Expert Panelists Lined Up to Examine ROI of Upskilling Your Workforce

We’re ready to announce another powerhouse lineup for the next session of our lunchtime Talent Solutions Series.

The event begins at noon on November 9 at Frederik Meijer Gardens, and we’ll be digging into a topic with great ROI for employers and employees alike: Upskilling Your Workforce. (HR professionals earn 1.5 professional development credits by attending.)

The registration deadline is Nov. 1, so be sure to secure your spot:

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Here is more about who will be leading this dynamic discussion:

Keynote address: Erika Scanlin

Erika is a Managing Director at Accenture, where she is a leader in their Midwest Talent & Organization practice – focusing across industries to solve client issues around their workforces, helping them pivot to take advantage of the human + machine potential, create more agile organizations, and enable change to drive toward business value realization. Her current passion topics are future of work, inclusion & diversity, and talent retention and development.

Panel discussion moderator: Laura Preuss

Laura is Director of Workforce Development for DeWys Manufacturing, Inc. She is active with local high schools and colleges in bringing awareness of manufacturing opportunities available to students. She was instrumental in establishing DeWys University and believes in the need for continuous education of the current and future DeWys workforce to keep their skill set in-line with the innovative technology transforming the workplace.

Panelists:

Wendy Falb, Executive Director of the Literacy Center of West Michigan. In addition to leading the Literacy Center the past eight years, Wendy served on the Grand Rapids Public School board for 10 years and has served on multiple community and civic boards, including: the Grand Rapids Smart Zone, the Downtown Development Authority, the Committee to Honor Cesar Chavez, and the Grand Rapids Public School Foundation. She currently serves on the boards of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters and the University Preparatory Academy, and leads the Heritage Hill Neighborhood Association.

Caitlin Townsend Lamb, Director of People Advancement, Lean Continuous Improvement Systems, and Communications at Cascade Engineering. Since 2009, Caitlin has held multiple roles at Cascade Engineering including talent development, change management, and strategic planning and deployment within manufacturing facilities and business processes. She is passionate about connecting business excellence to employee and community well-being. She has been involved in the organization’s anti-racism and DEI efforts – actively engaged in the internal cultural work and supporting external advocacy through the Young Professionals of Color Conference.

Nicole Smith, Regional Manager of Talent Acquisition & Career Development Services for Trinity Health-National Service Area 2, serving Michigan, Georgia, and Florida Health Systems. With over 20 years of Human Resources experience, Nicole leads a nationally recognized service model that includes evidence-based selection process, career coaching, resource navigation and workforce development. It is the first of its kind for Trinity Health. Prior to her roles at Trinity Health, Nicole worked as a Director at Hope Network, where she oversaw Learning & Development and the Southeast Michigan Human Resource team.

We’re looking for a robust discussion, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Learn more about this series:

 

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