Ohio Career Development Association

Agenda

2026 Ohio Career Development Association Conference

Reimagining Career Readiness: Building Pathways to Impact

Thursday & Friday, May 28-29, 2026

Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, Lima, Ohio

Thursday, May 28th 2026

Time / Event	Details	Location
11:15am - 12:00pm: Check-In and Networking Session	Vendor Meet & Greet and time to connect with other career professionals	North Hall / Hallway
12:00pm - 12:30pm: Presidential Welcome	President: Kaleigh Mahon President-Elect: Rachel Richardson Past-President: Richard Fajardo President-Elect-Elect: Erin Liggett	North Hall
12:30pm - 12:45pm: Sponsor Introductions		North Hall
12:45pm - 1:30pm: Welcome Networking Activity		North Hall
1:30pm - 2:30pm: Keynote	*KEYNOTE: The Tangled Mess: Navigating Career Development in a Complex Workforce Landscape NCDA Trustee at Large: Mary Ellen Earnhardt, MS, LPC, CCSP, CSCDA, Fellow 1 NCDA CEU, 1 Ohio CSWMFT CEU**	North Hall
2:30pm - 3:00pm: Break	Enjoy snacks and time to interact with vendors	Hallway
3:00pm - 4:00pm: Breakout Session 1	BREAKOUT SESSION 1: Choose one of four breakout session options listed below.
	From Practice to Performance: Using AI Role Play in Career Development Lindsay Tate and Christine Yancey 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	Developing Career Readiness Through Ethical Use of Self and Communication Skills Dr. Austin Raines and Christina Baker 1 NCDA CEU, 1 Ohio CSWMFT CEU	Location TBD
	Practice Makes Partnerships: Revamping Mock Interviews for Education-Industry-Community Collaboration Sarah Grace McCollough and J.D. Fye 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	Rethinking Assessment for Career Readiness: Measuring What Matters in an AI-Influenced Workforce Fatiha Bazouche 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
4:15pm - 5:15pm: Breakout Session 2	BREAKOUT SESSION 2: Choose one of four breakout session options listed below.
	From Insight to Impact: Empowering Career Professionals to Use Data with Purpose Dr. Lisa Bradley-Glenn and Dr. Carole Thomas 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	The Career Service Provider's Business Model Canvas: Build a Clearer, Smarter, More Aligned Business Sarah JanTausch 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	Ready, Set, Go! Exploring Client/Student Self-Efficacy for Future-Ready Careers Michelle Norris and Dr. Ana Berríos Allison 1 NCDA CEU, 1 Ohio CSWMFT CEU	Location TBD
	From Idea to Impact: Building a Mobile Engagement Network Across 43 Ohio Counties Max Schelkopf and Delvin Rockhold 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
5:30pm - 6:30pm: Cocktail and Networking Hour	Enjoy food, drinks, and networking	VMCCC Loft
6:30pm and later: Ride, Dine, & Discover!	Bring your OCDA Conference attendee nametag and join us to discover downtown Lima! There will be a trolley that is free for OCDA attendees to take around town and experience all that downtown Lima has to offer!	Downtown Lima

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Friday, May 29th 2026

Time / Event	Details	Location
8:00am - 8:30am: Check-In and Networking Session	Enjoy an opportunity to network with other professionals	North Hall
8:30am - 8:45am: Welcome	Presidential Remarks and Kickoff	North Hall
8:45am - 9:00am: Sponsor Introductions		North Hall
9:00am - 10:00am: Workforce Panel	Panel Details Coming Soon! 1 NCDA CEU	North Hall
10:00am - 10:30am: Break	Enjoy some snacks, networking, and time to interact with vendors	Hallway
10:30am - 11:30am: Breakout Session 3	BREAKOUT SESSION 3: Choose one of four breakout session options listed below.
	Advancing Career Readiness Through Policy: OCDA Government Relations Committee Progress & Policy Updates Sarah JanTausch, Newton Kimberly, and Christine Yancey 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	Energy Leadership In Career Counseling/Coaching: Leading with Purpose, Resilience, and Impact Aimee Bucher 1 NCDA CEU, 1 Ohio CSWMFT CEU	Location TBD
	Mandatory Internships: A Connecting Pathway for Students and Employers Richard Fajardo 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	Designing a Career Ecosystem: From Campus Silos to Collaborative Strategy Andrea Gutierrez 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
11:30am - 11:45am: Break		Hallway
11:45am - 12:45pm: Breakout Session 4	BREAKOUT SESSION 4: Choose one of four breakout session options listed below.
	From Classroom to Career: Empowering the Next Generation Through Work-Based Learning Rabina Anand 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	The Work Within: Refueling the Practitioner for Purposeful Impact Crystal Newman and Terah Campbell 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	The Mindset Bridge: Using Daily Reflection to Anchor Career Readiness in Work-Based Learning Erika Hill 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
	From Overwhelmed to Action-Oriented: A Brain-Based Approach to Career Development Aaron Sturgill 1 NCDA CEU	Location TBD
12:45pm - 2:00pm: Lunch & Awards		North Hall
2:00pm - 2:30pm: Closing Remarks and Doorprizes	Closing remarks, doorprizes, and time to complete overall conference evaluation	North Hall

Session Information

Day 1 - Thursday, May 28th 2026

Keynote

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Presentation Title: The Tangled Mess: Navigating Career Development in a Complex Workforce Landscape

Keynote Speaker: Mary Ellen Earnhardt, MS, LPC, CCSP, CSCDA, Fellow

Manager, Montana Department of Labor Industry (DLI) Career Lab

NCDA Trustee-at-Large (2025-2028)

Ms. Earnhardt has over 30 years of experience as an educator/counselor serving pre-school through college-age students and their teachers. She has been an educator, coach, counselor, student support employee, Director of the OPI 21stCentury Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grant for the Montana Department of Education and the Director of the Career Lab for the state of Montana Department of Labor. The driving force behind her success in career services and career development in each of her varied roles is her passion for the students, families and communities she serves, and her understanding of how career development plays an important part in student development. As Director of the Career Lab, she put together a team which worked with the state Department of Education and the Department of Labor to design Montana’s Personalized K–12 Career program. She has been involved with the ACTE programs for the state of Montana and assisted with training and work development for Montana Career Coaches. She has experience with diverse cultures and was instrumental in bringing the F1 in Schools’ program (one of the Largest STEM competitions in the world) to Montana. This STEM competition assisted the Harlem students in being the First Native American Team to make it to the World competition. She brought the NASA program to Montana, sending a group of rural students from Hot Springs, Montana to Ireland, where they presented their research at the NASA Global Conference. She is on the Montana Technology Student Association (TSA) Board and is nationally certified as a Certified Career Services Provider and Certified School Career Development Advisor. Mary Ellen currently sits on the NCDA as a Trustee At Large. Mary Ellen has been awarded three of the NCDA Global awards: “Fellow,” "Outstanding Career Practitioner" and the "Ken Hoyt Outstanding Career Educator award.” Her experience working with workforce development and academic systems brings both the educational and business world together.

Presentation Description:

With the fast pace of technology and changes in the workforce, how do we as career counselors/specialists navigate through this web of vast information. Maintaining focus can be difficult. This presentation will guide you through various examples with Kindergarten-College Career Development portfolios.

With the changes in the workforce and availability of workers, more pressures to be involved in career development are coming from entities previously uninvolved, such as industry, non-profits, business, state agencies, and other organizations, leading to an even more complicated web to navigate for educators, students, and career counselors/facilitators.

The Objective of this session is to educate participants on how to use Individual Career Academic Plans (ICAP) with students and communities aiding them with skills on how to maintain positive career counseling practices in this complicated web. Included in these ICAP plans will be examples of how counselors can help students with Krumboltz, Happenstance Learning Theory through experiences and using Dr. Savickas Career Construction Theory. I will share examples of how our Native American students constructed their careers by making meaning of their lives through stories, roles and identity. Through the use of the Happenstance Theory and Construction Theory, participants will gain knowledge about how to use these theories while working with various populations and will be able to incorporate these practices in their ICAP plans.

Breakout Session 1

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Presentation Title: From Practice to Performance: Using AI Role Play in Career Development

Presenters:

Lindsay Tate, M.Ed.

Lindsay Tate has over 20 years of experience in higher education/adult education and is currently the Associate Director of Partnerships for the AI Excellence Institute at Sinclair College. Her previous roles include Senior Manager of Learning and Development, Career Development Specialist, and Instructor and also has experience in residence life and international programs. In addition to Sinclair, she has worked at the University of Dayton and Miami Valley Career Technology Adult Education Aspire program. She is experienced in creating and executing leadership and career development training, career advising and coaching, and organizational consulting. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Art in Business/Marketing from Transylvania University, a Master of Science in Education (College Student Personnel) from the University of Dayton. She is also a Bob Pike Group Pike’s Peak Award Winner for Participant-Centered Training.

Christine Yancey, MHR, CPRW, CEIP, NCDF

Christine Yancey is the Manager of Career Development Services at Sinclair College with more than 15 years of experience helping students, veterans, displaced workers, and returning citizens pursue meaningful employment. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Relations and is a Certified Resume Writer and Certified Employment Interview Professional. Christine previously served as President of the Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) and currently serves on its Government Relations Committee. She also serves on the Government Relations Committee for the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and previously served on its Veterans Committee. She is dedicated to empowering job seekers and supporting career success.

Presentation Description: Students often struggle to confidently communicate their skills and experiences in professional settings. This session demonstrates how ChatGPT’s role-playing feature can be used as a practical tool to help students practice elevator speeches, networking conversations, and job interviews. Participants will learn how to create realistic scenarios and teach students how to craft a prompt and request feedback to strengthen their messaging and delivery. During this interactive workshop, participants will view demos, create prompts, and practice the role playing feature, as well as identify ways to incorporate AI role play into career coaching, workshops, and classroom activities. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to help students build confidence, refine their professional stories, and better prepare for meaningful career conversations.

Presentation Title: Developing Career Readiness Through Ethical Use of Self and Communication Skills

Presenters:

Austin Raines, DSW, LISW-S, CMCS, CDCA, MBTI Practitioner

Dr. Austin Raines, DSW, LISW-S, CMCS, is an Appalachian native and first-generation college graduate from Scioto County, Ohio. He serves as Director of Career Services and Adjunct Faculty at Shawnee State University, Part-Time Instructor in the University of Kentucky College of Social Work MSW Program, and Navigator for Scioto County Aspire. Austin holds Social Science and Sociology degrees from Shawnee State University and a master’s and doctoral degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky, with concentrations in Social Work Education and Community and Social Development. His professional work spans higher education, adult education, and career development, with contributions to curriculum design, grant initiatives, research, and professional publications. Together, he and his partner, Christina Baker, find joy in their work, family, friends, and their pug, Prudence Praline. They share the ethos that in a world where you can choose to be anything, choose to be kind.

Christina Baker, MA, CDCA, MBTI Practitioner

Christina Baker is a first-generation college graduate and an alumna from both Shawnee State University and Ohio University. She has taught English at Ohio University for 14 years, has served as the Coordinator of Career Services at Ohio University Southern, and is currently at Ohio University in Athens as the Associate Director of Make Respect Visible: a civil dialogue program designed to help students show up authentically and professionally in difficult conversations that require respect and human dignity. She prides herself in helping students navigate social well-being, emotional learning, habitual kindness, and self-awareness, as well as the importance of civic engagement. She resides in southern Ohio with her life partner, Austin Raines, and their sweet and sassy Pug, Prudence Praline.

Presentation Description: This interactive session explores how self-awareness, communication styles, and ethical use of self influence career readiness across helping professions. Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as a reflective framework rather than a diagnostic tool, participants will examine how personal preferences shape communication, decision-making, and engagement with students and clients. Through applied scenarios, attendees will practice adapting communication strategies, strengthening professional boundaries, and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants will leave with practical tools to foster purposeful practice, enhance career readiness conversations, and ethically integrate reflective personality frameworks into career development and educational settings.

Presentation Title: Practice Makes Partnerships: Revamping Mock Interviews for Education-Industry-Community Collaboration

Presenters:

Sarah Grace McCollough, M.S., CCSP

Sarah Grace McCollough, M.S., CCSP, comes from the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash (UCBA) where she has worked in Career Services for the past 4 years. In her role, she focuses on the UCBA Career Services team leadership, employer engagement, and co-op/internship experiences for students. Prior to her time at UCBA, Sarah Grace completed her Master’s degree at Miami University where she also gained experience in Academic Support and Career Services. Sarah Grace is passionate about helping students gain meaningful experiences that help students become better community members, citizens, and well-rounded individuals. When not working with students, Sarah Grace enjoys time with her family and continues to navigate the rewarding challenges of being a full-time working mom.

J.D. Fye, B.A.

A relatively new member of the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash (UCBA) Career Services team, J.D. Fye pivoted to the higher education space after a decade-long career in various roles for an applicant tracking software that catered to third-party recruiting agencies. He now uses his technical expertise, customer service skills, and hiring industry experience to prepare students for the job market through individual appointments, classroom presentations, and both on and off campus events. Outside of coaching students, he spends his time at home with his wife and two children, a son who’s three, and a daughter who’s six months old. He dreams of one day pursuing a hobby, perhaps in another 18 years.

Presentation Description: When our efforts don’t meet expectations, it’s important to know when to go back to the drawing board and salvage the good from the mediocre. Join University of Cincinnati Blue Ash’s Career Services team for a walkthrough of the process behind revamping their Mock Interview event strategy to better suit both the students they serve and partnered employers, resulting in a net benefit for all parties involved. Participants will reflect on initiative approaches that didn't work, explore alternatives as a group, and also work collaboratively to strategize an approach to implement innovative employer engagement opportunities within their own roles.

Presentation Title: Rethinking Assessment for Career Readiness: Measuring What Matters in an AI-Influenced Workforce

Presenter:

Fatiha Bazouche, Ph.D. Candidate in Instructional Technology; M.Ed.

Fatiha Bazouche is a Ph.D. candidate (ABD) in Instructional Technology at Ohio University and an instructor of record in teacher education. Her research focuses on fostering critical thinking skills through AI-enhanced hybrid learning environments, with an emphasis on instructional design, assessment, and teacher preparation. She has received international recognition, including the Innovation in Education Award at the World Education Summit (Dubai, 2026) and a Best Paper Award for her work on critical thinking in hybrid learning. Her scholarship integrates evidence-based frameworks and emerging technologies to design impactful, future-ready learning experiences.

Presentation Description:

This session examines how assessment can be redesigned to better measure career readiness in an AI-influenced workforce. Drawing on critical thinking frameworks and AI-enhanced instructional design, it presents practical strategies to evaluate higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability in hybrid learning environments. Participants will explore real-world assessment examples and leave with actionable approaches to align teaching and assessment with workforce demands, ensuring learners are prepared for rapidly evolving professional contexts.

Breakout Session 2

4:15pm - 5:15pm

Presentation Title: From Insight to Impact: Empowering Career Professionals to Use Data with Purpose

Presenters:

Lisa Bradley-Glenn, Ed.D, MBA, CPC. CPC-P, NDCCDP

Dr. Lisa Bradley-Glenn serves as Assistant Vice President for Special Programs, Projects & Outreach at Rhodes State College, where she leads initiatives focused on workforce partnerships, continuing education, faculty development, and institutional strategy. With experience spanning academic leadership, healthcare administration, and community engagement, her work centers on aligning higher education with regional workforce needs and student success outcomes. Dr. Bradley-Glenn is a Higher Learning Commission Peer Reviewer and Quality Matters Reviewer and frequently presents on leadership, workforce development, and data-informed decision making in higher education

Carole Thomas, Ed.D, MS, BBA, TESOL

Dr. Carole Thomas currently works with Fremont City Schools, supporting student learning and engagement across diverse educational settings. She brings extensive experience in career development, student success, and workforce readiness, having previously worked in higher education supporting career services, employer partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities for students. Throughout her career, Dr. Thomas has been committed to helping learners explore career pathways, develop professional skills, and successfully transition from education to the workforce. Her work reflects a strong dedication to student empowerment, career exploration, and lifelong learning.

Presentation Description: In today's climate of accountability and workforce alignment, career professionals are expected to use data without losing the human connection at the hear of career development. Drawing on concepts from "You Are a Data Person" by Amelia Parnell, this interactive session reframes data as an accessible and practical tool for career readiness and student success. Participants will explore how curiosity, collaboration, and simple data points can strengthen advising, improve programs, and connect students to meaningful workforce pathways. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to confidently integrate data-informed decision-making into their daily practice-without needing to be a data analyst.

Presentation Title: The Career Service Provider's Business Model Canvas: Build a Clearer, Smarter, More Aligned Business

Presenter:

Sarah JanTausch, M.S., CCSP, CWDP

Sarah JanTausch, MS, CCSP, CWDP, is a nationally certified career professional and private practice owner who works with early-, mid-, and late-career clients through coaching, group programs, workshops, and speaking engagements. Sarah serves as Co-Chair of the Government Relations Committees for both the National and Ohio Career Development Associations. Before entering the career development field, she held leadership roles in Ohio’s state government, managing multimillion-dollar education initiatives and serving in senior staff roles in the executive branch. She holds a BA from Ohio Wesleyan University and an MS in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.

Presentation Description: Many career professionals enter private practice without a business blueprint leading to unclear offers, inconsistent income, and burnout. In this interactive session, you’ll use a business model canvas designed specifically for career services practitioners and explore the nine core building blocks of a sustainable career business. We’ll walk through how to clarify your niche, define high-impact offers, align pricing with value, and streamline how you deliver your services all on a single page. Whether you're just starting out or ready to refine and grow, you’ll leave with a visual map to guide strategic, values-aligned decisions.

Presentation Title: Ready, Set, Go! Exploring Client/Student Self-Efficacy for Future-Ready Careers

Presenters:

Michelle Norris, M.Ed., LPC

Michelle Norris is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio and serves as a Senior Career Services Specialist with Buckeye Commons in the Office of Student Life at The Ohio State University. She is currently pursuing a PhD at The Ohio State University in Counselor Education, with a focus on career readiness and the future of work, as well as concurrently pursuing a Master of Public Administration and Leadership at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

Ana Berríos Allison, Ph.D., LPC

Dr. Ana C. Berríos Allison is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio and a certified spiritual director. Her counseling interests include examining how family dynamics influence career decisions, grief and life transitions, the emotional, spiritual, and social impacts of decision-making, and the significance of resilience and intercultural counseling. Ana is an adjunct faculty member in Ohio and has published and presented at numerous conferences on her academic interests. Dr. Berrios Allison has been honored at the state level with awards such as the Ohio Career Development Association (OCDA) Bob Windle Leadership Award and the Ohio Counseling Association (OCA) Charles “Chuck” Weaver Award.

Presentation Description: In the evolving world of work, characterized by rapid technological change and emerging future competencies, career decisions are ambiguous and non-linear. Self-efficacy (Bandura) is essential for career readiness, influencing confidence, persistence, and adaptability, while Planned Happenstance Theory (Krumboltz) frames uncertainty as an opportunity for learning and growth. Working through an interactive case, participants will explore techniques to strengthen client/student agency and resilience in the career realm. This session will equip career counselors and practitioners with practical strategies to help clients/students navigate ambiguity and leverage unplanned career opportunities.

Presentation Title: From Idea to Impact: Building a Mobile Engagement Network Across 43 Ohio Counties

Presenters:

Max Schelkopf

Max Schelkopf is a workforce technology and engagement strategist who helps workforce development organizations modernize how they connect with job seekers, students, and staff. He works with workforce boards, state agencies, and community partners nationwide to implement mobile-first communication strategies that improve program visibility, participation, and outcomes. Max specializes in practical applications of tools like text messaging, mobile web apps, and AI-enhanced platforms to remove barriers and expand access to services. He has spoken at major industry events including the SkillUp America Summit, the U.S. Virgin Islands Governor’s Workforce Development Summit, Training Magazine Conference, and the SETA Spring Conference, and currently serves on the Governor’s Workforce Development Summit Planning Committee for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Delvin Rockhold, MPA

Delvin “Rocky” Rockhold is Program Director at the Greater Ohio Workforce Board, where he focuses on building partnerships with employers and apprenticeship programs while supporting workforce service delivery across 43 OhioMeansJobs Centers. He works closely with local workforce teams to strengthen employer relationships, guide policy implementation, and improve coordination across the regional workforce system. Prior to joining GOWBI, Rocky served as Program Coordinator at the Montgomery County OhioMeansJobs Center, where he led workforce specialists in developing training programs such as On-the-Job Training, Incumbent Worker Training, and Customized Training initiatives. A former high school basketball coach with over 300 career wins and a state championship, Rocky brings the same passion for teamwork and leadership to strengthening workforce opportunities across Ohio.

Presentation Description: In this case study, Greater Ohio Workforce Board and Engage by Cell share how they launched a mobile-first communication network connecting workforce agencies, partners, and job seekers across 43 counties. Attendees will learn how texting and mobile web apps can strengthen coordination, expand access to workforce services, and support regional collaboration. Presenters will walk through the planning, funding, and implementation process, along with early outcomes and lessons learned. Participants will leave with practical strategies and a replicable roadmap for using mobile communication to improve engagement, increase program participation, and build stronger workforce systems.

Day 2 - Friday, May 29th 2026

Workforce Development Panel

9:00am - 10:00am

Workforce Development Panel Moderator

Tara Shepherd, PBT, ASCP, CMA AAMA, BS, AAB

Director of Adult Education, Apollo Career Center

With over two decades in Career Technical Education and a professional foundation in the medical field, Tara Shepherd, Director of Adult Education at Apollo Career Center, brings a practitioner’s perspective to workforce and career development. Beginning as an instructor, she experienced firsthand the transformative power of connecting students to real-world opportunities. She has since built strong partnerships between education and industry, leading innovative adult workforce programs that align with employer needs. Tara’s work centers on engaging learners, strengthening career readiness, and supporting purpose-driven practices that empower both students and those guiding and creating opportunities to become #NextReady.

Workforce Development Panelist

Tracie Sanchez

President/Owner, Lima Pallet Company, Inc.

I have been the owner/President of Lima Pallet Co for 40+ years working with individuals from incarcerated, (we have a facility on prison grounds) to felons to teach good work ethics, helping build lives, removing barriers in lives to give a 2nd chance to live a productive live, advocating for higher education if they so choose and helping them along that path. I also am a partner in the HUB at the Central District which is a workforce development HUB for training with individual companies who have a need. Currently serving Cenovus, Nutrien and Mercy Health for an opportunity for individuals to earn certificates or explore pathways. This building has become much bigger than we ever dreamed it could be. Now serving youth to adults in career exploration.

Tracie is a native of Lima, OH. She was a 1980 graduate of Bath High School and attended Rhodes State College, Lima, before working for the family business. She has been with the family business, Lima Pallet Company, Inc. for 44 years and became President of the Company in 1998. Became a certified Woman Owned Business in 2008 and has been the sole owner since 2012.

Tracie is very active at the State and Local level, she serves on the:

- Board of Directors for the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation- appointed by Governor Kasich to serve a 3 year term ( serving 3rd 3-year term)
- Medical Services & Safety Committee
- Vice Chairman of the Actuarial Committee
- Governance Committee
- Board of Directors for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
- Board of Director for Allen/Lima Chamber of Commerce
- Legislative Committee
- Executive Committee
- Delegate for the State of Ohio 2016 & 2020 & 2024
- Lima Memorial Hospital Board of Directors
- Board of Directors for the Greater Lima Region
- Past Rotary President & President of Board of Directors 2017-2018
- Member of the Women Business Enterprise (WBENC)
- Member of the National Women Business Owners Corp. (NWBOC)

Business Group Involvement:

• Active member of the National Federation of Independent Business

• Active member of the NFIB/Ohio Leadership Council

• Past Vice President of the NFIB Lima Area Action Council

• Member of the National Wood Pallet and Container Association

• Member of the National Republican Congressional Association

• Member of the Lima / Allen County Chamber of Commerce

• Member of the West Central Ohio Safety Council

• Served on the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation Council advisory over site committee appointed by the Senate President

Lima Pallet was named “Woman Owned Business of the Year” in 2015 by the Allen/Lima Chamber of Commerce and Tracie was a finalist for the 2017 Athena Award. She received the F.A.C.T (Commitment and Compassion to changing destinies) award which is for Fathers Accountable for Children’s Tomorrow. Tracie was the 2019 recipient of the Shirley Daley Neighborhood Leadership award. Currently Tracie is part of a large redevelopment project in downtown Lima sitting as co-chair of the new Greater Lima Region Amphitheater and Park project and owner of a City block around the Amphitheater that has been renovated consisting of 3 buildings, a mix use 3 story retail building, a restaurant and bar and a Workforce Development building Tracie has 3 children, Jessica, 38, Matthew 35 and Joey 28. She has 6 grandchildren which keep her very busy!

Workforce Development Panelist

Dr. Dionne Somerville

President, Owens Community College

Information Coming Soon!

Workforce Development Panelist

Keith Horner

Superintendent, Apollo Career Center

Keith Horner has served as Apollo Career Center superintendent since 2018, overseeing the development of Adult Education and High School workforce development programs. Under his leadership, Apollo has experienced record enrollment which has led to the construction of the new Public Safety Training Center. Apollo Career Center has worked hard to answer the call to work faster in the workforce development space building relationships and preparing students to be ready for what is next in their work lives.

Workforce Development Panelist

Molly Moses

Interim Managing Director, Talent Division, JobsOhio

Molly Moses is an experience talent management and marketing and communications professional with extensive experience in the both the public and private sectors. Molly currently serves as the Interim Managing Director for the Talent Division at JobsOhio. In this role she helps to oversee the Talent portfolio including developing and managing programs, initiatives and strategies for JobsOhio Talent clients and partners. Together the Talent team strategically advises and consults with Ohio employers to create comprehensive talent attraction, development, and retention solutions that help companies reach their talent acquisition goals. Prior to joining JobsOhio, Molly served as the Chief Communications Officer for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and held several other corporate leadership roles. Molly holds a BA in Marketing and Communications Management from Columbia College Chicago, a Digital Marketing Certification from Duke University and an Inclusive Workplace Strategies Certification from the Society of Human Resource Management.

Workforce Development Panelist

Delvin (Rocky) Rockhold, MPA

Program Director, Greater Ohio Workforce Board (GOWBI)

Delvin (Rocky) serves as the Program Director at the Greater Ohio Workforce Board (GOWBI), where his primary focus revolves around establishing partnerships with employers and apprentices to facilitate GOWBI's group sponsorship initiatives. In his capacity, Rocky takes on direct responsibility for nurturing and cultivating robust employer-Ohio Means Job Center (OMJ) relationships, offering technical guidance to all 43 OMJs within the GOWBI network. Furthermore, he possesses the expertise to interpret and formulate policies when necessary, ensuring the efficient operation of local OMJs. Prior to his tenure at GOWBI, Rocky boasts an extensive history in the workforce sector. He served as a Program Coordinator at the Montgomery County OMJ Center, where he led a team of dedicated workforce specialists. Together, they actively engaged with individual customers and businesses to design training programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of all stakeholders. His responsibilities encompassed the creation of training accounts, overseeing On-the-Job Training initiatives, managing Incumbent Worker Training programs, and coordinating Customized Training programs to address specific community requirements. Rocky has managed to mix his passion for basketball with his passion for empowering young people. He is a former High School Basketball coach winning over 300 games along the way while capturing a State Championship and 5 Final Fours. Rocky received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Psychology from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He obtained his Masters in Public Administration from Wright State University. Rocky has been a dedicated servant of public service and seeks to strengthen and transform the workforce development system.

Breakout Session 3

10:30am - 11:30am

Presentation Title: Advancing Career Readiness Through Policy: OCDA Government Relations Committee Progress & Policy Updates

Presenters:

Sarah JanTausch, M.S., PMP, CCSP, CWDP

Newton Kimberly, M.P.A.

As a Career Catalyst (Careers with Social Impact) at Ohio Wesleyan University, Newton works with students to help connect them to socially charged careers that align with their personal mission. Utilizing the amazing tools in the Career Connection office, Newton creates and maintains connections with students and employers to help ensure quality experiences for students, both pre and post-graduation, as well as quality and qualified candidates for employers. Newton has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Cleveland State University. Prior to returning to OWU, Newton worked as an Academic/College Advisor with I Know I Can and as the Development Associate for TECH CORPS.

Christine Yancey, MHR, CPRW, CEIP, NCDF

Presentation Description: In a rapidly changing workforce shaped by economic shifts, technological advances, and evolving definitions of career readiness, career professionals are increasingly focused on systems-level change. This session provides an update from the Ohio Career Development Association’s Government Relations Committee on legislative engagement, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder partnerships across Ohio. Participants will learn about OCDA’s current policy priorities and how career professionals can use policy knowledge and engagement to strengthen career pathways and advance the career development profession through advocacy.

Presentation Title: Energy Leadership in Career Counseling/Coaching: Leading with Purpose, Resilience, and Impact

Presenter:

Aimee Bucher, M.A., PCC

Aimee Bucher is the Founder & CEO of Harrison Latham where she is dedicated to creating happier workplaces. She serves on the Boards of Directors for Gross National Happiness USA and Allen County Children Services; she is the Executive Producer for TEDxFaurotPark, the USA Lead for the International Week of Happiness at Work, and a founding member of the newly formed Lima Pride Alliance. Aimee has worked with a diverse range of organizations: universities, non-profits, government agencies, and companies including Google, Intuit, Deloitte, Avery Dennison, and The Walt Disney Company, as well as individuals seeking personal growth and happiness. Aimee is an accomplished speaker and published author. She is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, a Global DEI Benchmarks Certified Practitioner, and she holds certifications in Emotional Intelligence, Energy Leadership Index, and Trauma-Informed Coaching. Aimee has earned degrees from Miami University and The Ohio State University, and her career path has taken many interesting turns. She launched her first business at the age of 12, served in an executive role in a marketing firm, taught music at both the high school and undergraduate levels, and owned a web design agency. Aimee will tell you she has now found her true purpose: helping people create happiness. Outside of her professional life, she is a classically trained pianist, volunteer court mediator, actress, improv group founder, mother of five, and passionate social justice volunteer.

Presentation Description: This interactive session introduces the Energy Leadership framework as a tool for increasing self-awareness, resilience, and intentional leadership in career practice. Participants will explore how their energy and mindset impact decision-making and communication as well as the guidance they provide to clients and students. Through reflection and practical application, attendees will learn strategies to shift from reactive to purposeful engagement, supporting both their own well-being and their ability to empower others.

Presentation Title: Mandatory Internships: A Connecting Pathway for Students and Employers

Presenter:

Richard Fajardo, MBA, M.A., LPC, NCC

Richard Fajardo has been working full-time in Higher Education since April 2019, serving in Career Services roles for Ashland University (2019) and The Ohio State University (2021-present) and as a Clinical Counselor for Ashland University (2019-2021). In addition, he has worked in other scholarship, graduate assistant, and internship roles for Xavier University, Bowling Green State University, University of Mount Union, John Carroll University, and Notre Dame College. Other experiences in the Higher Education, Career Services, Clinical Counseling, and Vocational Rehabilitation fields include freelance contract work with Evergreen Mentorship, At The Core, Creative Rehab, Varsity Tutors, and The Language Company. Prior to working in Higher Education, Richard was a ‘businessworld journeyman’, gaining valuable experience in industries including Market Research, Banking, Business Development/Sales, Human Resources/Recruiting, and Medical/Legal Records Collection. While he learned a lot working in a number of different short-term high-growth organizational environments, his favorite work is providing 1:1 and small group support to help people find answers, solve problems, and grow as their best selves.

Presentation Description: Believe it or not, students and employers are asking for many of the same things from the college curriculum and experience. Let’s explore what we have learned through mandatory internships that are required in the Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) undergraduate curriculum. Build connected understanding of students’ professional development needs and employers’ expectations out of students as job candidates. Gain wisdom of best practices, including mandatory internships and other professional development opportunities, to help prepare students for the workforce in 2026 and beyond.

Presentation Title: Designing a Career Ecosystem: From Campus Silos to Collaborative Strategy

Presenter:

Andrea Gutierrez, M.A.

Andrea D. Gutierrez is a seasoned career development professional and adjunct instructor with over two decades of experience in higher education, student success, and employer relations. Currently serving as a Career Coach at Bowling Green State University's Kuhlin Career Hub, Andrea empowers students and alumni from diverse backgrounds to achieve their professional goals through personalized coaching, innovative programming, and strategic partnerships with employers. With a strong foundation in visual communication and liberal studies, Andrea brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and empathy to her work. She is a skilled presenter, event planner, and relationship builder, having organized large-scale job fairs, facilitated hundreds of career readiness workshops, and trained both staff and students. Andrea has held several leadership roles in admissions and experiential learning at The University of Findlay and is actively involved in professional associations such as NACE and OCEA. Her commitment to service and community engagement is reflected in her ongoing volunteerism and contributions to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Presentation Description: Discover how BGSU is laying the foundation for a campus-wide career ecosystem through career readiness milestones, faculty engagement and engaging. This interactive session includes a peer idea-sharing and practical examples grounded in the Career Leadership Collective framework. Walk away with scalable strategies to build or enhance your own institution's approach to career development.

Breakout Session 4

11:45am - 12:45pm

Presentation Title: From Classroom to Career: Empowering the Next Generation Through Work-Based Learning

Presenter:

Rabina Anand, M.Ed., CCSP

Rabina Anand brings over 15 years of experience in education and program development to her work as the owner of R.A. Consulting. Her passion for youth workforce development began in the classroom, where, as a high school teacher, she quickly recognized the powerful role that local businesses and community partners play in helping young people succeed. Since then, Rabina has focused on creating career exploration and work-based learning experiences that allow students to explore their skills and passions in real-world settings. She has seen how intentional connections between youth, employers, and communities create stronger talent pipelines and more vibrant local economies.

Presentation Description: The world of work is constantly changing and as educators and workforce managers it can be daunting to implement programs that prepare students to be successful in a world where future jobs have yet to be created. Work-based learning has proven to be an effective approach to educating students that allows them to explore and immerse themselves in potential career pathways. This session explores how schools and organizations can foster strategic partnerships and provides tools to develop a scalable internship program that fulfills the needs of students, businesses and the community.

Presentation Title: The Work Within: Refueling the Practitioner for Purposeful Impact

Presenters:

Crystal Newman, Certified Career Coach

Crystal Newman is a Certified Career Coach with over a decade of experience dedicated to empowering individuals across various educational stages. Holding a B.S. degree in Human Ecology with a concentration in Early Childhood Development and Education, Crystal brings a unique and holistic perspective to career readiness. She has a proven track record of coaching, mentoring, and training high school, college, and graduate students, as well as teachers, staff, and leadership. Crystal excels at guiding college students through the complexities of professionalism, career planning, and personal growth. She is deeply passionate about people and committed to empowering underserved communities, ensuring all individuals have the tools and support needed to achieve their personal and professional potential.

Terah Campbell

Terah Campbell began her career in Manufacturing and Logistics in 2009, building over 14 years of leadership, people management, and staff development experience. She advanced through a range of cross-functional roles—where she led and developed diverse teams. In 2024, Terah transitioned into Workforce Development as a Career Coach, driven by a passion for peer support, career advancement, and lifelong learning. She holds multiple certifications in Career Coaching, AI Integration, and Data Analysis, underscoring her commitment to continuous growth and empowering others. Her journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership.

Presentation Description: The Work Within is a reflective, energizing session that helps career practitioners reconnect with purpose and strengthen resilience. Through self-assessment, powerful metaphors, and practical wellness tools, participants will explore how mindset, boundaries, and community support sustainable practice. Attendees will learn to identify personal energy patterns, distinguish burnout from resilience, and create a personalized refueling plan grounded in actionable habits. They will leave grounded, refueled, and equipped to support students with clarity, balance, and authenticity.

Presentation Title: The Mindset Bridge: Using Daily Reflection to Anchor Career Readiness in Work-Based Learning

Presenter:

Erika Hill, MBA

Erika Hill is the owner of Careerlog, a company that supports early career professionals throughout the day and every day of their professional journey by providing work style and work routine strategies that foster accountability and hold space for growth and professional maturity while working. In addition, Erika is the executive director for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and the Small Business at Work program, two programs in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College that provide business education for small business owners and entrepreneurship exploration and internships for college students.

Presentation Description: Career readiness often stops at the job offer. To ensure sustainable success, we must bridge the gap between "getting the job" and "becoming the professional." This session introduces a 30-day framework of interpersonal reflection designed for early career professionals. We will explore how the framework—delivered either as a pre-start "Mindset Prep" or an "Onboarding Navigator"—equips students to decode office culture, manage ambiguity, and track their contributions. Attendees will receive a practical toolkit to help students shift from passive observers to proactive contributors, ensuring they maximize every work assignment for long-term career impact.

Presentation Title: From Overwhelmed to Action-Oriented: A Brain-Based Approach to Career Development

Presenter:

Aaron Sturgill, M.S.

Aaron Sturgill serves as the Executive Director for Career Readiness at Ohio University. He helps connect students’ academic work with real career opportunities by building partnerships across campus and creating programs that support students in finding their strengths, learning valuable skills, and planning their careers with confidence. Aaron’s background includes career coaching, working with employers, and recruitment, which gives him insight into both student and employer perspectives. He co-authored Brain-Based Career Development and is currently a doctoral student in Higher Education at Ohio University. His research looks at how cultural identity and place shape the career goals of students from rural Appalachian communities.

Presentation Description: Today’s students and clients often enter career conversations overwhelmed by choices, information, and future uncertainty. Brain-Based Career Development (BBCD) offers a neuroscience-informed framework that helps practitioners structure career conversations in ways that reduce cognitive overload and increase engagement. This session will introduce key BBCD principles and demonstrate practical strategies such as chunking, prioritization, and feedback loops that help move individuals from overwhelm to focused, action-oriented progress. By the end of the session, participants will understand how the brain processes career decisions and will be able to apply brain-based strategies to strengthen career readiness conversations across counseling, education, and workforce settings.

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