Conference ConcludedOur Spring 2025 Conference has concluded. An email was sent to attendees with conferences resources. |
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CCDA Spring Conference
Friday, April 11, 2025 | 8:30am - 4:00pm | Regis University
Join the Colorado Career Development Association for our Spring Conference, “Shaping Tomorrow: Navigating the Future of Work in Colorado and Beyond.” This dynamic event will feature insights from the leader of Colorado’s Office of the Future of Work, Katherine Keegan, who will share groundbreaking strategies to prepare for workforce transformations driven by economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving workplace norms.
LOCATION: Mountain View Room, St. Peter Claver Hall
PARKING: Free parking in Lot 6 (corner of Regis Blvd (W 50th Ave) and Federal Blvd)
There will be a shuttle bus to drive attendees to the Mountain View Room between 8:15-9:15 AM and 3:45-4:15 PM.
Attendees can also walk 10-15 minutes through campus to the Mountain View Room.
Please enter through the WEST entrance of Peter Claver Hall (near parking lot 4).
See you in the Mountain View Room on Friday!
Keynote Speaker
Katherine began her career working with immigrants and refugees in Boston. This work led her to pursue a master’s of science in social work at The University of Texas at Austin. Since then, Katherine has managed AmeriCorps, workforce readiness, and career coaching development programs in Texas, Indiana, and Colorado. In August 2019, she joined the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment as the Director of the Office of the Future of Work leading the state’s efforts to raise awareness about the future of work, build digital access, and through the State Apprenticeship Agency, expand access to registered apprenticeship programs. In her presentation, the State of Colorado’s Office of the Future of Work will provide an overview of key future of work trends that are shaping Colorado’s workforce and economy and strategies to create future-ready workers, businesses, and communities. | Agenda8:30-9:00AM | Registration, Coffee & Tea 9:00-9:15AM | CCDA President’s Welcome 9:15- 10:15AM | Morning Keynote “Future of Work in Colorado” 10:15-10:30AM | Break 10:30-11:30AM | Community Building & Networking 11:30-12:00PM | Announcements 12:00-1:00PM | Lunch 1:00-2:00PM | Breakout Session #1 2:00-2:30PM | Break 2:30-3:30PM | Breakout Session #2 3:30-3:45PM | Transition Back to Main Room 3:45-4:00PM | Closing & President’s Remarks 4:30-6:00PM | Optional Happy Hour @ Goldspot Brewery |
Breakout SessionsBreakout Session #1 | 1:00-2:00 PM Title: Private Practice- Career Coaching and Therapy- Is it a Possibility? Presenter: Anne Angerman | Room: 202 Interested in Having a Private Practice in Career Coaching and Therapy? What are some of the things that work? Looking at ways to market yourself, choosing your target market and different suggestions that work for a practice for both groups. Title: Expanding Opportunities for Undocumented Learners Presenter: Josh Stallings | Room: 203 Join Juntos Community to explore paid opportunities & career pathways for undocumented learners. Entrepreneurship has long been an option for undocumented community members, and in July of 2022, state legislation opened new pathways for undocumented Coloradans to enter licensed professions. In this session, we will overview options for undocumented students through independent contracting, starting a business, and acquiring professional licenses. We’ll discuss the barriers undocumented immigrants continue to face in entering licensed professions, review important considerations for both undocumented learners and businesses / organizations, and explore solutions with employers, educators, and policymakers.Title: Out with the Old, In with the New in Career Counseling Presenter: Joanna Peters | Room: 307 This session explores cutting-edge trends and technologies revolutionizing career counseling. Discover Colorado's resources for tracking state career trends (with insights on adapting them to other states) and learn how to leverage these trends to stay ahead of the curve. We'll examine the power of professional organizations in maintaining relevance and delve into innovative AI tools for marketing your services. Join us to future-proof your practice and ensure you're equipped to guide clients through the ever-evolving world of work! Title: Future-Ready Mindset: The Key to Workforce Success Presenter: Kelly Strong | Room: 328 As the world of work continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, workforce development professionals play a critical role in preparing individuals and organizations for success. While core skills and digital literacy are essential, mindset—our attitudes, beliefs, and approaches to learning and change—will be the key differentiator in the future of work. This session explores the transformative power of a growth mindset, adaptability, and resilience in navigating workforce shifts driven by automation, AI, and shifting job landscapes. Attendees will gain insights into how mindset influences career mobility, employee engagement, and organizational agility. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, this presentation will equip workforce professionals with tools to cultivate a future-ready mindset in the individuals and communities they serve.Breakout Session #2 | 2:30-3:30 PM Title: The Emotional Side of Layoffs: Navigating Loss, Identity, and Rebuilding Resilience Presenter: Courtney Allen | Room: 328 Layoffs are not just professional setbacks; they can deeply affect our sense of self, identity, and emotional well-being. In this presentation, we will explore the emotional side of layoffs, focusing on how individuals can effectively process the loss and rebuild their identity beyond their careers. Drawing from personal stories, research, and proven therapeutic techniques, we will delve into how grief and loss—relating to identity, community, security, money, and relationships—can be navigated. We’ll also explore practical methods like narrative therapy, identity building, and externalizing that help clients reframe their experiences and regain a sense of purpose. Title: Supporting LGBTQ+ Clients in a Changing Political Climate Presenter: Kyle Inselman | Room: 307 Following a sharp increase in anti-trans legislation at the state level in the past few years, the political situation for LGBTQ+ Americans has become dire in 2025. How can career counselors and specialists support this population of workers and students? This session will cover specific areas of concern related to work and career development for LGBTQ+ people, with a focus on trans and nonbinary clients. Dedicated time for open discussion on strategies, practices, and resources will customize the session to participants’ needs. Title: Integrating CliftonStrengths into Career Coaching Presenter: Jennifer Vancil | Room: 203 Learn how to use the results of the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) assessment in career exploration and job search. Explore how understanding a client’s strengths helps coach them on the following topics: what to look for in roles and settings, how to job search based on strengths, what to communicate in interviews, resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn based on strengths, note how your own strengths might influence what you advise. If you’ve taken the strengths assessment, bring your top 5 with you! Title: Tech-Driven Hiring: Insights from Technical Recruiting Presenter: Annika Spencer | Room: 202 Explore how AI and technology are transforming talent sourcing, recruiting, and the job search. This session offers an inside look at the tools recruiters use—like LinkedIn Recruiter and SeekOut—and how hiring decisions are made in today’s tech-driven world. Gain actionable strategies to guide your clients in building resumes, enhancing their digital presence, and navigating modern job search platforms. Empower yourself with recruiter insights to better prepare job seekers for the future of work. |