In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the most complex problems aren’t solved in a vacuum. They are solved when organizations bridge skill sets and functional backgrounds. The Interdisciplinary Connections to Careers series, launched by the Shelton Leadership Center in partnership with the NC State Graduate School, aims to tackle these complex problems by creating a space for students, faculty and practitioners to ideate together.

The event series launched in January with a specific goal: to cut through traditional industry and academic silos. While technical expertise is vital, industry data shows a massive gap in “soft” skills. For instance, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2025) reports that employers believe only 53.9% of new graduates possess the communication skills necessary to succeed.

Interdisciplinary Connections to Careers will be hosted each semester and cover different topics facing interdisciplinary teams and their leaders.

The cornerstone of this semester’s event was “AI & Impact: Essential Skills to Lead Interdisciplinary Teams.” As AI continues to redefine the future of work, the discussion shifted from technical algorithms to human collaboration. 

Participants explored a critical question: What happens when engineers, data scientists, marketers, and ethicists try to collaborate? The consensus? The biggest hurdles in AI aren’t technical. They are human. Success in the age of AI requires leaders who can facilitate communication between vastly different experts.

Over 80 industry leaders, students, and faculty participated. The event included a guided networking experience designed to provide space for students and practitioners to connect. Following the networking portion, a panel of experts shared insight as well as real stories and experiences working on interdisciplinary projects in the AI space and the skills necessary to lead these teams.

Panelists included: 

• Jen Dillard, Vice President of Business Architecture at Red Hat
• Sherard Griffin, Senior Director of AI Platform Engineering at Red Hat
• Tanner McCarthy, Business Development Manager at Experis
• Meghan Manfra, PhD, Professor of Social Studies Education, Faculty Coordinator for AI Literacy at the NC State Data Science and AI Academy (DSA)
• Moderator Dr. William Rand, Goodnight Executive Director at the NC State Institute for Advanced Analytics (IAA)

DSA, IAA and NC State Business Analytics and AI Initiative partnered to produce the Spring 2026 event alongside SLC and the Graduate School.

Want to be part of the next conversation? Keep an eye on our event series landing page or reach out to event series organizer Tiffany McLean at [email protected] for information on future sessions.

This event series is produced in partnership between the Shelton Leadership Center and the NC State Graduate School, and is funded by the NC State University Foundation Grant.