakes and evolving while staying true to your values.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Applied Analyst:&lt;br/&gt;https://www.appliedanalysis.com/&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, Jeremy Aguero, a principal analyst at Applied Analysis and a trustee with the Vegas Chamber, joins us. Born and raised in Southern Nevada, Jeremy has been a key figure in shaping the region’s future. He earned his degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and has a career specializing in economic analysis, policy, and community development. Through his work at Applied Analysis and as a trustee with the Vegas Chamber, Jeremy plays an active role in helping the com...

Season 4- Episode 37: Jeremy Aguero

In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, special guest host Ricardo Villalobos talks with Grant McCandless, the President &amp; CEO of Social Impact Consultants. Grant’s journey from Texas A&amp;M graduate to research and consulting specialist showcases his dedication to service and community impact. With early career experience at Price Waterhouse in Germany and later as a director at RCG Economics, Grant developed his skills in economic research.   His current work in Nevada focuses on supporting disconnected youth—those who are neither working nor in school—drawing inspiration from Deepak Chopra&apos;s belief in serving the world through unique talents. Grant emphasizes that investing in youth is not only economically beneficial but also the right thing to do, as their success positively impacts their families and communities.The discussion highlights the ambitious &quot;30K by 2030&quot; initiative, which aims to connect 30,000 young people to the workforce by 2030. By investing in this demographic, Nevada could potentially realize an impressive $12 billion in economic growth and $4 billion in cost savings. However, with approximately 42,500 disconnected youth currently in the state, existing funding through organizations like Workforce Connections can only support around 1,000 individuals. This underscores the urgent need for collective action from policymakers, funders, and community members, including Workforce Connections, to address this pressing issue effectively.Grant offers insightful advice for young people, urging them to view their careers as opportunities for growth and to remain resilient in pursuing their passions. He stresses that investing in youth today is crucial not only for their future but also for the prosperity of the entire community. Both he and Ricardo highlight the importance of a collaborative approach to creating positive change and fostering a supportive environment for young people to thrive.  Workforce Connections: <a href='https://nvworkforceconnections.org/'>Connecting Employers to a Ready Workforce | Workforce Connections</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, special guest host Ricardo Villalobos talks with Grant McCandless, the President &amp;amp; CEO of Social Impact Consultants. Grant’s journey from Texas A&amp;amp;M graduate to research and consulting specialist showcases his dedication to service and community impact. With early career experience at Price Waterhouse in Germany and later as a director at RCG Economics, Grant developed his skills in economic research.&lt;br/&gt; &lt;br/&gt;His current work in Nevada focuses on supporting disconnected youth—those who are neither working nor in school—drawing inspiration from Deepak Chopra&amp;apos;s belief in serving the world through unique talents. Grant emphasizes that investing in youth is not only economically beneficial but also the right thing to do, as their success positively impacts their families and communities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The discussion highlights the ambitious &amp;quot;30K by 2030&amp;quot; initiative, which aims to connect 30,000 young people to the workforce by 2030. By investing in this demographic, Nevada could potentially realize an impressive $12 billion in economic growth and $4 billion in cost savings. However, with approximately 42,500 disconnected youth currently in the state, existing funding through organizations like Workforce Connections can only support around 1,000 individuals. This underscores the urgent need for collective action from policymakers, funders, and community members, including Workforce Connections, to address this pressing issue effectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Grant offers insightful advice for young people, urging them to view their careers as opportunities for growth and to remain resilient in pursuing their passions. He stresses that investing in youth today is crucial not only for their future but also for the prosperity of the entire community. Both he and Ricardo highlight the importance of a collaborative approach to creating positive change and fostering a supportive environment for young people to thrive.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Workforce Connections:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://nvworkforceconnections.org/'&gt;Connecting Employers to a Ready Workforce | Workforce Connections&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt; &lt;br/&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, special guest host Ricardo Villalobos talks with Grant McCandless, the President &amp; CEO of Social Impact Consultants. Grant’s journey from Texas A&amp;M graduate to research and consulting specialist showcases his dedication to service and community impact. With early career experience at Price Waterhouse in Germany and later as a director at RCG Economics, Grant developed his skills in economic research. His current work in Nevada...

Season 4- Episode 36: Grant McCandless

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. René Cantú, who shares his inspiring journey from his birthplace in California to becoming a dedicated advocate for youth success in Nevada. After facing challenges in high school, including being told to drop out, he discovered his calling in education. Dr. Cantú began his career as a teacher, focusing on empowering students from diverse backgrounds. He later took on leadership roles in various educational initiatives and ultimately joined JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) Nevada, where he works passionately to help students overcome barriers and achieve their goals.Dr. Cantú emphasizes the importance of resilience, encouraging young people to view mistakes as opportunities for growth. &quot;You determine your own success and value,&quot; he advises. He believes in the power of following one’s passions and finding ways to be of service rather than getting caught up in titles or salaries. He also highlights the interconnectedness of education, economic opportunity, and healthcare access.He shares two impactful stories from JAG participants: a young woman who overcame family separation to pursue a career in law and a student from a rural area who found support despite significant challenges. Dr. Cantú envisions creating pathways for young people to achieve careers that offer annual earnings of $80,000 to $100,000 without the burden of student loans.In his downtime, Dr. Cantú enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in outdoor activities, and exploring new places. He stresses the importance of self-care for maintaining balance and perspective, encouraging young people to prioritize their well-being and pursue their passions wholeheartedly.Additionally, Dr. Cantú encourages families and students to participate in the School Start Time Survey, which aims to improve high school students&apos; academic performance and mental health. The Nevada Department of Education website provides more information and access to the survey.Lastly, JAG Nevada will hold its Statewide Initiation and Installation Ceremony on November 13, 2024, at Artemis Ham Hall at UNLV and the Student Center at TMCC in Reno. This event will celebrate students and install officers while showcasing JAG Nevada&apos;s impact on the community. To learn more about JAG Nevada and how to participate, visit <a href='https://www.jagnevada.org'>JAGNevada.org</a>.JAG Nevada:  <a href='https://j4ng.org/'>https://j4ng.org/</a>Nevada Department of Education:  <a href='https://doe.nv.gov/'>https://doe.nv.gov/</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we sit down with Dr. René Cantú, who shares his inspiring journey from his birthplace in California to becoming a dedicated advocate for youth success in Nevada. After facing challenges in high school, including being told to drop out, he discovered his calling in education. Dr. Cantú began his career as a teacher, focusing on empowering students from diverse backgrounds. He later took on leadership roles in various educational initiatives and ultimately joined JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) Nevada, where he works passionately to help students overcome barriers and achieve their goals.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dr. Cantú emphasizes the importance of resilience, encouraging young people to view mistakes as opportunities for growth. &amp;quot;You determine your own success and value,&amp;quot; he advises. He believes in the power of following one’s passions and finding ways to be of service rather than getting caught up in titles or salaries. He also highlights the interconnectedness of education, economic opportunity, and healthcare access.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He shares two impactful stories from JAG participants: a young woman who overcame family separation to pursue a career in law and a student from a rural area who found support despite significant challenges. Dr. Cantú envisions creating pathways for young people to achieve careers that offer annual earnings of $80,000 to $100,000 without the burden of student loans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In his downtime, Dr. Cantú enjoys spending time with his family, engaging in outdoor activities, and exploring new places. He stresses the importance of self-care for maintaining balance and perspective, encouraging young people to prioritize their well-being and pursue their passions wholeheartedly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Additionally, Dr. Cantú encourages families and students to participate in the School Start Time Survey, which aims to improve high school students&amp;apos; academic performance and mental health. The Nevada Department of Education website provides more information and access to the survey.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lastly, JAG Nevada will hold its &lt;b&gt;Statewide Initiation and Installation Ceremony&lt;/b&gt; on &lt;b&gt;November 13, 2024&lt;/b&gt;, at Artemis Ham Hall at UNLV and the Student Center at TMCC in Reno. This event will celebrate students and install officers while showcasing JAG Nevada&amp;apos;s impact on the community. To learn more about JAG Nevada and how to participate, visit &lt;a href='https://www.jagnevada.org'&gt;JAGNevada.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;JAG Nevada:&lt;br/&gt; &lt;a href='https://j4ng.org/'&gt;https://j4ng.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nevada Department of Education:&lt;br/&gt; &lt;a href='https://doe.nv.gov/'&gt;https://doe.nv.gov/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. René Cantú, who shares his inspiring journey from his birthplace in California to becoming a dedicated advocate for youth success in Nevada. After facing challenges in high school, including being told to drop out, he discovered his calling in education. Dr. Cantú began his career as a teacher, focusing on empowering students from diverse backgrounds. He later took on leadership roles in various educational initiatives and ultimately joined JAG (Jobs for ...

Season 4- Episode 35: Dr. René Cantú

Southern Nevada’s counties of Clark, Nye, Lincoln and Esmeralda are aligning workforce development to their economic development strategies in order to meet the needs of business and industry. Listen to different stakeholders and learn how their efforts are helping cities like Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City remain an attractive place to do business.

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