Friday, May 31~9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Central Piedmont Community College~ Harris Campus

3210 CPCC Harris Campus Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208 

Breakout Sessions

Breakout Sessions are segmented into four tracks including:

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), Employment Barriers (EB), Social Capital (SC) and Unique Initiatives and Community Partnerships (UI&CP).

Session Descriptions are included below.

9:15 AM

1.D&I: The Impact of DEI: Measuring the Effectiveness of DEI in the Workplace

Explore promising practices and ways that leaders can use data to assess the impact of DEI efforts on attracting, developing, advancing and retaining talent. Panelists will highlight the impact of DEI on culture, strategies to develop impactful structures, and ways to answer the question--is DEI working?

2.EB: Breaking Down Barriers: Strategies for Overcoming Employment Hurdles and Promoting Economic Mobility

What are the most common barriers to successful employment? Learn more about the challenges that individuals face in accessing employment opportunities, and explore innovative strategies and best practices for addressing key barriers such as affordable childcare, access to education, transportation, healthcare, and housing.

3.SC: Unlocking Potential: Exploring Models for Inclusive Talent Development and Social Capital

Learn about impactful internship and apprenticeship models, and examine best practices for cultivating talent and generating social capital while also exploring innovative strategies for tapping into untapped talent pools. By leveraging these models effectively, organizations can not only develop a skilled workforce but also foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in their talent pipelines.

4.UI&CP: Second Chance Hiring: The Benefits of Investing in Workforce Development for Justice-Involved Individuals

This breakout session focuses on the transformative impact of addressing the workforce development needs of justice-involved individuals. By providing opportunities for skills training, employment support, and career advancement, we can break down barriers to successful reintegration, reduce recidivism rates, and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

10:15 AM

1.D&1: Bridge Building: The Power of Storytelling to Cultivates Authentic Relationships and Cultures of Belonging

Explore the transformative power of storytelling as a relational vehicle for moving employees and stakeholders beyond Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) compliance, and towards organizational transformation. By creating safe space for sharing personal narratives, organizations can foster a culture of empathy, and understanding, cultivating an increased sense of belonging for everyone..

2.EB: Bridging the Digital Divide: Addressing Digital Barriers to Employment

How does the digital divide impact employers, and employees? Learn more about digital barriers that hinder access to employment opportunities and innovative strategies and best practices for companies to address these barriers and improve access to employment and better outcomes.

3.SC: True Career Growth and Development: Mentorship and Sponsorship in the Workplace

What does it mean to be a mentor? What does it mean to be a sponsor? Learn the difference between mentorship and sponsorship and their unique roles in supporting career development and advancement in the workplace. Listen and discuss the nuances of both and their respective benefits, and obtain insight into how to facilitate and leverage mentorship and sponsorship to support successful career outcomes.

4.UI&CP: Navigating Tomorrow's Workforce: Employment Forecasting for Charlotte's Workforce Ecosystem

Participate in an eye-opening session that delves deep into the data-driven landscape shaping the future of work. AI is expected to automate 30% of working hours before the end of the decade. Obtain invaluable insights backed by real data, a glimpse into emerging trends, innovative strategies, and forward-thinking approaches transforming industries. From analyzing current data trends to crafting strategies for future scenarios, participants will gain actionable knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving business environment.

11:15 AM

1.D&I: 2024 Outlook, Impact and Future of DEI

Headlines are guiding discussion around trends for DEI, but what's actually happening in the workplace? How can companies continue developing strategies that support inclusion, diverse recruitment and company growth and mitigate risk? Join a discussion on the current climate, challenges, and opportunities for the future.

2.EB: Empowering Access to Education for Employment Opportunities

Explore strategies and efforts to create more access to education; discover opportunities to work with community partners to access hidden talent' and learn more about ways to facilitate professional development to develop a stronger workforce.



3.SC: Elevating Leadership: Unpacking Leadership Development Programs, Impact, Inventory, and Best Practices

Delve into the intricacies of local leadership development programs, examining their impact on the workforce ecosystem, building diversity pipelines and obtain insight into effective practices, and opportunities to develop leadership potential within organizations and our community.

4.UI&CP: Connecting the Dots: The Role of Community Partnerships in Workforce Development

Obtain an overview of the diverse array of community, faith-based and grassroots organizations involved in workforce development initiatives and partnerships. The session will include a discussion on the unique strengths and resources these organizations bring to the table, such as networks, trust, and cultural competence, and ways to forge partnerships to address the evolving needs of the workforce and promote economic opportunity for all.