Cal State San Bernardino is gaining national attention after being featured in a recent Fortune article that spotlighted remarks delivered on campus during the university’s inaugural Defining the Future Conference, held April 15–16.

The article centers on keynote speaker Valerie Capers Workman, Esq., who addressed attendees on April 16 with her talk, “Talent at Scale – Powering the Next Industrial Era.” Following her appearance, Workman shared key excerpts from her address in a post on LinkedIn, where she reflected on her message to students and graduates. Fortunelater drew from that post, amplifying her remarks and extending the reach of her message to a national audience.

Drawing from her experience as former vice president of people at Tesla and current chief human resources officer at Empower Pharmacy, Workman emphasized the enduring value of higher education in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven workforce.

“Do not let anyone, not a tech founder, not a headline, not a podcast host, convince you that your education was a waste,” Workman said, referencing the message she delivered during her keynote at CSUSB. “It was not. It is more valuable today than it has ever been.”

Workman highlighted the importance of skills developed through higher education — including critical thinking, ethical reasoning and cultural awareness — noting that these human-centered capabilities are increasingly essential in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. She also encouraged students to pair their degrees with AI fluency, positioning adaptability and curiosity as key drivers of future career success.

The Fortune article places CSUSB at the center of a broader national conversation about the role of higher education, workforce readiness and the impact of emerging technologies. The recognition reflects the university’s growing visibility as a hub for innovation, thought leadership and meaningful dialogue on the future of work.