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At the Conference: Day 2

My second day at the NAWDP conference was a busy day.  Workforce development is an industry full of passionate and talented people and today showcased them beautifully.
 
My day began attending the session of the next generation of workforce leaders, the New and Emerging Professionals cadre presentation. This session allowed each member to discuss his/her contributions to NAWDP and the field of workforce development for the past year.  Each cadre member completed a capstone project for this program and NAWDP. The topics showcased each member's passion for an area of workforce development.
 
The second day of the NAWDP conference always included the  awards luncheon. The winners had amazing stories and are a true inspiration to workforce development professionals. The wealth of knowledge the winners had in leadership, customer service, training, and development could never be bottled and sold. When you listen to the stories of each award recipient,  you understand that there is not magic in workforce development. Success is the combination of passion, commitment, and hard work.
 
I also learned about exciting programs from across the United States that were more than your average "get a job" model. One program provided holistic services including housing supports. Another presentation discussed model programs in Georgia that included short term training in high demand areas with a quick turnaround to job placement.
 
Finally, I finished my day in the spirit of WIOA, collaborating with the next generation of workforce leadership in the warm afternoon breeze. If you are looking for a reason to attend a national conference, the reason is passionate collaboration, and an inspiration doggy bag for the road.
 
See you tomorrow! ~Karen Cirincione

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