9th ANNUAL WCDA
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
"Integrating Emotional and Artificial Intelligence"
Friday, May 17 2024
IN PERSON, CWU Campus, Ellensburg, WA
Keynote Speaker: Andy Parks
EQ Coach, Senior Lecturer, Central Washington University
Registration/Cancellation deadline May 10
8:00am - 4:30pm
Join the Washington Career Development Association in this in person event featuring industry-leading professional speakers, interactive discussion, and professional networking. This PDI combines new and updated career development topics with the latest trends in Washington State and our region.
Registration includes a parking fee, refreshments and a meal card!
NCDA CE units and K12 Clock Hours TBD; Sign up onsite with completion of evaluation.
Meet the Keynote Speaker:
Andy is a strong believer in the role that emotional intelligence (EQ), mindfulness, and organizational awareness play in personal, leadership, and career success. Andy enjoyed a 30-year career in the consumer products industry working for companies such as Pfizer, Diageo and, eventually, The Coca-Cola Company, where he retired in 2017.
While working for Coca-Cola, Andy had the opportunity to lead teams in the sales, field marketing, category management and global customer development departments. Halfway through his career, he became an avid study of emotional intelligence and mindfulness; in what he calls “the turning point,” he began to incorporate both into his professional and personal lives.
After retiring from The Coca-Cola Company, Andy followed his passion and began teaching in Central Washington University’s Management and Marketing Department. He also is the co-founder and instructor of “Emotional Intelligence for Professionals,” a course offered to CWU students and supervisors, and emerging business leaders. Andy is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and also serves on the board of the Seattle National Pan-Hellenic Council and as co-chair of the Black Talent Development Task Force for the Washington Employers for Racial Equity. His current focus is the merging of emotional intelligence and mindfulness into diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) discussions and training.
Andy currently speaks and conducts workshops on his journey through race and corporate America and the role that EQ and mindfulness played. He has developed an introspective and contemplative approach to DEI training through an anti-racist emotional intelligence training program that is currently offered to CWU faculty and staff. Andy is most excited about his current training program through the Washington Employers for Racial Equity, where he has coordinated four partner universities to teach leadership skills to BIPOC employees and their mentors/sponsors. He is also developing a similar training program in partnership with the University of Washington-Bothell for BIPOC student interns and their managers.
Aside from his EQ and mindfulness work, Andy has served as the keynote speaker at several events, including the Kappa Alpha Psi Western Provence C. Roger Wilson Leadership Conference and the Washington State Student Senate Engagement Network. He frequently conducts workshops with corporate employee resource groups, such as Boeing’s Black Employee Association, Africans at Microsoft, and Amazon’s Black Employee Network.
In the fall of 2022, Andy was a panel guest on a Harvard Business Review Ideacast episode, where he discussed emotional intelligence and its importance in DEI work. He is certified as an Emotional Intelligence Practitioner and Assessor and in Mindfulness Instruction. Andy has a B.A. in Economics from Illinois State University and an MBA with Distinction from Keller Graduate School of Management. He also has a Certificate in College Teaching and Learning in Hispanic Serving Institutions. Originally from Chicago, Andy and his wife Adele live in the Seattle, Washington, area and enjoy travel and spending time with family.
Agenda (subject to change):
8:15 - 8:45 Registration and Refreshments
8:45 - 9:50 Welcome and Keynote
10:00 -11:00 EQ application Workshop with Andy Parks
11:00 - 11:30 Business Meeting and Cal Crow Award
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch and Discussion
12:30 - 1:30 Breakout Sessions
1:45 - 2:45 Breakout Sessions
3:00 - 4:00 Breakout Sessions
4:05 - 4:20 Adjournment
Breakout session descriptions are on their way! Topics may include: Chat GPT, Cover Letters, Resumes, LinkedIn, Self-Awareness, Organizational Coaching, Employer Panel, and more!
Interested in leading a session? Submit a proposal to PDI Committee Chair, Casey <caseylball02@gmail.com>
Welcome to Ellensburg!
"Welcome to CWU Ellensburg, where you'll find a vibrant academic community nestled amidst the natural beauty of central Washington. As you explore our campus, you'll be captivated by its lush greenery, inviting outdoor spaces, and stunning mountain views. Stroll through the tree-lined pathways, leading to both modern academic buildings equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and CWU landmarks steeped in history, all purpose-built to support your academic journey...Whether you're just beginning your journey with a tour, pursuing a degree, or enriching your education, CWU welcomes you and promises an enriching, fulfilling experience" (cwu.edu).
400 E. University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Student Union and Recreation Building (SURC); Campus Ballroom
Enjoy your Stay:
Just a 5 minute drive from campus and in the heart of Ellensburg, stay in the original footprint of the 1920's Lodge 1102, now Hotel Windrow. Let them know you're here for the WCDA Conference, and ask for a government rate ($107/night)!
Hotel Windrow, 502 N Main St., Ellensburg, WA 98926
509-962-8000 or https://hotelwindrow.com/
Get Involved:
2024-2025 WCDA Board Member Nominations are now open!
Nominate a coworker or yourself to gain leadership experience and support the development of the WCDA community professionals. We are looking for nominations for the following positions:
- President
- President Elect
- Member at Large
- Member at Large
Cal Crow Leadership Award Nominations accepted until April 30!
The annual Cal Crow Leadership Award was established in 2021 to provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the career development field in our state.
Often, these people are quietly making a difference and do not receive a great amount of attention, but you know who they are! We need you (any WCDA member) to bring them to our attention! The person for whom we are looking:
- May be an individual or group
- Is someone who has demonstrated a strong commitment to career development and made a significant contribution to the field, especially within the state of Washington.
- The contribution may be at a local level or a broader, statewide level.
- Relevant information considered includes length of experience in the field, leadership role(s), breadth of influence, specific accomplishments/contributions, and impact.
- Recipient cannot be a current WCDA board member.
To nominate someone, complete the WCDA Award Nomination Form as found on the WCDA website, write a letter detailing the contributions made by the nominee, and get one other person (does not need to be a WCDA member) to do the same.
Email these three items to Chuck@careerchek.com and label the subject line as “Award Nomination.” That's it! The deadline for receiving nominations is April 30 each year.
The recipient is chosen by the WCDA Executive Board or a committee designated by the board. The award recipient is announced and recognized at the annual PDI.
The WCDA Annual Business Meeting will be held May 17!
The annual Business Meeting is apart of the PDI Day, held in-person at Central Washington University. Register today to attend!
