8:00 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast with Sponsors and Exhibitors
8:30 a.m.
Welcome, Overview and Why We Are Here
Emcee: Ryan Bowman, Program Manager, Workforce Recovery Program, Kentucky Chamber Foundation
LaKisha Miller, Executive Director, Workforce Center, Kentucky Chamber Foundation
Beth Brinly, Deputy Secretary, Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet
8:40 a.m.
Introduction of Presenting Sponsor
Cora McNabb, Executive Director, Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), U.S. Department of Labor (virtual speaker)
8:45 a.m.
Empowering Employers: Strategies for Disability-Inclusive Workplaces
Dina Klimkina, Senior Account Director, Concepts, Inc.
Disability-inclusive workplaces don't just happen—they require a dedicated commitment and buy-in from all levels of an organization. Ensuring your workplace is accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities involves careful planning and ongoing support. This approach not only helps attract and retain qualified employees with disabilities but also enhances overall organizational diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). For employers new to understanding the critical role of disability in workplace, this session offers valuable insights and guidance. Learn about the importance of creating a welcoming and accessible environment for applicants and employees with disabilities. Join two of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) key initiatives: the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) and the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED). This discussion will provide resources, tools, and strategies to support employers in hiring and retaining people with disabilities. Additionally, we will explore how states can better support employers in these efforts.
9:15 a.m.
Preparing Kentucky for Growth: Building a Strong Foundation
Johnny Collett, Deputy Director, Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky
John Crockett, President, LG&E and KU Energy LLC
Carlos Sanchez, President, AT&T Kentucky
Moderator: Marilyn Clark, Economic Engagement Manager, University of Kentucky
Kentucky is on the cusp of significant growth, and our readiness will determine our success. This panel will focus on essential areas for our state's future: equipping our workforce with the skills needed for new and emerging industries and creating an environment where small businesses can grow and partner with larger companies. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on how to position Kentucky for long-term growth by investing in our people and ensuring every business can thrive.
10:00 a.m.
Employer Testimonial: Benefits from Using Non-Traditional Labor
Barbara Aker, Family Pride Director, More Than a Bakery
10:30 a.m.
Humana: An Award-Winning Global Leader in Inclusivity and Belonging
Carolyn Tandy, SVP and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Humana
In this TED Talk-style presentation, Carolyn will share insights on the nationally recognized work that has positioned Humana as a global leader in equity, belonging, and inclusion. Through this session, attendees will gain valuable insights into Humana’s efforts to build and maintain a culture of belonging as well as practical takeaways for organizations striving to enhance their own inclusion initiatives. Don't miss this opportunity to gain inspiration from a leader whose commitment to caring for inclusion and belonging is driving real change both in and outside company walls.
11:00 a.m.
The Big Stay: Innovative Partnerships that Keep People Working
Shirley Kron, BSN, BSW, RN, COHN-S Retired, Director Outreach and Engagement, Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky
Martha Stephenson, VP, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Zach Morgan, Director of Workforce Development, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
Gabriela Salazar, Program Manager- Every Voice, GE Appliance
Cathy Heredia, Director of Human Resources, JBS
A company’s culture of innovation is closely intertwined with its culture of inclusivity. Embracing diversity, enabling collaboration, and acknowledging the potential of every team member helps ensure a more equitable workforce. The Covid -19 pandemic changed all aspects of life but one of the most profound impacts was on how we work. The Great Resignation saw an unprecedented number of workers leaving their jobs to pursue other opportunities. Perhaps the continual job changes we have witnessed for three years are coming to an end. Over the last year, workers have been prioritizing work -life balance, job stability, and meaningful employment instead of pursuing higher salaries and fresh opportunities. The Great Resignation has given way to the Big Stay and helping workers stay at work in Kentucky is more critical than ever to ensure a more inclusive workforce. Today’s session will highlight strategies for breaking down barriers to employment and innovative partnerships that serve individuals who were previously incarcerated, veterans, international population, including those with disabilities. Our subject matter experts will share their knowledge and perspectives on how intentional strategies and critical partnerships are keeping people at work in Kentucky.
11:30 a.m.
How Workforce Shortages Led to an Expanded Candidate Pool
Robert Tiell, Career Strategist & Vocational Expert, Vocational Evaluators of Kentucky
The pandemic contributed to workforce shortages across many industry sectors. These shortages prompted employers to make different investments and consider hiring solutions. A rapid shift to remote work was created which benefited both employers and employees. Several factors also prompted employers to expand their candidate pool. These factors included the emergence of the skills based hiring movement, empowerment and opportunity access via an up-skilling focus, and an enhanced spirit of candidate inclusion. This ultimately allowed employers to consider more non-traditional job candidates. These non-traditional groups included non-degreed, veterans, dislocated workers and second chance applicants.
12:15 p.m.
Luncheon Keynote
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Founder, Change & Impact, Inc.
1:30 p.m.
Leading with Purpose: A President's Journey in Fostering Inclusion
Condrad Daniels, President, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
Beth Davisson, Senior Vice President, Kentucky Chamber Foundation
In this session, we will explore HJI’s remarkable growth and commitment to equity, belonging, and inclusion, with a special focus on the collective efforts of the HJI team. Discover how these values have been integrated into the core of HJI’s operations and culture, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Through this engaging conversation, attendees will gain valuable insights into the strategies and practices that have driven HJI’s success while prioritizing inclusive excellence. Condrad will share experiences and lessons learned from his team’s journey, providing practical takeaways for leaders aiming to foster a more inclusive environment within their organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading organization whose work exemplifies the transformative power of inclusive teamwork.
2:00 p.m.
The American with Disabilities Act and Substance Use Disorders in the Workplace
Barry Whaley, Project Director, Southeast ADA Center Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University
At the height of the pandemic, we saw sharp increases in alcohol and substance abuse in the U.S. and an increase in behavioral health disorders. More than 70% of individuals with alcohol or drug use continued to maintain employment. Over 22 million Americans are currently in recovery from alcohol and other drug use disorders. There are thousands of people in recovery from addiction who are unaware of their civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA ensures that people with disabilities, including those with alcohol use disorder and substance use disorders, have the same rights and opportunities in the workplace. This session describes how the ADA addresses alcohol and substance use disorders differently. It will also introduce how the ADA applies to addiction and recovery during three phases of employment: pre-offer, post-offer, and employment. These differences will be illustrated with scenarios about alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and marijuana.
2:30 p.m.
Testimonial
TBA
3:00 p.m.
Bridging the Workforce Gap – Braiding Efforts for Collective Impacts
Aaron Poynter, Director, Reentry and Employment Services Branch, Kentucky Office of Adult Education
This presentation will take a close look at the operations of the Reentry and Employment Services Branch and the expanding efforts to align State, Regional and Local resources to serve Kentuckians. The highlighting of data supported programming across the Commonwealth and the education of attendees of engagement opportunities. Furthermore, the education of workforce, employer, and business representatives to understand how to access and engage pipelines of individuals. Attendees will learn the mutually reenforcing activities occurring to provide services to focus populations including, individuals with disabilities, criminal backgrounds, underemployed, and at-risk individuals to cultivate trained, engaged workforce pipelines.
3:30 p.m.
Minimizing the Unknown: Partnering with Supported Employment Professionals in Recruiting and Retaining Employees with Disabilities
Kitty Jones, Director of Membership, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Owen, Executive Director, Puzzle Pieces
Lisa Lewis, Program Coordinator, Pennyroyal Center
Katie Wolf Whaley, Project Director, UK-HDI
Supported Employment is a service that assists people with disabilities to explore their skills, interests and what it takes to be successful in the workplace and then helps them find good jobs in their local community. The Employment Specialist not only knows an array of job candidates well but takes the time to learn the needs of businesses in order to recommend good job matches. They can also assist with additional supports needed in onboarding and training an employee with a disability. The Employment Specialist can help with your recruitment and retention needs, in a way that makes sense to your company. This panel will feature professionals who will share how they go about this work, how you can connect with similar professionals in your area and how it can benefit your company.
4:00 p.m.
Inside the Return-to-Work Playbook: A Teaser
Kimberly Wickert, Director of Organizational Partnerships, Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky
Laura Butler, MRC, MA, Project Director, My Choice Kentucky, Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky
Melissa Claar, MPH, CAE, RETAIN Outreach Liaison, UK Staff Senator, Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky
When someone is sidelined by illness or injury, it not only impacts that individual, but their employer and coworkers too. Staying at work following illness or injury or returning to work after an absence can be difficult for everyone involved. Employers may scramble to find replacements for the employee who is ill or injured and coworkers often take on additional responsibility or overtime to make up for the loss of that employee. Healthcare providers may be making return to work decisions based on limited job information from the worker. Our return-to-work Playbook can help ease a worker, employer, and healthcare provider through this process. This presentation is a sneak peek at the return-to-work handbooks developed for employees, employers, and healthcare providers when a worker's illness or injury impacts their ability to work. Based on the three handbooks, we will highlight ways to successfully navigate the stay at work and return to work process and promote a smooth transition for everyone to understand their roles as well as the expectations of others involved in the process.
4:30 p.m.
Annual Inclusive Workforce Summit Adjourns