Ingredients for Finding Purpose

Finding your purpose is another way to say “finding your why.”  And when we deconstruct a fulfilling why, we find it is often built with the ingredients of Strengths, Hope, and Engagement.  In this session, we will explore the link between these ingredients to wellbeing and success.  Participants will learn ways to discover their Strengths, maximize workplace and personal engagement, and explore opportunities to apply their Strengths in the communities most important to them. 

After the session participants will be able to:

• Recognize and discover their Strengths as natural recurring patterns of thought, feelings, and behavior. 
• Explore ideas to maximize workplace and personal engagement utilizing Strength’s based ideology.
• Apply their own Strengths in the communities most important to them. 

• Keynote Follow-up: CliftonStrengths Assessment, Coaching and Certification - Ken Barr, Jr.
• Minnesota's Changing Labor Market – Tim O’Neill, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
• Intentional Indecision: A Planned Happenstance Approach to Guidng the Undecided - Abby Wilfert, Michael Stebleton, Vic Massaglia, University of Minnesota
  
  

Casual lunch of sandwiches or salads will be provided. Vegetarian, Vegan or gluten free options available upon request. Sit anywhere on campus (outside if it’s nice out) and discuss conference topics or anything else.

Prejudice to Purpose: Barriers and Opportunities Facing LGBTQ Candidates

46% of LGBTQ individuals are in the closet at work and even more so in the hiring process. They face a variety of challenges in hiring including unconscious bias, a lack of information from employers about LGBTQ-inclusive policies and benefits and a gap in social and emotional support from professionals tasked with supporting their career journeys. Many LGBTQ people don't have the luxury of thinking about purpose, they are simply grateful to find an employment opportunity free of harassment and discrimination. In this session participants will be asked to consider:

What would it take to co-create a world where LGBTQ people aren't afraid to pursue their career dreams? How can career professionals support the LGBTQ community by applying pressure on employers who fail to make the necessary changes so that LGBTQ people are safe and affirmed? How can LGBTQ people and allies across different generations collaborate and work together effectively?

After the session participants will be able to: 

• Describe the LGBTQ-inclusive policies, benefits and cultural norms that LGBTQ candidates look for in an employer.

• Describe common barriers that LGBTQ people face in hiring.

• Assess an employer's commitment to LGBTQ inclusion.

• Utilize effective allyship tools, including inclusive language, when working with LGBTQ candidates.

Young Career Development Professionals of Color Panel: Experiences, Observations and Suggestions About Diversity in the Field of Career Development

• Marcos Cruz - Macalester College
• Saloni Saraf, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
• Luciano Guzman, University of St. Thomas
• Britney Hayes, University of Minnesota
• Moderator:  Violeta Lara, University of St. Thomas

• Putting Your “Counselor Feet” into a “Clients’ Shoes” – Cynthia Favre, Kayla Malgren, Gustavus College
• Who Logic – A Practical Valuation Tool with a Purpose – Tammison Smith, St. Cloud State University
• Learning from COVID-19: A Call to Integrate Career and Mental Health on Campus – Katie Niznik, University of Minnesota

MCDA awards and winners of door prizes will be announced; everyone is invited to partake in the festivities. Refreshments provided. Must be present to win the door prizes.