Transforming Communities with GRIT
February 26-27th, 2025
The Grand Resort
Warren, OH
Countdown
Unleash your potential at GRIT Days of Learning, where Appalachian Ohio’s brightest minds gather to ignite innovation, exchange bold ideas, and address real-world challenges. Immerse yourself in a dynamic experience filled with expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and inspiring connections designed to fuel your growth and amplify your impact. Together, let’s shape the future of our communities.
Who should attend:
- Agencies working with adults and students on workforce training, internships and job placement
- K-12 educators and/or counselors focused on careers, career placement
- Chambers of Commerce / Economic Development
- Workforce training providers serving southern Ohio
- Case managers or team leads of people working with special populations of adults such as treatment, courts, incarceration, and others
- People in the community, churches, volunteers, school boards, county commissioners, and others
Agenda
Day 1 – Wednesday, February 26th
Making the Most of the GRIT Experience – Onboarding for New Communities
Speakers: Crystal Keaton, Kristy Amy, Sandy Mers, Sherrie Myers, Chasity Schmelzenbach
Learn about the resources that GRIT Project provides for partner communities; how to get started in building your community coalition; and how to expand.
Preparing Students for 21st-Century Careers with Personalized Learning
Facilitator: Dan Leffingwell (Future Plans)
Speakers: Brent Ripley – Bridgeport Schools, Brock Brewster – Pike Western Schools, Justin Denius – Noble Local Schools.
Join for a deep dive session with insights from a panel of school district superintendents who are blazing the trail with reinventing the high school model to integrate careers and workforce into focused outcomes.
Appalachian Leaders: Becoming People of Influence
Speaker: Denise Reading
Learn the Core Skills to Becoming a Success Advocate for the Region, Your Organization, The People You Serve.
Facilitator: Chasity Schmelzenbach (Buckeye Hills Regional Council)
Speakers: Colby Hall (Kentucky SOAR), Mary Ann Kochalko, (Mahoning/Columbiana Workforce Board), Conida Hawk (Care Source)
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
Facilitator: Brandi Hawthorne
Speakers: Carol Baden (Recovery Ohio,) Edna Staten (Adams / Brown OMJ), Ronnie Burkes (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction), Hope McAfee (Jefferson CAC)
This session will explore effective program strategies for supporting individuals in re-entry as they transition back into the workforce. Learn from experts in the field, including representatives from Recovery Ohio, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, and community support organizations, as they share insights and resources aimed at fostering long-term career success for re-entry individuals. Whether you’re a service provider or an advocate, this session will equip you with practical tools to help unlock the potential of those facing barriers to employment.
Developing Young Talent
Facilitator: Shae Ballard Ashtabula Tech
Speakers will lead a discussion with a panel of students who have participated in GRIT Workforce training.
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
Jeremy Ward- BB2C Discovery Events
Eastin Lewellen- Drivers Ed
Cindy Lindamood – Scioto Community Action Organization
Unwind and Connect at the GRIT Networking Event!
Join us in the elegant Grand Pavilion at the Grand Resort from 5:00 – 7:00 PM for an evening of connections and inspiration.
Enjoy delicious heavy appetizers and a cash bar as you mingle with fellow attendees, sponsors, and keynote speaker Coach D. Explore sponsor tables and discover how their organizations are driving meaningful change, or stop by Coach D’s table to learn more about their insights and mission.
This is your chance to make valuable connections, share ideas, and kick off the GRIT Days of Learning with energy and excitement!
Day 2 – Thursday, February 27th
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 Noble Local Schools Speakers: Justin Denius and Trevor Tom from Noble Local Schools 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
Facilitator: Tasha Werry (BB2C)
Speakers: Amanda Hedrick (Best Ohio), Alex Hertzer, (Mahoning Valley Manufacturing Coalition), Linn Yost (Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition), Rahim Nichols (MAGNET)
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)
AI Made Simple
Speakers: Ryan Schiesser & Gary Chaffins, Innovative Consulting
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.
Facilitator: Crystal Keaton (Workforce Development Board Area 1)
Panel- Julie Bolender (Highland County), Rick Szabrak (Workforce Development Board Area 20), Rocky Rockhold (Greater Ohio Workforce Board Inc.)
Using Career and Economic Data to Position Workforce Programs
Terri Bennett and Kristy Amy (Future Plans)
Leading with Impact: How Business Leaders Shape Their Communities
Speaker: Mike McGiffin, Lake to River
Venue Map
Speakers
Denise Reading (Day 1 – Afternoon)
A true change-maker, Dr. Reading has used her influence to create groundbreaking initiatives, from establishing the first residential college program for teen moms to launching global workforce development programs that have impacted Fortune 1000 companies across 50 states and 40 countries. Her ability to build relationships, raise funding for critical causes, and drive meaningful change makes her the perfect leader to inspire you to become a person of influence!
We all have the power to create change, but how do we harness it effectively? In this inspiring and actionable session, Dr. Reading—Co-founder of the GRIT Project and CEO of Future Plans—will guide participants in developing the skills to move from wishing to acting with confidence in their ability to influence decisions in their work, communities, schools, and beyond.
Learn how to:
- Identify key issues or opportunities you want to influence
- Determine who must be influenced for change to happen
- Build trust and communicate effectively
- Recognize and utilize your existing circle of influence
- Overcome barriers and develop an action plan for success
Darrell “Coach D” Andrews (Day 2 – Morning)
Darrell “Coach D” Andrews is an internationally recognized workforce development consultant, strategist, and motivator. He is the President and Chief Passion Officer of Darrell Andrews, LLC and Associates. For the past two decades, he and his team of experts have provided consulting, motivational training, coaching, and speeches that enhance innovation at workforce development agencies and education organizations.
Coach D is the author of several books, including “How To Find Your Passion And Make A Living At It,” “The Purpose Living Teen-A Teen’s Guide To Living Your Dreams,” and “Reinvention-The Pathway To Job Search Success.” His college success story, “5 Garbage Bags and a Dream,” was one of the top stories in the New York Times best seller-Chicken Soup for the African American Soul.
Bill Johnson (Day 2 – Afternoon)
A Leader Across Sectors: With a distinguished 26-year military career, leadership in high-tech business ventures, and 13 years as a U.S. Congressman, President Johnson brings a wealth of experience in strategic vision, innovation, and advocacy.
Champion for Economic Growth: His expertise in coalition-building and funding strategies has helped drive sustainable progress in education, workforce development, and community initiatives.
💡Key Takeaways from His Keynote:
- Learn how to build strong coalitions to drive impactful change.
- Discover strategies for securing sustainable funding for community and workforce initiatives.
- Gain insights from a leader with real-world experience in advocacy and economic development.
Registration is now open!
Cost:
Registration covers entrance both days of the event, February 26 & 27th, 2025 as well as Lunch on day 1 and Breakfast and lunch on day 2.
Hotel Options:
To make hotel reservations and receive group rate call and book under the GRIT Conference block.
- The Grand Resort
(330) 856-1900
Or, visit: Book now for group rate - Hampton Inn & Suites Youngstown/Niles
5581 Youngstown Warren Rd.
Niles, OH 44446
T: 330-652-1277 - Fairfield Inn Warren Niles
129.00 USD per night
Last Day to Book : Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Visit: Book your group rate for GRIT Ohio
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