James Ramos

Academic Dean / Director of Distance Ed Innovation at Southwest University at El Paso

Academic-Industry Partnerships that Advance Workforce and Student Success

Wednesday, March 11th at 4:40 PM

Strong partnerships between schools and employers are increasingly important in today's evolving workforce. This session shares practical ways to build and sustain these collaborations, highlighting Southwest University's partnership with HHS, LLC, where 170+ employees advanced their education at minimal cost. Through interactive discussion, attendees will learn how to align programs with real-world demands and strengthen the workforce while helping students and employees advance.

Tia Freirburger

Director, Facilities and Operations at Under Armour

Brave the Pivot: Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Your Career Transition

Wednesday, March 11th at 9:30 AM

Thinking about changing careers can be daunting, especially when you're unsure where to begin. In this session, Tia Freirburger will discuss the key benefits of pursuing a new path and offer clear, practical steps to guide your transition. Whether you're exploring opportunities or just curious about what's out there, you'll gain the clarity and confidence to move forward with purpose.

Ada Baldwin

Director University Housekeeping at North Carolina State University

CDEF: Management Tools for Success

Thursday, March 12th at 8:30 AM

This session offers practical insights to support professional growth and introduce tools that boost employee engagement and strengthen teams. Ada Baldwin will highlight how communication, documentation, and empowerment can drive effective staff management and organizational success. The session is designed to guide early-career professionals and refresh seasoned managers as they navigate the challenges of engagement and team building.