Conference at a Glance
Tuesday, Oct. 1
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
State Chapter Executive Board meeting
5 to 7 p.m.
Welcome reception, Room 530
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Master of ceremonies - Rafael Colon, Unemployment Navigator program manager
7 a.m.
Registration opens.
7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast, networking, visit vendors
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Panel discussion: The Future of Work: Adapting to a Changing Landscape
Washington state agency leaders:
Cami Feek, Employment Security Department commissioner
Joel Sacks, Department of Labor & Industries director
Megan Matthews, State Office of Equity director
Eleni Papadakis, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board executive director
Moderator: Ismaila Maidadi, Employment Security Department, Workforce Services Division director
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Panel discussion: Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow: Challenges, Trends, and the Path Forward
Exploring the vital importance of supporting workforce initiatives. Panelists will focus on addressing current challenges,
sharing emerging trends, and identifying actionable solutions to empower the workforce of tomorrow.
Kristen Harjehausen - Alaska Air manager of pilot development for the outreach team
Heather Worthley - Port Jobs executive director
Zenovia Harris - Kent Chamber of Commerce CEO
Annie McGrath - Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce CEO
Moderator: Samantha (Sammie) Le; CEO & President of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce
10:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Break, visit vendors
10:45 a.m. to 11:45
General session: Strategies to Help with Stress and Burnout
We all know that pivoting and change are part of our daily regimen. Stress and burnout become natural effects.
Learn strategies to make each day a bit more palatable and enjoyable.
Nancy Fink – workforce consultant, Maryland
Noon to 1:30
Awards luncheon
Recognizing Washington leaders in workforce development
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
General session: Epidemic of Loneliness and Considerations for the Workplace
Darrow Brown, state Department of Health, chief inclusion, belonging and well-being officer
In spring 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory about the impact of loneliness and isolation an epidemic potentially affecting over half of our nation. What is loneliness? And what are the signs? How does it impact our health and well-being? What are the implications for the workplace? How might employers address this difficult and pervasive issue?Join us as we explore these questions.
2:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Break, visit vendors
2:45 to 3: 45 p.m.
Breakout sessions
Breakout session 1: I am PROWD
The Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development program supports justice-involved people before
and after release from a halfway house. This session will be an interactive demonstration of what a justice-involved
person faces when released from a facility.
Rhetta Barker, PROWD employment specialist, Employment Security Department
Breakout session 2: The Art of Pecha Kucha
Pecha kucha means chit chat in Japanese and is a way of telling your story using PowerPoint. Learn how!
Nancy Fink, workforce consultant, Maryland
3:45 to 4:45 p.m.
General session: Transforming Workforce Development with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This session dives into how AI is revolutionizing the workforce system. Offering practical strategies that address
current challenges and improve outcomes for job seekers.
James LauRae, economic mobility programs operator, Employment Security Department
Chelsey Michel, regional change agent, Employment Security Department
4:45 to 5 p.m.
Closing remarks
Master of ceremonies - Rafael Colon, Unemployment Navigator program manager
Thursday, Oct. 3
7 a.m.
Registration opens
7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast and networking
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Panel discussion - Cultural Evolution: Building Inclusive Workspaces
Delve into the dynamics of workplace culture, with a focus on inclusivity, diversity and creating environments
where all employees can thrive.
Employment Security Department leaders:
Ayanna Colman, Office of Equity director
Gustavo Aviles, chief analytics officer
JR Richards, Unemployment Insurance program director
Marie Burrows, director of people and culture
Moderator: Nadine Nabass
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Keynote speaker - Dr. Jessica Houston. Unleashing Extraordinary: From Surviving to Thriving
During this engaging training, learn how to effectively navigate personal and professional stressors.
Equip yourself to maximize your productivity, foster positive habits, and create meaningful life changes.
This training delivers tangible wellness, resilience and self-management strategies using a fun and interactive
approach. Gain relevant tools and insight you can implement immediately.
10:30 to 10:45 a.m.
Break, visit vendors
10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
General Session: Now What? Meeting the New Workforce
Disruption in commerce and its industries asks us to look at new ways to reach the workforce.
Developing partnerships and embracing innovation can support the HR professional in efforts to
recruit and retrain talent. The Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce will share a sneak peak of its new online
portals.
Rebecca Martin, Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce president and CEO
Noon to 2 p.m.
Luncheon
While you dine, listen to:
International and state updates from:
Steve Bent, IAWP International director
Suzanne Nichols, IAWP Washington Chapter president
Lunchtime speaker: Second Chances and Employer Engagement
In this presentation, learn about:
- Washington’s efforts to improve outcomes for job seekers in recovery and those affected by the legal system.
- Compelling information to present to employers.
As participation in the labor force declines, workforce development professionals need to articulate for employers why work-ready but overlooked job seekers should be seriously considered.
Ty Reed, Employment Security Department reentry manager
2 to 2:15 p.m.
Closing remarks
Rafael Colon, Master of Ceremonies, Unemployment Navigator program manager
2:15 to 3 p.m.
IAWP all-members meeting
Election information and updates from the current board
Suzanne Nichols, IAWP Washington Chapter president