Paul A. Henderson, Dean of Students, Cornerstone Schools of Detroit

I will discuss how the power of community within the workplace helps to elevate everyone. In addition, I will use the power of story to drive home the point of how any achieved success comes with the help of others. Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on those who showed care and appreciation for them on their journey, how team building and collaboration helped them attain their goals and the importance of lending a helping hand to the next generation.

Konjit Chitty, Director, HR Information Systems, VCU Human Resources

Daynon Smith, Director, VCU Benefits Administration, VCU Human Resources

In VCU HR, we have implemented one process efficiency through a robotic process automation (RPA) and we are currently working on automating another process in a similar manner. We will be sharing how we have accomplished this and give examples of how other areas could potentially use RPAs.

Conference Track: Innovation and Technology

Lisa Mallory, Human Resources Talent Development Manager, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) method and structured problem-solving can drive continuous improvement, enhance team performance, and streamline processes. I will present on the practical tools used to identify challenges, implement solutions, and achieve measurable results, empowering teams to excel in dynamic environments.

Conference Tracks: Innovation and Technology, Team Building and Collaboration

Kelly Denny, Lab School Specialist, School of Education, Center for Teacher Leadership

Group development theories, such as Tuckman’s stages of group development and Wheelan’s group development model, provide valuable insights for building strong teams. By understanding and applying these theories, higher education professionals and adult learners can foster collaboration, trust, and effective communication, ultimately strengthening team dynamics and improving institutional outcomes.

Conference Track: Team Building and Collaboration

Narissa Turner, Trainer and Senior Facilitator, Habitus Incorporated 

Learn how to navigate challenging conversations with confidence and skill in this session for all levels of leaders. You'll explore the shared structure of tough discussions, strategies to manage intense emotions and gain tools to raise tough issues gracefully, prevent future conflicts, and turn these critical communication skills into lasting habits for long-term leadership success.

Conference Track: Team Building and Collaboration

Meghan Depue, Senior Education Specialist, School of Education Department of Teaching and Learning

Participants will learn the basics of three Google Sheets formulas (query, importrange, and index/match) that can be used to bring ease and automation to Google Sheets and Google Forms workflows. Participants will view examples of how these formulas can be used in solidarity and in combination, will learn how to write the formulas and resolve frequent errors, and will have a chance to try implementing these formulas on their own.

Conference Track: Innovation & Technology

Andrea Brown, Pre-Award Assistant Director, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center

Understanding money mindset and the impact it has on the whole person.

Conference Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation

Michael Diaz, System Analyst and Information Technology Career Community Executive Chair-Elect, School of Medicine

Jen Elswick, Web Developer and Information Technology Career Community Mentor, School of Pharmacy

Lily Warden, Continuing Medical Education Coordinator and Information Technology Career Community Mentee, Department of Surgery

Mike Sprouse, CSP, Director of Risk Insurance and Fire Safety and Leadership Career Community Mentoring Chair, Health and Occupational Safety

James Romanik, Senior Director of Development and Leadership Career Community Executive Chair, School of Social Work

Ella Danilovich (Moderator), Web Developer and ITCC Mentorship Chair, Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation

Join us for a panel discussion about the value of mentorship within VCU's career communities. Mentors and mentees from different career communities will share their experiences on how mentorship can support professional growth, build meaningful connections, and create opportunities to learn from one another. This session will highlight how collaboration among career communities benefits staff and encourages a culture of support and development. It’s a chance to explore how mentorship can fit into your career journey and make a difference in our RAMS community.

Conference Track: Team Building and Collaboration

Jeremy Bost, Senior Consultant, Organizational Effectiveness, VCU Human Resources

Kirk Dixon, PRM

Jan Bazow, Fortis Leadership

Judy Palmore, Founder and Education Director, Zingo Education and Training

This session is a coaching panel to highlight the benefits of leadership coaching as a tool for personal and professional growth. The panel members are 3 coaches from external coaching firms who we are already partnered with through the leadership coaching program. 

Conference Track: Culture of Care and Appreciation