What a spring conference CCDA is looking forward to this year! Not only will we be gathering in-person in a central part of the Front Range, we'll also get to have the former NCDA president as our keynote along with a variety of local practitioners sharing their expertise in the form of breakout workshops. We would love to see you in Broomfield for a day to connect, grow together, be energized by one another, and learn from each other's experience. 

The conference will consist of the following major elements (bios and content details below):

• We will have the privilege to hear a keynote about crystallization of career choice and how it intersects with identity from Dr. Lakeisha Mathews, former NCDA president. Dr. Mathews has extensive experience supporting clients from a broad diversity of backgrounds and will also lead an interactive workshop to augment our implementation of her message's content. 
• Our state is rich with a wealth of expertise across innumerable subject areas; we've recruited several local professionals to lead workshops on topics of interest including vocational rehabilitation, career exploration presentations for academic environments, and more. Conference attendees will be given the opportunity to choose two sessions to attend from amidst multiple workshop options. 
• We will connect with fellow career practitioners from around the Rocky Mountain region, supporting one another in problem-solving, resourcing, and reinforcing our sense of purpose and confidence in the work we do.

A more specific agenda will be available in the coming weeks, but please plan for a 9:00am-3:30pm event. Check in will be from 9-9:30am with coffee and pastries available throughout the morning; lunch will be provided, and parking free. Register by March 25th for an early bird rate and either become a CCDA member or renew your membership for a significantly discounted membership price. An optional happy hour will follow the event for anyone desiring to join for some additional time to connect. 

Attendees who are present for the entirety of the conference will be eligible for 4 continuing education units (CEU's) approved by the National Career Development Association. 

Reach out to Amy Kozlarek (amy.kozlarek@colostate.edu) with any questions about registration. For membership queries, email Nena Davis (nena.davis@arapahoe.edu). 

Training Details & Speaker Bio

Lakeisha Mathews, Ed.D., MS, CCSP

Lakeisha Mathews is Director of the Career and Professional Development Center at the University of Baltimore and is also the owner of a career coaching business called Right Resumes & Career Coaching, LLC which she launched in 2012. 

Mrs. Mathews holds several industry certifications as a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), Certified Professional Career Coach, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Global Career Development Facilitator, Certified Business and Employer Services Professional, and is certified to teach Etiquette to Adults and Professionals.  She received her M.S. in Human Resource Development from Towson University and a B.A. in Communication from the University of Maryland College Park. Lakeisha is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Innovation from Wilmington University.

Lakeisha is committed to the field of career development and has served on several association committees.  In 2011, she was elected as president of the Maryland Career Development Association.  Under her direction MCDA was honored with the 2012 NCDA Southern Region Award.  In 2016, Lakeisha co-authored a chapter in the book Find Your Fit, published by the Association of Talent Development.

Lakeisha is a native of Baltimore, MD and seeks to give back to the greater Baltimore community by serving on non-profit boards and supporting workforce programs.  Lakeisha has provided pro bono employability skills training to disadvantaged youth and currently partners with the Baltimore City Youth Works program and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School to provide work opportunities for at-risk youth.

Of most importance is Lakeisha’s student-centered approach to career services.  Hearing student success stories continues to be the favorite part of her job as a Higher Education Administrator, Educator and Career Coach! 

Keynote Description:

Crystallized Career Choices: The intersection of identity and career decision making

Clients do not make career choices in a vacuum. Identity development and intersectionality play a large role in the careers clients choose and in the paths, they opt to avoid. This session will explore identify variables that impact career decision making and the complexity involved with helping clients crystalize career decisions.