The desire of employers to diversify Tulsa’s future workforce was on full display Tuesday before a crowd of about 100 people on the Lemley Campus of Tulsa Tech.

The setting was the closing celebration of the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Tulsa’s NextGEN Talent (TNT), a three-week, job-shadowing program sponsored by 15 local companies, organizations and educational institutions.

Williams was presenting sponsor.

“Your kids were amazing,” said Rue Ramsey, head of TNT and the Chamber’s vice president of workforce and talent strategies, paying tribute to the students’ parents. “It makes me sad that it’s ending. Your kids are smart. They’re engaged. They’re articulate. They’re dreamers. They’re hopeful. They really truly are Tulsa’s NextGEN Talent.”

A fourth-year program of the Chamber’s workforce team, TNT focused Tuesday on the experiences of 29 externs guided by a leadership team encompassing five members of the ’23 cohort.

TNT is a growth and talent retention initiative designed to increase economic mobility and development for diverse talent in the Tulsa region through externships. It places Black juniors and seniors from regional public schools in Tulsa-area companies for career exploration and experiential learning.

Ramsey recalled a message conveyed to externs earlier this month by Mike Neal, the Chamber’s president and CEO, who implored them to travel wherever needed for an education but return to Tulsa to work. 

“This is to give our students access to provide them opportunity so they know that employers are ready to hire them, and so they really will come back home,” Ramsey said. “Our economy needs you. We need your talent, your innovation, your gifts. So, today is a personal invitation to bring and keep your talent in Tulsa.”

The keynote speaker was Scott Gordon, a real estate investor, pastor and CEO of SLG Properties. He gave students tips on staying ahead, which he said include being on time, seeking mentors and taking risks.

After his address, Gordon handed out cash, including a $100 bill, to students who asked him questions.

“Believe it or not, I’m a self-made millionaire,” he said. “I own actually $10 million worth of property. Remember, I was the guy who was never supposed to amount to anything. I’m the guy who had all the odds against me. I’m the guy who was never supposed to make it. I’m the guy who watched my mom bury my brother at age 17.

“But there was something that reminded me that God had plans for me. As you walk this journey of business and success, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not valuable. You’re valuable. You’re beautiful, and you have to believe in yourself.”

The bulk of the program was provided by the externs, all of whom gave presentations on their experience.

In a display of ingenuity appropriate for their sponsor, technologies company JD Young, externs Tyler Wilson and Jonathan Conyers started their show with a QR code, so attendees could follow along virtually.

Student Alexis Leyva called energy company Williams the “FedEx of natural gas. They transport it from point A to point B.” 

She said she was impressed by the camaraderie at the firm.

“You could really tell that they truly loved hanging out with each other,and they cared about what was going on in each other’s lives,” Leyva said. “They weren’t just showing up to work because they had to. They were showing up because they were excited to be there, and they were excited to work with the people there.”

One of the day’s most light-hearted moments came from extern Zavian Jamerson, who externed at BOK Financial. 

“What I learned about credit is that it is hard to build and easy to mess up,” he said. “Pay your bills, guys.”