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PDC 2025 - Workshop Descriptions

Wednesday's Plenary

Opening Keynote:
Engaging in Conversations on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in 2025 and Beyond

Presented by Vernon A. Wall, Chief of Staff @ LeaderShape, Inc.
Across the U.S., legislation and executive orders targeting diversity, equity & inclusion programs are being introduced. How do we continue to discuss inclusive communities in our current political climate? At LeaderShape, this is absolutely possible and necessary as we develop students' leadership capacity. Join us as we share some concepts that have been helpful for our team. We have “refreshed” our programs to continue to engage in conversations and learnings related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Receive information and discuss the current political climate on diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
  • Begin to audit their current leadership programs through an inclusion lens.
  • Receive concepts that LeaderShape uses to engage in conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion in their programs.
  • Receive tips on reframing conversations toward a liberatory space.
Vernon A. Wall

Vernon A. Wall has accumulated over 30+ years of professional Student Affairs experience at Iowa State University, the University of Georgia, UNC-Charlotte, and UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience in Greek life, new student orientation, student activities, leadership development, global education, and university housing. Vernon currently lives in Washington DC and is the Chief of Staff at LeaderShape, Inc. Vernon is also President and Founder of One Better World, LLC – a consulting firm specializing in engaging others in courageous social justice and equity conversations and is a past President of ACPA – College Student Educators, International.
Vernon is the consummate scholar-practitioner with degrees from North Carolina State University and Indiana University. He has received several awards for his contributions to the quality of student life, is a nationally known speaker in social justice and leadership, and is one of the founders and facilitators of the Social Justice Training Institute.

Student Success: Together We've Got this
Presented by Julie Loppacher, Director of the Kortschak Center for Learning & Creativity @ University of Southern California
We have all heard student success as a buzz phrase across all our campuses. But what does that really mean and what can you as an individual educator do to support it? In this keynote presentation, which is a perfect balance of research, passion, and humor, I take your audience through the neuroscience associated with some of the barriers to student success; provide a variety of motivational strategies proven to enhance the student experience, and provide the audience members with an opportunity to reflect on and engage in activities to enhance their own practices. This keynote is designed to empower any educator committed to improving the lives and educational experiences of the students they work with!

  • To gain a greater understanding of the neuroscience associated with student success
  • To improve your working understanding of motivational strategies and how to leverage them to your advantage when working with students
  • To learn one (two or three) simple techniques to improve your connections to your students (and team)
Dr. Julie Loppacher

Dr. Julie Loppacher is a teacher by trade and a student of life! Dedicated to working with individuals with learning differences, Julie strives to inspire people to reach their goals and rekindle their passions as they move through the world. Throughout her nearly 20 year career in higher education, Julie has worked with students, faculty, staff and families to help identify pathways for learning that can foster student success in any environment. Julie's day to day work is driven by asking the question how else can that be done? Julie works tirelessly in the pursuit of fostering inclusive learning environments in the hopes that all individuals, regardless of their lived experience, identity and positionality can make meaning in the world.

Thursday's Workshop Topics

Workshop Session #1:

From Barriers to Bridges: Utilizing the Equity Lens Tool for Inclusive Student Services
Presented by Foundation for California Community Colleges
Angelica Ibarra, Guided Pathways Regional Coordinator @ Foundation for California Community Colleges
In pursuing social justice within student services, it is crucial to develop mechanisms that identify and actively dismantle barriers to student success. This presentation introduces the Equity Lens Tool, an innovative framework designed by Guided Pathways Regional Coordinators, which facilitates a structured, reflective approach to enhancing diversity and inclusion in student services. The Equity Lens Tool guides users through identifying 'red lights'—structural barriers and inadvertent obstacles disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. By applying guiding questions and deep reflection, users can transform these 'red lights' into 'yellow lights' and eventually 'green lights,' representing removing barriers and establishing equitable access to services.
This session will detail the step-by-step methodology of the Equity Lens Tool, emphasizing its adaptability across various student services contexts. Participants will learn how to apply the tool to assess and refine their daily tasks, ensuring they contribute effectively to student achievement and equity. Case studies will illustrate how the tool has been successfully implemented to achieve significant, positive changes in student services, supported by qualitative and quantitative data highlighting improved student outcomes. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with practical knowledge and strategies to implement the Equity Lens Tool within their institutions, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity.

  • Understand the Application of the Equity Lens Tool: Participants will gain an understanding of how the Equity Lens Tool operates as a structured, reflective framework to identify and dismantle barriers to student success within social justice contexts.
  • Identify and Address Structural Barriers: Attendees will learn to recognize 'red lights'—the systemic and inadvertent obstacles that disproportionately affect marginalized groups—and use the tool to transform these barriers into actionable opportunities for equity.
  • Apply Reflective Questions for Transformation: Learners will master guiding questions and deep reflection techniques to convert identified challenges ('red lights') into 'yellow lights' and, subsequently, 'green lights,' representing progressive stages towards equitable access.
  • Integrate the Tool in Daily Operations: Participants will learn how to integrate the Equity Lens Tool into daily operations to enhance diversity, inclusivity, and equity within their roles and responsibilities.
  • Formulate Strategies for Institutional Implementation: By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with practical knowledge and strategies to adopt and implement the Equity Lens Tool at their institutions, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity.
Angelica Ibarra

With over 25 years in higher education, Angelica brings extensive leadership experience to her current role as a Guided Pathways Regional Coordinator. Her career has focused on advancing student engagement and retention, from direct interactions with students to implementing significant campus-wide reforms. Angelica's previous positions at Cal Poly Pomona and Harvey Mudd College saw her develop and lead impactful social justice education programs, enhancing intercultural competence, leadership, and student development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Redlands, and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the American College of Education. In her role as a coordinator, she drives transformative strategies that foster inclusive educational environments and promote equitable student success. Outside of work, Angelica enjoys DIY projects, watching Netflix movies, and playing board games with her husband and four sons.

Follow Your Moral Compass: Setting Your Intentions True North
Robert Lane, Transformational Speaker @ Robert Lane Coaching
In this inspiring keynote, attendees will embark on a transformative journey of self-reflection and moral exploration. Rooted in the belief that our values are vital guiding forces, this presentation emphasizes the importance of aligning our intentions with our moral compass to navigate the complexities of social justice and student success. Participants will engage in meaningful discussions and interactive activities that foster deep learning, enabling them to cultivate integrity and purpose in their professional journeys. By examining the intersection of personal values and leadership, attendees will be empowered to serve as effective change agents, equipped to inspire excellence in themselves and others

  • Enhanced Self-Reflection: Attendees will better understand their core values and learn to trust their instincts as they navigate their personal and professional journeys.
  • Empowered Value-Driven Decision-Making: Participants will develop strategies to eliminate fear from decision-making, fostering an environment where choices align with their moral compass.
  • Heightened Ethical Responsibility: Attendees will leave with actionable insights on prioritizing the needs of others, moving beyond the “ego lens” to skillfully blend moral principles with effective behavioral guidelines.
Robert Lane Robert Lane Coaching Transformational Speaker

Robert A. Lane is a transformational speaker and career and life coach with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. As the founder of Robert Lane Coaching, he specializes in guiding individuals and organizations to align their actions with their core values and navigate challenges with integrity. With a deep understanding of personal and professional development, combined with his extensive background in coaching, Robert is an expert in helping others explore and follow their moral compass. His work empowers clients to achieve personal growth and ethical leadership, driving meaningful and purpose-driven lives

Workshop Session #2:

LeaderShape: Committed to the Practice of Co-Creating a More Just, Caring, and Thriving world
Abby Prince Atwood, Director of Campus Growth @ LeaderShape, Inc. 
Vernon A. Wall, Chief of Staff @ LeaderShape, Inc.
LeaderShape® has been creating transformational leadership development experiences for over 30 years (since 1986). With a focus on creating a more just, caring, and thriving world, more than 78,000 persons have participated in our premier program, The LeaderShape Institute.
Program alumni and their sponsors tell us that the participants develop a stronger sense of self as a leader, a passion for making a difference in the community, and a willingness to engage in the organization more intentionally. As a result, the impact of LeaderShape is not only on the individual but also within the communities to which they belong. Learn more about the programs that we offer!

  • Receive information on LeaderShape's programs for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Be able to assess the possibility of hosting one of LeaderShape's programs
  • Participate in a discussion on how campuses can better develop student leadership capacity on their campuses
Abby Prince Atwood headshot

Abby Prince Atwood serves as the Director of Campus Growth at LeaderShape. In her current role, Abby works with campuses as they plan and prepare for LeaderShape’s programs: the Institute, Catalyst, Resilience, Courageous Dialogue, and Living in Possibility. She enjoys being in contact with campus partners and helping them provide leadership programs to their students. Abby received her undergraduate degree in Rhetoric from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduation, she moved to Phoenix for five years and then back to central Illinois to be closer to family. She spent the first 13 years of her career in major corporations before taking the leap into LeaderShape, a decision that changed her life!
Outside of work, Abby spends time with her nephews and loves to re-learn the lessons of a healthy disregard for the impossible through them. Abby and her husband, Jim, have a dog named Truman and enjoy cooking their way through the New York Times Cooking app!

VernonWall-WorkshopHeadshop

Vernon A. Wall has accumulated over 30+ years of professional Student Affairs experience at Iowa State University, the University of Georgia, UNC-Charlotte, and UNC-Chapel Hill and has experience in Greek life, new student orientation, student activities, leadership development, global education, and university housing. Vernon currently lives in Washington DC and is the Chief of Staff at LeaderShape, Inc. Vernon is also President and Founder of One Better World, LLC – a consulting firm specializing in engaging others in courageous social justice and equity conversations and is a past President of ACPA – College Student Educators, International.
Vernon is the consummate scholar-practitioner with degrees from North Carolina State University and Indiana University. He has received several awards for his contributions to the quality of student life, is a nationally known speaker in social justice and leadership, and is one of the founders and facilitators of the Social Justice Training Institute.

How Accessibility moves Colleges toward our Systemwide Vision 2030
Dawn Okinaka, Accessibility Director @ California Community Colleges Accessibility Center
Incorporating accessibility into every aspect of a college’s culture is critical to ensure that all students have equitable access to educational resources, opportunities, employment, and integration into college life. Proactive accessibility should be an integrated part of efforts surrounding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Guided Pathways and Vision 2030. Accessibility should not be a huge, overwhelming task focused on checking off a box so that an institution complies with the law. Accessibility should instead be about providing equity and access to everyone while moving towards compliance. To meet this goal, the California Community Colleges Accessibility Center has developed an Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM), which provides a structured framework that guides colleges and districts in systematically enhancing their accessibility measures towards a higher level of accessibility maturity, while respecting the current resources and level of accessibility maturity and aids colleges in their journey toward CCC Vision 2030.

  • Creating an understanding of Digital Accessibility
  • Accessibility to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Accommodations do not equal equity
  • Overview of the CCC Accessibility Capability Maturity Model (ACMM)
  • How the ACMM aligns with all focuses of the CCC Vision 2030: Equity in Success, Equity in
  • Access, Equity in Support and Equity in the Future of Learning
Dawn Okinaka, Accessibility Director @ California Community Colleges Accessibility Center

Jason Corder, born in San Francisco in 1969, is a TEDx and Keynote Speaker and the founder and CEO of Digital Addiction Prevention, a company focused on giving people, young and old, the tools and mentorship needed to control their own mental and physical health. A graduate of Swarthmore College and a life-long storyteller, he created Kenya's first comedy-drama series, as well as its first reality show, and spent a decade as a successful producer/writer/actor exploring issues that affected Africans. Corder has concurrently enjoyed a career as a Cultural Envoy doing impactful projects for U.S. embassies around the world, focusing on issues that affect developing nations. Having spent more than two decades living abroad, in Africa and Europe, he hones this global perspective into talks, programs, podcast conversations and the like, to deepen dialogue and heighten perception. He lives with his three sons in Arizona.

Workshop Session #3:

Digital Wellness: Empowering Student Affairs Professionals to Navigate the Digital Wave of Student Success
Jason Corder, CEO @ Digital Addiction Prevention
In this dynamic session, Jason Corder addresses the critical intersection of digital wellness and student success in community colleges. Tailored specifically for Student Affairs professionals and graduate students in Higher Education, this presentation explores how intentional digital wellness strategies can foster a culture of healthy technology use, enhancing staff effectiveness and student outcomes. Jason presents actionable strategies for Student Affairs staff to create digitally balanced environments, improving student engagement and retention while managing their digital well-being. Attendees will learn innovative approaches to integrating digital wellness into existing student support programs and promoting mindful technology use while addressing issues such as digital overwhelm online engagement challenges, and screen addiction. This presentation offers practical solutions for balancing technology use with student support and professional effectiveness, which is crucial for navigating the waves of student success in our digital age. By focusing on digital wellness as a key component of Student Affairs practice, this session aligns with the conference's focus on enhancing health, well-being, and quality of life for professionals and students alike while addressing the challenges of thriving in Student Affairs roles in a tech-driven educational landscape.

  • Understand the impact of digital habits on Student Affairs professionals' effectiveness and student success in community colleges.
  • Develop strategies to integrate digital wellness into existing student support programs and policies, enhancing student engagement and retention.
  • Master techniques for digital fasting
  • Learn the tools necessary for taking control of one's mental and physical health and translating these skills to our students
  • Learn to implement and measure the effectiveness of holistic digital wellness techniques that support both professional development and student success in a digital world.
Jason Corder Digital Addiction Prevention CEO/Founder

Jason Corder, born in San Francisco in 1969, is a TEDx and Keynote Speaker and the founder and CEO of Digital Addiction Prevention, a company focused on giving people, young and old, the tools and mentorship needed to control their own mental and physical health. A graduate of Swarthmore College and a life-long storyteller, he created Kenya's first comedy-drama series, as well as its first reality show, and spent a decade as a successful producer/writer/actor exploring issues that affected Africans. Corder has concurrently enjoyed a career as a Cultural Envoy doing impactful projects for U.S. embassies around the world, focusing on issues that affect developing nations. Having spent more than two decades living abroad, in Africa and Europe, he hones this global perspective into talks, programs, podcast conversations and the like, to deepen dialogue and heighten perception. He lives with his three sons in Arizona.

The Journey for Professional Development
Michael Morgan, Senior Manager, Platform Strategy @ Netskope
The journey for professional development and learning is a continuous process. There are always opportunities to enhance your abilities. This includes utilizing mentors, obtaining certifications, taking training courses, reading books/newsletters/articles, and leveraging your network to close knowledge gaps and develop a broader perspective. You will naturally learn on the job as you work on different initiatives. However, it is your responsibility to take the proper actions to continue to learn. This will enable you to grow as an individual.

  • Provide strategies for professional growth and development
  • Highlight the importance of professional development and its impact
  • Guidance on how to build and maintain your network
Michael Morgan Netskope Senior Manager, Platform Strategy

Michael Morgan obtained his BS from Penn State University and his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Coupled with his educational background, he has over 15 years of work experience across companies such as Amazon, Walmart, J.P. Morgan Chase, and Chevron. His ability to build and maintain his network throughout his educational and career journey has been fruitful in his success. He has a passion for teaching and inspiring others to achieve their goals, which led him to write his first book “The Power of Networking” and begin his journey as a motivational speaker. “The Power of Networking” has won the Literary Titan Book Award, Global Book Award, International Impact Award, PenCraft Book Award, and Firebird Book Award.

Workshop Session #4:

Centering Neurodiversity
Presented by Julie Loppacher, Director of the Kortschak Center for Learning & Creativity @ University of Southern California
Neurodiversity is a term that seems to be everywhere these days, but what exactly does it mean, and what are its implications in your day-to-day work? This session will provide faculty and staff with fundamental knowledge and skills to support the neurodivergent population you teach and work with every day, even if you don’t always know they are in your class or department! Attendees will learn tangible skills to maximize engagement and efficiency amongst all classrooms and teams. After all, the strategies that support our neurodivergent students and colleagues support us all.

  • Expand their understanding of the benefits of neurodiversity
  • Learn tangible strategies to incorporate into your day-to-day work that support the neurodiversity population
Dr. Julie Loppacher

Dr. Julie Loppacher is a teacher by trade and a student of life! Dedicated to working with individuals with learning differences, Julie strives to inspire people to reach their goals and rekindle their passions as they move through the world. Throughout her nearly 20 year career in higher education, Julie has worked with students, faculty, staff and families to help identify pathways for learning that can foster student success in any environment. Julie's day to day work is driven by asking the question how else can that be done? Julie works tirelessly in the pursuit of fostering inclusive learning environments in the hopes that all individuals, regardless of their lived experience, identity and positionality can make meaning in the world.

Unlocking Your Potential: Strategies for Achieving Professional Growth & Development in Government and Policy Roles
Abigail Belayneh, Deputy Director of Policy & Contracts @ City of Baltimore
"Unlocking Your Potential: Strategies for Achieving Professional Growth & Development in Government and Policy Roles" is a dynamic and empowering workshop designed to help professionals at all stages of their careers excel in government and policy positions. Whether you are new to the public sector or looking to elevate your role within government or policy-making, this session provides actionable strategies to attract new opportunities, refine your skills, and build influential connections.

This workshop goes beyond traditional career development to focus on the specific skills, networks, and experiences necessary to thrive in government and policy roles. By incorporating case studies, real-world examples, and interactive exercises, this session provides a comprehensive approach to professional growth tailored to the public sector. This session will give you the tools to not only unlock your potential but also actively cultivate the professional development you need to thrive in government and policy roles. Whether you're aiming for leadership positions or seeking to expand your influence in policy making, you'll walk away with strategies that put you on a direct path to success.

  • Identify Key Skills for Government and Policy Roles: Understand the unique competencies needed to excel in public service, including strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis.
  • Leverage Strengths for Career Advancement: Learn how to effectively position yourself for success in government and policy roles by capitalizing on your individual strengths, values, and passions.
  • Set Clear and Achievable Career Goals: Develop a roadmap for navigating your career in the public sector, from setting short-term milestones to long-term aspirations.
  • Engage in Interactive Case Studies: Participate in case studies that highlight successful career pathways in government and policy, allowing you to learn from real-life examples of professionals who have advanced through the ranks.
  • Participate in Hands-On Workshops: Engage in workshops focused on critical skills such as networking with policymakers, drafting effective policy briefs, and managing cross-sector collaborations.
  • Create a Professional Growth Action Plan: Leave the workshop with a personalized action plan that outlines steps for ongoing professional development, skill enhancement, and networking within government and policy spheres.
Abigail Belayneh City of Baltimore Deputy Director of Policy & Contracts

Abigail Belayneh is the Deputy Director of Policy & Contracts at the Office of the Comptroller for the Honorable Bill Henry. She holds a Juris Master from the University of Baltimore and has extensive legislative and policy analysis expertise. Deeply committed to addressing racial inequities within the criminal justice system, Ms. Belayneh works to align legal practices with core values of fairness and equality. She strives to reshape justice standards and create a more equitable system for all through research, advocacy, and strategic policy initiatives.
Beyond her public service career, Ms. Belayneh runs a Career Coaching Service, where she provides tailored support to students, recent graduates, and professionals from all backgrounds, helping them with resumes, interviews, cover letters, and more. Passionate about empowering others, she focuses on building self-esteem and instilling the belief that anyone can achieve their goals with determination and the right mindset. She believes in the power of shared experiences and uses her own journey to inspire others, showing that success has no limits when fueled by confidence and a supportive environment.

Friday Plenary

Friday Panel Discussions with the CCCCO:
Creating the Conditions for a Student Centered Ecosystem

Mia Keeley, Dean, Educational Services and Support
Gina Browne, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Educational Services and Support
Michelle Smith, Visiting Assistant Vice Chancellor
Join us for an informative panel session featuring key stakeholders from the California Community Colleges (CCC) Chancellors' Office as they provide updates on critical topics impacting student success. This session will focus on key areas such as Student Success, Guided Pathways, Basic Needs, Mental Health, Health Services, Student Conduct, legislation coming down, and more, highlighting the latest initiatives and strategies being implemented to support students across the CCC system. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists through a Q&A session, where they can ask questions and share insights on how to further enhance support for CCC students.

  • Awareness of Current Initiatives: Attendees will become familiar with the current initiatives and programs implemented by the CCC.
  • Insights into Best Practices: Participants will gain insights into best practices for supporting student well-being and success.
  • Collaborative Opportunities: Attendees will identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership with the CCC Chancellors' Office and other stakeholders to enhance support services for community college students.
Mia Keeley

Mia Keeley is a dedicated professional who has been an integral part of the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office since October 2013. With a wealth of experience spanning two decades in the field of education, Mia has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fostering student success and advancing the goals of the California Community Colleges system. In her current role as a Dean of Educational Services and Support, Mia oversees multiple categorical programs, playing a key role in shaping and implementing initiatives that directly impact student outcomes. Before her tenure at the Chancellor's Office, Mia served as a high school counselor, bringing a unique perspective to her current role. Her years as an educator in diverse public education settings have provided her with invaluable insights into the varied needs of student populations. Mia holds a Master of Science in Educational Counseling. This educational background, coupled with her extensive practical experience, equips her with a deep understanding of counseling methodologies and strategies that contribute to student success.

Browne 960x1200

Gina Browne joined the Chancellor’s Office team in December of 2018 and has been working to support a variety of areas in our Student Services Unit. Prior to joining us she was a Manager at the California Student Aid Commission focused on foster youth and outreach, and previously was the Financial Aid Coordinator at Evergreen Valley College for 10 years. Dean Browne will be overseeing the areas of Financial Aid, Student Senate, Veteran’s Affairs, and Title IX/Campus Safety.

 

Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith is a Visiting Assistant Vice Chancellor in the Office of Equitable Student Learning, Experience & Impact Office at the California Community Colleges. Michelle has been in a higher education leadership role for over 25 years under Student Affairs. She has her master’s degree in organizational leadership from CSU Bakersfield. She is the Past President of the California Association of Community College Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACCRAO).

Closing Keynote: Living in Possibility
Presented by Abby Prince Atwood, Director of Campus Growth @ LeaderShape, Inc.
LeaderShape believes living in possibility is a skill. We all benefit from it, and it is vital to shaping the just, caring, and thriving world we want to experience. In the same way, all skills can be developed, so can possibility thinking and possibility living. Like a muscle, we can strengthen it through practice. Living in Possibility is about honoring what's real, expanding what can be, and grounding into what's true. We invite you to join us on this journey.

  • Embrace the belief that change is possible and that we have influence.
  • Create space so different options have the opportunity to arise, be noticed, and be chosen.
  • See and go beyond limitations, unencumbered by how things are supposed to be.
Abby Prince Atwood proshot

Abby Prince Atwood serves as the Director of Campus Growth at LeaderShape. In her current role, Abby works with campuses as they plan and prepare for LeaderShape’s programs: the Institute, Catalyst, Resilience, Courageous Dialogue, and Living in Possibility. She enjoys being in contact with campus partners and helping them provide leadership programs to their students. Abby received her undergraduate degree in Rhetoric from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After graduation, she moved to Phoenix for five years and then back to central Illinois to be closer to family. She spent the first 13 years of her career in major corporations before taking the leap into LeaderShape, a decision that changed her life!
Outside of work, Abby spends time with her nephews and loves to re-learn the lessons of a healthy disregard for the impossible through them. Abby and her husband, Jim, have a dog named Truman and enjoy cooking their way through the New York Times Cooking app!

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