# DisruptED in the D: Educational Outtakes with Jason Aubrey and Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich (Ep. 2)

By Ron Stefanski · Published 2025-02-26 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Education Technology on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/education-technology/disrupted-education-roi-skills-based-learning-ai
Creator hub: DisruptED

> As student debt hits $2 trillion, education leaders debate whether traditional degrees still deliver the skills and ROI today's economy demands

## Key points

- U.S. student debt has reached approximately $2 trillion, raising serious questions about the value of traditional degree pathways.
- Employers increasingly prioritize demonstrable skills over credentials, challenging colleges and universities to rethink curriculum design.
- Alternative credentialing and competency-based education models are emerging as viable complements or replacements to conventional degrees.

Block Field

Education is at a crossroads. With [student debt standing at about $2 trillion](https://fortune.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-trump-adminstration-uncertainty/#) and industries evolving at an unprecedented pace, the traditional education system is struggling to keep up. The question is no longer just about degrees but about skills, adaptability, and education's ROI. Can the current system deliver the outcomes society needs at the cost it demands? If not, what must change?

Welcome to the second episode of this two-part series on [*DisruptED](https://marketscale.com/shows/disrupted/).* In this episode, host [Ron J. Stefanski](https://marketscale.com/ron-j-stefanski/) sits down with **Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich**, the President of **SkillsWave**, and **Jason Aubrey**, the CEO of **Skilltrade**, to dissect the forces disrupting education. From the role of lifelong learning to the impact of AI, this conversation explores how the [future of education](https://marketscale.com/industries/education-technology/disrupted-in-the-d-moonlaunch-moment-in-education-with-dr-sasha-and-dr-caesar/) must evolve to remain relevant.

The main topics of conversation…

- **Education ROI isn't just financial.** While cost and economic impact are crucial, education must also provide critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and lifelong learning pathways.
- **Skills-based training is reshaping learning.** Alternative education models, from micro-credentials to AI-driven tutoring, are allowing individuals to upskill quickly without accumulating massive debt.
- **The liberal arts are still essential.** In a rapidly changing job market, skills like logic, adaptability, and structured thinking—often found in liberal arts disciplines—are proving to be invaluable assets for employers.

### About the Speakers

**Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich** is an EdTech and workforce development leader specializing in AI-powered learning models and digital education strategy. As the President of **SkillsWave**, she leverages her experience from executive roles at **Pearson**, **D2L**, and **Louisiana State University** to drive corporate upskilling and enrollment growth. With a deep focus on skills-based hiring and employer-sponsored education programs, she continues to innovate in the rapidly evolving landscape of workforce training and education technology.

**Jason Aubrey** is a seasoned workforce development and EdTech executive, currently serving as the CEO of **Skilltrade**, where he focuses on upskilling solutions for healthcare and allied health industries. He previously led **MedCerts** to a successful acquisition by **Stride, Inc.** and served as the CEO of **ClearGage**, driving innovation in healthcare financing. With a background in scaling tech-enabled businesses globally, he co-founded and grew **LectureTools**, an active learning technology company. He has a proven track record in corporate strategy, private equity leadership, and skills-based workforce transformation.

Tags: DisruptED, Dr. Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich, Jason Aubrey, Ron J Stefanski, SkillsWave, Skilltrade, student debt

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