The Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati

The Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati is a regional partnership of workforce development organizations, education and training institutions, local employers, and community partners.

Together, we are committed to strengthening the regional workforce ecosystem and creating greater collective impact for job seekers and businesses.

Our Mission and Priorities

The Talent Collaborative’s mission is to enhance collaboration among workforce partners, build capacity across systems, and improve access to services—without duplicating existing work—so that individuals succeed, employers thrive, and communities prosper.

Our work is centered around four primary priorities:

Job Quality & Employer Engagement

Empower employers to implement for their current and future workforce to the benefit of their business and the local economy as a whole

Career Navigation

Raise awareness of regional career navigation resources that reflect job seekers' lived experience through holistic, wraparound services that remove barriers and support success.

Opportunity & Access Populations

Support initiatives serving priority populations, including individuals in recovery, dislocated workers, people with disabilities, youth and young adults, and returning citizens. 

Responding to Changing Economic & Workforce Conditions

Together, we are building a more connected, equitable, and effective workforce system for Greater Cincinnati.

2026 Workforce & Talent Summit

Join the Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati for our Annual Workforce & Talent Summit. This year’s theme, Building and Investing in Your Future Workforce, brings together employers, educators, and workforce professionals from across the region for a day of shared learning and practical connection.

The day will include a keynote address, breakout sessions, and interactive activities designed to spark conversation and collaboration. Additional details on speakers, and sessions will be announced soon.

This Summit is partially funded by a grant from the Hamilton County Commissioners as part of American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Monthly Newsletter: Get Connected

As a proud network partner with Shift Work Forward, the Talent Collaborative is part of a national network of nearly 30 communities committed to driving economic prosperity through demand-driven, evidence-based workforce strategies. This connection allows us to share best practices, leverage resources, and access new funding opportunities that amplify our local efforts. 

Join our monthly newsletter to stay connected to relevant updates, resources, and opportunities for engagement as we continue to advance our work across the Cincinnati Region.

Monika Royal-Fischer

Director, Talent Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati

JOSEPH LIGON
WorkOhio Southwest Hub Coordinator
Workforce Innovation Center
Cincinnati Regional Chamber

Joseph is our WorkOhio Southwest Regional Hub Coordinator. He oversees the intake, triage, and management of state-level job seeker referrals. Joseph coordinates closely with key partner organizations, including the Urban League and OhioMeansJobs, to ensure the seamless delivery of career coaching, training, and job placement services. Additionally, he assists with state-approved outreach and marketing efforts while actively supporting a regional network of employers and service providers throughout Greater Cincinnati and beyond.

Joseph graduated from Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Sales and Marketing.  He brings a strong blend of operations, marketing, and client service experience to the team, backed by a proven track record in project management, collaborative problem-solving, consumer research, and brand strategy.

Prior to this current role, he served as an Account Coordinator at PEP, LLC, where he managed purchase order workflows, coordinated brand approvals, and partnered with account executives and suppliers to keep projects on schedule. His background also includes valuable experience at Best Buy and as an Ad Campaign Manager Intern at TripleLift, where he collaborated with high-profile clients such as Avis, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Hershey.

A Cincinnati native, born and raised in College Hill. He is an avid movie fan who enjoys collecting figurines and die-cast cars, trying new restaurants, traveling, reading, and playing video games. He is a die-hard Bengals fan and enjoy spending quality time with his family.