GRIT Days of Learning

Making the Most of the GRIT Experience – Onboarding for New Communities 

Speakers: Crystal Keaton, Kristy Amy, Sandy Mers, Sherrie Myers 
Learn about the resources that GRIT Project provides for partner communities; how to get started in building your community coalition; how to get started; and how to expand 

Preparing Students for 21st-Century Careers with Personalized Learning 

Speakers: Panel of school district superintendents who are blazing the trail with reinventing the high school model to integrate careers and workforce into focused outcomes. Participants include: Brent Ripley – Bridgeport Schools, Brock Brewster – Pike Western Schools, Justin Denius – Noble Local Schools.  

Appalachian Leaders: Becoming People of Influence 

Speaker: Denise Reading 
Learning Objectives:  Learn the Core Skills to Becoming a Success Advocate for the Region, Your Organization, The People You Serve by 

Inspiration from Workforce Development in Appalachia 

Speakers: Colby Hall, Executive Director from Kentucky SOAR, Mary Ann Kochalko, Mahoning/Columbiana Workforce Board Director, Conida Hawk- Care Source, Debi Zander- Ashtabula Tech Facilitator: Kristy Amy 
Learning Objectives: Build a workforce ecosystem to drive economic change in a rural community. Learn how to identify emerging markets, overcome mass layoffs of large industries and build hope for a vibrant “new” community  

Unlocking Potential: Program Strategies for Re-Entry Career Success 

Speakers: Carol Baden, Recovery Ohio, Edna Staten, Adams / Brown OMJ, Ronnie Burkes Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction,  Hope McAfee Jefferson CAC, Facilitator: Brandi Hawthorn   

Developing Young Talent 

Speakers: Scott Wludga, A-Tech Superintendent will lead a discussion with a panel of students who have participated in GRIT Workforce training. 
Speakers: The second part of this session will feature movement of attendees rotating on specific related topics for best practice sharing, personalized Q&A and interaction.  
Mark Bihl- McClain High School, Building Community and School partnerships 
Jeremey Ward- BB2C Discovery Events 
Eastin Lewellen- Drivers Ed 
Craig Sernik and Shae Ballard Ashtabula  
Luanne Valentine – Scioto Community Action Organization  

Meaningful employment can be a catalyst for change, not just for individuals but for entire communities. In this motivational and informative keynote, Coach D will explore how one person’s journey to finding meaningful work can set a powerful example, transforming the lives of their family and others around them. It takes “GRIT” to press though to success! 

STEM-Powered Futures: Credentialing Success at New Lexington and Noble Local  

Speakers: Noble Local High School 

Building Coalitions for Localized Healthcare 

Speakers: Randy Leite, Executive Director, Appalachia Children’s Coalition 

Empowering Self-Care in Workforce Development 

Equip yourself with tools to make self-care a daily habit. Working in a “helps” industry often means dedicating immense time to supporting others, while neglecting personal well-being.  
Speaker: Coach D 

Forging the Future: Best Practices in Manufacturing Partnerships

Speakers: Amanda Hedrick/Brady Carter (Best Ohio), Alex Hertzer, Mahoning Valley Manufacturing Coalition

Immersive Career Experiences for the Next Generation through Strategic Workforce Partnerships.

The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development has innovated beyond traditional job fairs by creating industry-specific and interactive career exploration experiences tailored to engage job seekers and students in more meaningful ways. 
Speakers: Clint Knight, Richland County Chamber & Economic Development, Scott Johnson (Aspyr), Kristy Amy Future Plans  

Leading with Impact: How Business Leaders Shape Their Communities

Speaker: Mike McGiffin Lake to River

Building Coalitions and Advocacy for Ohio to Fund Lasting Impact 

Workforce Strategies for Economic Success – How a robust and skilled workforce shapes investment decisions in Ohio. 

Panel- John Trott, Julie Bolender, Rick Szabrak, Crystal Keaton