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ACTE Postsecondary CTE Summit 2026
Tuesday, September 15
 

4:00pm EDT

Exhibitor Set Up & Registration
Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Independence A

Tuesday September 15, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Exhibitors
 
Wednesday, September 16
 

8:00am EDT

Exhibitor Hours
Wednesday September 16, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm EDT
Independence A

Wednesday September 16, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Exhibitors

8:00am EDT

Registration
Wednesday September 16, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm EDT
Independence Foyer

Wednesday September 16, 2026 8:00am - 3:00pm EDT
Independence Foyer Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Registration

9:00am EDT

Workshop (additional fee): Leading Postsecondary CTE in an Era of Workforce Transformation: A Systems Approach for Senior Leaders
Wednesday September 16, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Regency EF
Presenter: John A. Vasquez, PhD Dr. John Vasquez serves as Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success and Senior Director of the Comprehensive Studies Program at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. With over two decades of experience across community colleges, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and regional comprehensive public universities, his work focuses on aligning policy, practice, and...
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Wednesday September 16, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Workshop

9:30am EDT

Learning Lab
Wednesday September 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Washington A

Wednesday September 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

10:30am EDT

Learning Lab
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Washington A

Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

10:30am EDT

Tour (additional fee): Data Centers and the In-demand Career Path That Awaits Your Students
Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:30am - 3:00pm EDT
Offsite
Step inside the fascinating world of data centers with this immersive tour and engaging industry discussion! Join us as we head to Data Center Alley and Loudoun County, home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world. There, you’ll receive a behind-the-scenes tour inside a data center, uncovering the inner workings of one of the fastest growing industries. Representatives will...
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Wednesday September 16, 2026 10:30am - 3:00pm EDT
Offsite
  Tour

11:30am EDT

Learning Lab
Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Washington A

Wednesday September 16, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

12:15pm EDT

Workshop (additional fee): From Industry to Instructor: Create Your Own Playbook to Empower Your Team of Industry-Experienced Teachers
Wednesday September 16, 2026 12:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Washington B
Transitioning from industry to the classroom can be both exciting and challenging for CTE instructors—and the way institutions support this transition is critical to long-term success and retention. In this interactive preconference session, presenters will share research-informed insights and proven strategies for effectively onboarding and supporting industry-experienced educators....
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Wednesday September 16, 2026 12:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Washington B Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Workshop

1:15pm EDT

Learning Lab
Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Regency EF

Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

1:15pm EDT

Learning Lab
Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Washington A

Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

2:15pm EDT

Learning Lab
Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Washington A

Wednesday September 16, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

3:30pm EDT

Opening General Session: Powering Possibility
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Regency EF
Launch the 2026 Postsecondary CTE Summit with an inspiring opening session that sets the tone for three days of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Centered on this year's theme, Powering Possibility: Advancing Postsecondary CTE Impact, we'll explore how bold leadership, strong partnerships, and innovative practices are transforming postsecondary CTE and expanding opportunities for learners...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Anne Kress

Dr. Anne Kress

Dr. Anne M. Kress is President of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), one of the largest community colleges in the nation, serving more than 70,000 students across six campuses. A champion for student success, she has over three decades of experience in higher education... Read More →
Wednesday September 16, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  General Session

5:15pm EDT

Welcome Reception
Wednesday September 16, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm EDT
Independence A
Sponsored by:
Wednesday September 16, 2026 5:15pm - 6:15pm EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Meals

7:00pm EDT

Multiple Choice Film Screening
Wednesday September 16, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Regency EF
Join us for a special screening of Multiple Choice, a documentary that challenges the notion that students must choose between a four-year degree and limited career options. Set in a Virginia community, the film follows efforts to transform education through innovative career pathways, hands-on learning, and strong connections to workforce opportunities.Through the story of one district's...
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Wednesday September 16, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  General Session
 
Thursday, September 17
 

7:00am EDT

Registration
Thursday September 17, 2026 7:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Independence A

Thursday September 17, 2026 7:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Registration

7:30am EDT

Breakfast & Welcome Remarks
Thursday September 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:05am EDT
Independence A

Thursday September 17, 2026 7:30am - 8:05am EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Meals

7:30am EDT

Exhibitor Hours
Thursday September 17, 2026 7:30am - 5:30pm EDT
Independence A

Thursday September 17, 2026 7:30am - 5:30pm EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Exhibitors

8:15am EDT

Panel I: Building the Postsecondary CTE Workforce: Faculty, Staff, and Systems That Power Student Success
Thursday September 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT
Regency EF
Postsecondary CTE programs depend on a strong, well-supported workforce, including faculty, advisors, navigators, and employer engagement staff. Yet many institutions face persistent challenges in recruiting, developing, and retaining this talent. As workforce demands evolve and technologies rapidly advance, the need for innovative approaches to building and sustaining the CTE workforce has never...
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Speakers
avatar for JoAnna Collins

JoAnna Collins

Faculty/Program Coordinator, Northern Virginia Community College

DN
avatar for Dimitria A. Harding, DBA, Ed.D
avatar for Brandon Hensley PhD

Brandon Hensley PhD

Dean of Career and Technical Education, McDowell Technical Community College
Dr. Brandon Hensley is the Dean of Career and Technical Education at McDowell Technical Community College and a graduate of Old Dominion University, where he received his Ph.D. in Workforce and Organizational Development. With over two decades of experience spanning engineering, faculty... Read More →
avatar for Tonia Dousay

Tonia Dousay

Dean, School of Education, University of Alaska Anchorage
Tonia A. Dousay, Ph.D., serves as the Dean of the School of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), where she leads undergraduate and graduate programs committed to preparing educators and advancing lifelong learning across Alaska’s richly diverse communities. With... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  General Session

9:30am EDT

Bridging the Skills Gap: A Model Partnership Between USIC and Meridian Technology Center
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Regency EF
This session showcases a proven partnership between Meridian Technology Center and USIC designed to address workforce shortages in underground utility locating through employer‑driven postsecondary CTE programming. Presenters will outline how industry and education collaborated to align curriculum with real‑world job requirements, establish stackable credentials, and create direct pathways...
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Speakers
avatar for Darrin Haynes

Darrin Haynes

Sr Manager for Career and Technical Education, USIC -United States Infrastructure Corporation
Darrin Haynes serves as the Senior Manager of Career and Technical Education for USIC (United States Infrastructure Corporation).  The company is known as America’s largest provider of underground utility locating services, helping prevent damage to buried utilities like gas, electric... Read More →
avatar for DeAnna Little, PhD

DeAnna Little, PhD

Director of Instruction, Meridian Technology Center
Dr. Little serves as the Director of Instruction at Meridian Technology Center, working to support students and staff in Trade and Industry program areas.  She also serves as a consultant for ACTE, working with the NextLevel National Fellowship program. 
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  common

9:30am EDT

The Silicon & Steel Pivot
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Washington A
This session is designed to be a high-impact "Masterclass" for CTE administrators, moving beyond theoretical workforce gaps and providing a concrete structural blueprint for building high-tech pathways in Robotics, Automation, and Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Session Title: The Silicon & Steel PivotmEngineering the Next Generation of Advanced Manufacturing TechniciansWhat the Session is AboutAs the
Speakers
JE

Justin Erickson

VP Operations, https://rootseducation.co/
Justin Erickson is a leader at ROOTS Education focused on aligning advanced manufacturing education with real-world industry needs. His work centers on developing hands-on training systems in robotics, automation, and semiconductor technologies that prepare students for high-demand... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  common

9:30am EDT

Considerations for Implementing and Researching Student Work-Based Learning in Postsecondary Contexts
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Washington B
In May 2026, the federally funded CTE Research Network (https://cteresearchnetwork.org/) will publish a report on a systematic review and meta-analysis of work-based learning studies in the United States between 2003 and 2023. The Network was developed in 2018 to inform the field by increasing the number of rigorous studies of CTE and strengthening the capacity of researchers and practitioners to...
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Speakers
avatar for Laura E. Michaelson

Laura E. Michaelson

Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research
Laura E. Michaelson is a Senior Researcher in the Education Systems and Policy program at American Institutes for Research (AIR). She is co-founder and co-director of the Methods of Synthesis and Integration Center (MOSAIC) at AIR, supporting the use and uptake of systematic review... Read More →
avatar for Kelly A. Reese

Kelly A. Reese

Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research
Kelly Reese is a senior researcher at AIR with sixteen years of experience conducting mixed-methods research, leading teams of researchers, and providing analytic support to clients. She focuses on career and technical education, work-based learning, career pathways, and college and... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Washington B Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

9:30am EDT

CTE Leadership Systems You Can Implement Monday Morning
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Jefferson
Session Format Hands-on workshop / interactive breakout Target Audience CTE Directors, Assistant Directors, Deans, and Instructional Leaders Session DescriptionStrong school culture is built through consistent leadership routines and clear systems.In this interactive session, two technical college leaders will share practical leadership systems used on their campus to...
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Speakers
avatar for Thomas Saxton

Thomas Saxton

Assistant Director, Manatee Technical College, Manatee School District
Tom Saxton is a veteran education and workforce development leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning K–12, postsecondary, adult education, and correctional education. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Manatee Technical College, where he oversees adult education... Read More →
avatar for Tonia Shook

Tonia Shook

Director, Fred K. Marchman Technical College, Pasco County Schools
Tonia Shook serves as the Director of Fred K. Marchman Technical College in Pasco County Schools, where she leads one of the region’s premier postsecondary career and technical education institutions. With more than 25 years of experience in K–12 and postsecondary education, she... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Jefferson Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

9:30am EDT

Stacked Credentials, Scalable Impact: Aligning Allied Health Pathways with Policy, Funding, and Workforce Demand
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Lincoln
As federal and state policies increasingly prioritize short-term credentials, workforce alignment, and measurable outcomes, postsecondary CTE programs are being asked to do more than deliver content—they are being asked to design systems that sustain learner success, institutional effectiveness, and workforce readiness. This session explores how multi‑competency and stacked credential models...
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Speakers
avatar for Tywana

Tywana "Ty" Lawson, PhD, RN

Integration Specialist, National HealthCareer Association (NHA)
Tywana “Ty” Lawson, PhD, RN is an Integration Specialist and Health Sciences Educator with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), where she partners with allied health programs to support curriculum alignment, instructional design, and effective implementation of industry‑recognized... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Lincoln Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

9:30am EDT

What if College Courses Could Be Purposefully Placed into Every High School CTE Program?
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Roosevelt
In this session, the Community College Research Center will describe findings from a national study focused on how community college and K-12 partnerships are using “dual enrollment” college courses to expand college and career opportunities for high school CTE students. Attendees will learn about approaches partnerships are taking to build related dual enrollment courses into CTE programs and...
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Speakers
avatar for Meghan Eggleston

Meghan Eggleston

Dean of Student Services, Patrick & Henry Community College
Meghan Eggleston is a higher education leader with over 19 years of experience advancing student success. As Dean of Student Services at Patrick & Henry Community College, she oversees Admissions, Advising, Financial Aid, Dual Enrollment, Veterans Services, Accessibility Services... Read More →
avatar for Colin Ferguson

Colin Ferguson

Assistant Vice President for Workforce and Technical Programs, Patrick & Henry Community College
Colin Ferguson is the Assistant Vice President for Workforce and Technical Programs at Patrick & Henry Community College, where he has served in higher education leadership roles for more than 24 years. He provides strategic oversight for academic and workforce programs. Dr. Ferguson... Read More →
avatar for John Fink

John Fink

Senior Research Associate and Program Lead, Community College Research Center
John Fink is a senior research associate and program lead at the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he leads CCRC’s research on dual enrollment and transfer. His work examines how community colleges and their K-12 and university partn... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Griffin

Sarah Griffin

Research Associate, Community College Research Center
Sarah Griffin is a Research Associate at the Community College Research Center. Her research focuses on the high-school-to-college transition, dual enrollment, and community colleges implementing guided pathways reforms.
avatar for Chris Wikstrom

Chris Wikstrom

Vice President of Instruction & Student Services, Patrick & Henry Community College
Chris Wikstrom serves as the Vice President of Instruction & Student Services at Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) and has spent over two decades in education.  The first part of his career was in K-12 as a middle and high school math teacher where he gained critical experience... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Roosevelt Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

9:30am EDT

Learning Lab: The Manufacturing Institute
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Conference Theater
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
Conference Theater Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

10:30am EDT

Business Engagement Strategies: What works? What doesn't?
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Jefferson
How do we successfully engage business beyond that annual Advisory Board meeting? As we grow apprenticeship and work based learning opportunities, we cannot do it without industry partners that are truly committed. This breakout session is intended to create a venue for everyone in attendance to share best practices, failures, and lessons learned.
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Fleming

Kevin Fleming

CEO, Catapult Masterclass
Dr. Kevin Fleming received the 2025 ACTE Postsecondary Leadership Award and serves as the Founder and CEO of Catapult Masterclass.  A 25+ year administrator, he has also produced multiple, viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy, and authored four books including... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Jefferson Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

10:30am EDT

Early Start, Lasting Impact: Pathways for Student Success
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Washington B
Across Tennessee, Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSOs) are transforming how high school students access postsecondary education and workforce training. EPSOs allow students to earn college credit or technical credentials while still in high school, helping them build confidence, reduce the cost of education, and accelerate their transition into postsecondary education and careers.This session...
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Speakers
avatar for Tachaka Hollins

Tachaka Hollins

Assistant Vice Chancellor, Tennessee Board of Regents
Dr. Tachaka Hollins serves as the Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). In her role at TBR, she provides strategic leadership and support to the nearly 40 community and technical colleges throughout the state for various academic initiatives... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Washington B Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

10:30am EDT

Ohio's Career Pathway Support Network--A regional model for developing high-quality career pathways and career-connected learning opportunities for all students
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Regency EF
This session explores how regional Career Pathway Support Networks can move beyond fragmented initiatives and compliance-driven work to create coherent, sustainable systems that align education, workforce, and post-secondary partners around shared outcomes. Grounded in real implementation experience, the session highlights practical strategies for developing high-quality career pathways,...
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Speakers
JB

Jamie Bollinger

Director, Regional Career Pathways and Workforce Alignment, Youngstown State Univeristy
Director, Regional Career Pathways and Workforce Alignment at Youngstown State University 
KF

Kyle Fulton

Executive Director, Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership
Executive Director, Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership
avatar for Carrie Giles

Carrie Giles

ACTE National Past-President, ACTE
Carrie Giles has 21 years of experience working in secondary and post-secondary career-technical
education. She currently serves as the Regional Lead for Ohio’s Central Region Career Pathway Support
Network and as the National Board Past-President for ACTE. Carrie is a graduate o... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

10:30am EDT

Psychological Safety as Infrastructure for Postsecondary CTE Success
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Roosevelt
Postsecondary CTE leaders are under unprecedented pressure to expand enrollment, meet workforce demand, maintain accreditation, and retain faculty and administrators—all while operating in increasingly complex systems. Yet one of the most powerful drivers of postsecondary CTE effectiveness is often overlooked: psychological safety as organizational infrastructure.This session reframes...
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Speakers
avatar for Dimitria A. Harding, DBA, Ed.D
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Roosevelt Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

10:30am EDT

The Business Of… Creating a successful Freelancing Hustle
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Washington A
This session highlights Virtual Enterprises’ program, The Business Of…, and how it equips students with real-world freelancing skills in their chosen trade areas. Educators, program coordinators, and career advisors will learn how this curriculum provides structured work-based learning opportunities, allowing students to explore trades like cosmetology, technology, automotive, engineering, and...
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Speakers
avatar for Jillian Berg

Jillian Berg

Chief of Staff, Virtual Enterprises International
Jillian Berg serves as Chief of Staff at Virtual Enterprises International, where she plays a key leadership role in advancing the organization’s mission to prepare youth for fulfilling, financially secure futures through authentic, collaborative business experiences. Over her seven... Read More →
MO

Moses Ojeda

Principal, NYC Public Schools-Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical Education High School
Moses A. Ojeda is the Principal of Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical Education High School in New York City. His journey from student to teacher, to Assistant Principal, and now long-standing Principal. Under his leadership, Edison has become a nationally recognized hub of college... Read More →
avatar for John Widlund

John Widlund

President/CEO, Virtual Enterprises International
John Widlund joined VEI in November 2025 as the President and CEO of Virtual Enterprises International.John is a distinguished educator and innovator with over three decades dedicated to developing and scaling high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. As the former... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

10:30am EDT

The School-to-Employment Pipeline is no longer working as originally designed. The Fix is easier (and a lot more fun) than you might imagine.
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Lincoln
**Preface** Please know that this is just one example of a conversation thread that we believe could be relevant to your audiences. If the notion of behavioral assessment as a tool for aligning people with academic and employment pathways intrigues you and you’d prefer a different slant, we are happy to work with you to refine/refocus the idea. We would also seek to bring in other partners as...
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Speakers
avatar for Jan G. van der Hoop

Jan G. van der Hoop

President, Fit First Technologies International, Inc.
Jan is the Founder and President of Fit First Technologies. In many respects, he has always been a bit of an oddball. He started his Corporate career in Operations and ‘accidentally’ spent 15 years in senior HR roles at PepsiCo, Hilton and Office Depot. He has been instrumental... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Lincoln Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

10:30am EDT

Learning Lab: YouScience
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Conference Theater
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EDT
Conference Theater Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

11:15am EDT

Lunch + Exhibitor Time
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Independence A
Generously sponsored by:
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Meals

12:15pm EDT

Panel II: How Emerging Technologies Are Transforming Postsecondary CTE
Thursday September 17, 2026 12:15pm - 1:05pm EDT
Regency EF
Artificial intelligence, automation, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging technologies are rapidly changing the future of work. Postsecondary Career and Technical Education must evolve to prepare learners for these new realities. As industries adopt innovative technologies and workforce expectations continue to shift, colleges are reimagining how they design programs, prepare faculty, and...
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Thursday September 17, 2026 12:15pm - 1:05pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  General Session

1:15pm EDT

AI in Action: A Framework for Translating Industry Technologies into CTE Instruction
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Washington A
In this session we will look at how career and technical education (CTE) programs are uniquely positioned to navigate the potential artificial intelligence (AI) driven economy. To assist CTE policymakers, educators, researchers and students looking for the signal amidst the noise, we propose a new pedagogical framework: the Applied Co-Intelligence (ACI) model. In this session, attendees will learn...
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Speakers
avatar for Michael Tinsley

Michael Tinsley

Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Success & Strategic Partnerships, The College System of Tennessee, Tennessee Board of Regents
Career and technical education (CTE) and artificial intelligence (AI) have been central themes throughout Michael’s career. For nearly two decades as a secondary educator, Michael served as a CTE instructor specializing in computer programming, networking, repair, and related technology... Read More →
avatar for Jaci Whitaker

Jaci Whitaker

Director of Student Success, Tennessee Board of Regents
As Director of Student Success for the Tennessee Board of Regents, I lead statewide initiatives that advance student achievement and strengthen Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the College System of Tennessee. I manage a dedicated team and oversee the strategic... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

1:15pm EDT

Building a Teacher Pipeline That Engages Underserved Youth
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Washington B
This session details the development of YETI (Youth Early Teaching Initiative), a CTE-funded program designed to introduce secondary students across Alaska to the teaching profession through free, college-level coursework. Recognizing that many high school students, particularly those in rural and remote communities, homeschool settings, and private schools, have no access to education-related CTE...
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Speakers
avatar for Tonia Dousay

Tonia Dousay

Dean, School of Education, University of Alaska Anchorage
Tonia A. Dousay, Ph.D., serves as the Dean of the School of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), where she leads undergraduate and graduate programs committed to preparing educators and advancing lifelong learning across Alaska’s richly diverse communities. With... Read More →
NE

Nicole Endsley

Education Pathways Manager, University of Alaska Anchorage
Nicole Endsley, EdD, is an education leader and advocate dedicated to building sustainable systems that empower local educators to teach and lead in their own communities. Her doctoral research examined teacher retention in Alaska Title I schools, and she has carried that mission... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Washington B Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

1:15pm EDT

Meeting Students Where They Are: Outreach Strategies That Strengthen Rural Cybersecurity Pathways
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lincoln
Effective secondary-to-post-secondary transitions are built through intentional outreach that helps students recognize educational pathways, build confidence, and envision themselves as future college students before enrollment decisions are made. This session highlights how Marion Technical College (MTC) strengthens rural cybersecurity pathways through targeted outreach strategies developed as...
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Speakers
avatar for Christy Culver

Christy Culver

Professor/Assistant Program Administrator, Business and Information Technologies, Marion Technical College
Over the past 35 years, Christy Culver’s class arrangements have included on-site, off-site, and since 1998 online. She has received the Marion Technical College (MTC) Strategic Teaching & Learning Challenge Award and was named the Ohio Association of Two-Year Colleges Teacher of... Read More →
avatar for Tola Francis-Sanusi

Tola Francis-Sanusi

CPSN Regional Coordinator, Marion Technical College
Tola Francis‑Sanusi is a career technical education leader with over 13 years of experience supporting students, educators, and institutions across Ohio's secondary and postsecondary systems. She currently serves as the Career Pathway Support Networks (CPSN) Regional Coordinator... Read More →
avatar for Joel Ks Ku

Joel Ks Ku

Associate Professor, Information Technology, Marion Technical College
Joel Ks Ku has been teaching computer courses since 2004 when he graduated with a Master's in Applied Computing with a concentration in Software Engineering.  He had several working experiences including IT support department from local schools and a printer manufacturing company... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Lincoln Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

1:15pm EDT

Rethinking Literacy and Numeracy for Today’s CTE Workforce
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Regency EF
Community and technical colleges are critical hubs for building adult learners’ literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, often with limited resources. This session shares early findings from a national landscape scan, highlighting college–employer partnerships, gaps in coordination and investment, and opportunities to better align CTE pathways to workforce mobility.Who should attend this...
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Speakers
avatar for Amanda Briggs

Amanda Briggs

Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute
Amanda Briggs is a principal research associate in the Work, Education, and Labor Division at the Urban Institute. Her research focuses on the impact of technology on postsecondary learning, workforce development policy analysis and program evaluation, and employer involvement in... Read More →
avatar for Georgia Reagan

Georgia Reagan

Strategy Officer, Credentials of Value, Lumina Foundation
Georgia Reagan serves as strategy officer for credentials of value at Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. For nearly 5 years, she has supported innovative... Read More →
avatar for Shayne Spaulding

Shayne Spaulding

Senior Fellow, Urban Institute
Shayne Spaulding is a senior fellow in the Work, Education, and Labor Division at the Urban Institute, where her work focuses on workforce development, postsecondary education, and employment. She has spent more than 25 years in the workforce field as an evaluator, technical assistance... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

1:15pm EDT

Small Steps, Big Impact: Advancing Career Development Through Micro-Learning and Feedback
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Roosevelt
As career pathways become more dynamic and nonlinear, career development systems must extend beyond one-time guidance into continuous, skill-based support across learning and work environments. While many institutions provide strong foundational counseling, there remains a growing need for approaches that sustain personalized development over time—particularly as individuals transition between...
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Speakers
avatar for Xue Xing, Ph.D.

Xue Xing, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & Program Coordinator, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Dr. Xue (Cher) Xing obtained her Ph.D. in workforce education from the University of Georgia. Her research interests focus on career and technical education (CTE) on student learning and workforce preparation, college and career preparations for adolescents and young adults, and career... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Roosevelt Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

1:15pm EDT

Trauma-Responsive Classroom and Laboratory Management in Technical and Vocational Education: A Collective Multiple-Case Study Across Technical Pathways
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Jefferson
This session examines trauma-responsive classroom and laboratory management within technical and vocational education through findings drawn from a collective multiple-case study conducted across diverse career pathways. Grounded in the realities of hands-on instructional environments, including laboratories, shops, and other skills-based settings, the session explores how trauma-responsive...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Donna Crouch

Dr. Donna Crouch

Director of Career and Technical Education/Assistant Professor, Murray State University

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Jefferson Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

1:15pm EDT

Learning Lab: CareerSafe
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Conference Theater
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
Conference Theater Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

2:15pm EDT

All In--The SEL Solution for Growing a Talent Pipeline
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jefferson
Learn how Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories worked with LC State College in Lewiston, Idaho to build a robust electronics technology program to meet their growing need for technicians.
Speakers
TK

Tony Kuphaldt

Instructor on loan, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories / Lewis-Clark State College
Tony has taught industrial electronics and related topics as a full-time college educator since 1998. He is the author of several open-source educational projects including "Socratic Instrumentation" and "Modular Electronics Learning Project".
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jefferson Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

2:15pm EDT

Bridging K–12, Community College, and Industry for Workforce Success
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Roosevelt
This session will explore how strong partnerships between education and industry can create seamless pathways into high-demand skilled trades careers. Moderated by National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), the discussion will feature representatives from Germanna Community College, a regional high school partner, and an employer leader working collaboratively to address...
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Speakers
avatar for Cathy Tyler

Cathy Tyler

Director of Workforce Development, NCCER
Cathy is the Director of Accreditation, Workforce Development, and Customer Success at the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). She is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the Workforce Development, Accreditation, Audit, and Customer Success Teams... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Roosevelt Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

2:15pm EDT

From 14 Credits to College Access: How One CTE Pathway Sent Students to College With a Semester Already Done
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Washington B
This session challenges one of the most persistent misconceptions in secondary education: that Career and Technical Education (CTE) is separate from, or secondary to college pathways. Grounded in real results from a Title I high school, this session shares how a dual credit Accounting classroom produced 14 college credits for students who were not traditionally placed on a “college track,” and...
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Speakers
AS

Abronia S. Young

Division Coordinator, Bloom Twp HSD 206
I didn't walk across a stage to get my high school diploma. I earned my GED — from the same school my daughter graduated from as valedictorian thirty years later. She earned over two million dollars in scholarships. She is graduating from Purdue University as a civil engineer.I... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Washington B Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

2:15pm EDT

From Fellowship to Systems Change: Scaling Leadership Impact in Postsecondary CTE
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Regency EF
State and institutional CTE systems are navigating an increasingly complex landscape—marked by leadership shortages, evolving workforce demands, and persistent performance gaps among student populations identified in Perkins V. Addressing these challenges requires more than technical expertise; it demands a new generation of leaders equipped to think systemically, lead collaboratively, and drive...
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Speakers
avatar for Dimitria A. Harding, DBA, Ed.D
avatar for Kristin Corkhill, Ed.D

Kristin Corkhill, Ed.D

Vice President, Student Affairs & Strategic Initiatives, Georgia Piedmont Technical College
https://careertech.org/what-we-do/initiatives/alumni-directory/
avatar for Carlos Lopez

Carlos Lopez

Director of CPL and Testing, Community College of Denver
https://careertech.org/what-we-do/initiatives/alumni-directory/
avatar for Janelle Washington

Janelle Washington

Senior Director for Career and Technical Education, Illinois Community College Board
https://careertech.org/what-we-do/initiatives/alumni-directory/
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

2:15pm EDT

Future-Proofing CTE: Using DACUM to Translate Tech Trends into Program Design
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Washington A
As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced manufacturing rapidly reshape the labor market, postsecondary CTE institutions face growing pressure to ensure programs are current, agile, and closely aligned with industry needs. This session explores how DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) can serve as a powerful, evidence-informed strategy for designing and...
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Speakers
avatar for Keli Bussell

Keli Bussell

Workforce Development Specialist, The Ohio State University
A life-long advocate for career-technical education (CTE), Keli Bussell learned first-hand of the benefits CTE provides during her secondary and post-secondary education. Leveraging her professional experiences in human resources, her systems-approach to solving complex workforce... Read More →
avatar for Kate Fergus

Kate Fergus

Program Specialist, The Ohio State University
Kate Fergus is a Program Specialist at the Center on Education and Training for Employment. A specialist in career-technical education (CTE) and occupational analysis, Kate facilitates job/task analyses for the DACUM International Training Center to drive competency-based curriculum... Read More →
avatar for Traci Lepicki

Traci Lepicki

Associate Director, The Ohio State University
Traci Lepicki, Associate Director at the Center on Education and Training for Employment at The Ohio State University, leads the center’s curriculum and training development efforts. In career-technical education, workforce development, and adult education, she has over 30 years... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

2:15pm EDT

Selling the Strategy: How to Position CTE Initiatives for Executive and Donor Support
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Lincoln
Strong CTE ideas do not fail because they lack merit; they fail because they are not positioned to align with institutional priorities, leadership decision-making, or funding realities. This interactive session focuses on how to effectively “sell” a strategy by understanding stakeholder perspectives and translating ideas into priorities that resonate with senior leaders, boards, and...
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Speakers
avatar for John Vasquez

John Vasquez

Assistant Vice Provost & Senior Director of the Comprehensive Studies Program, University of Michigan
Dr. John Vasquez serves as Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success and Senior Director of the Comprehensive Studies Program at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. With over two decades of experience across community colleges, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and regional comprehensive... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Lincoln Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

2:15pm EDT

Learning Lab
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Conference Theater

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Conference Theater Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Learning Lab

3:00pm EDT

Break + Exhibitor Time
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
  Exhibitors

3:30pm EDT

Beyond Instruction: Building Staff Capacity and Scaling Cybersecurity Work-Based Learning
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Jefferson
Postsecondary CTE institutions are increasingly challenged to deliver high-quality technical instruction while building staff capacity to support student success in rapidly evolving fields. This session introduces an applied, workforce-integrated model—Cyber Conversations, an initiative of RW2 Career and Technical Education—that strengthens staff roles in student support and embeds work-based...
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Speakers
avatar for Joy Vann-Newton

Joy Vann-Newton

Founder and CEO, RW2 Career and Technical Education (RW2)
Dr. Joy Vann-Newton, formerly Vann-Hamilton, is the Founder and CEO of the nation’s first African-American and woman-owned career and technical school.  RW2 Career and Technical Education (RW2), is a nonprofit proprietary school with a mission of changing the FACE; closing the... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Jefferson Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

3:30pm EDT

Creating Meaningful Health Career Pathways: A Perkins-Aligned Framework
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Regency EF
Designing a meaningful, Perkins-aligned health career pathway can be complex.  In this session, postsecondary CTE leaders, counselors, and health program faculty will explore a proven model for connecting secondary CTE health programs with postsecondary health programs, guiding students from interest to informed decision-making.  Participants will engage with a structured framework that...
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Speakers
LD

Lisa DeLorenzo

Director of High School Partnerships, Harrisburg Area Community College
Lisa DeLorenzo is the Director of High School Partnerships at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, where she leads efforts to connect high school students with college and career pathways through dual enrollment, College in the High School, and career and technical education... Read More →
MW

Megan Wert

Career & Technical Education Coordinator, Harrisburg Area Community College
Megan Wert is the Career & Technical Education Coordinator at HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and coordinator of TechLink, a consortium of career and technical centers (CTCs) in South Central PA.  She collaborates with CTCs and high schools to strengthen secondary-to-postsecondary... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

3:30pm EDT

Exploring the Essential Elements of Industry-Recognized Credentials to Ensure Validity and Workplace Relevance
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Washington A
Increased emphasis on embedding industry‑recognized credentials (IRCs) in technical programs underscores the need for rigorous, validated credentialing processes guided by ISO/IEC 17024 regulations, and that align academic and technical preparation with industry expectations. Industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) provide a tangible bridge between curricula and workforce development by...
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Speakers
avatar for Tamara Mandell

Tamara Mandell

Director, University of Florida, Biotility
Exploring critical elements of Industry-Recognized Credentials that bridge postsecondary curricula with workforce development, and that serve as broad indicators for career readiness. 
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

3:30pm EDT

From Isolation to Collaboration: Launching Utah’s First Postsecondary CTE Summit
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Roosevelt
Many states offer professional development opportunities for secondary CTE teachers, yet dedicated learning spaces for postsecondary CTE educators are often limited. This session shares the development and outcomes of Utah’s first statewide professional development summit designed specifically for postsecondary Career and Technical Education educators.The Utah ACTE Postsecondary and Adult...
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Speakers
avatar for Kari Lamoreaux

Kari Lamoreaux

Senior Lecturer, Utah State University
Senior Lecturer; Technology, Design, and Technical Education
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Roosevelt Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

3:30pm EDT

Starting Earlier in the Trades, Early Results and Best Practices from North Carolina’s 9th–10th Grade CTE Dual Enrollment Pilot
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Lincoln
This session shares early results and practical lessons from North Carolina’s 9th grade CTE dual enrollment pilot, with a focus on McDowell Technical Community College’s implementation model in partnership with McDowell High School. The presentation highlights how MTCC expanded access to college level CTE coursework by leveraging credentialed high school CTE faculty who are approved to serve...
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Speakers
avatar for Brandon Hensley PhD

Brandon Hensley PhD

Dean of Career and Technical Education, McDowell Technical Community College
Dr. Brandon Hensley is the Dean of Career and Technical Education at McDowell Technical Community College and a graduate of Old Dominion University, where he received his Ph.D. in Workforce and Organizational Development. With over two decades of experience spanning engineering, faculty... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
Lincoln Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

3:30pm EDT

The Trauma-Responsive Technical Education Framework: Reimagining Classroom, Laboratory, and Shop Learning in CTE
Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
This session introduces the Trauma-Responsive Technical Education Framework, a model developed specifically for career and technical education settings such as classrooms, laboratories, shops, agricultural facilities, and clinical learning environments. The presentation examines how trauma can affect student engagement, regulation, behavior, persistence, and performance in technically demanding...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Donna Crouch

Dr. Donna Crouch

Director of Career and Technical Education/Assistant Professor, Murray State University

Thursday September 17, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm EDT
  Concurrent Session

4:30pm EDT

Andragogy in Action: Supporting Transition to Postsecondary Education and the Workforce
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Lincoln
The workforce needs individuals with some level of training. Community colleges provide access to support adult learners in meeting their academic and career goals (May-Varas, 2015, p. 81). Adult learners bring numerous experiences to the learning environment. These lived experiences support adult learners in accessing coursework and developing a deeper understanding of course content. In...
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Speakers
SM

Sam May-Varas

Professor, Clark College
Dr. Sam May-Varas is a Basic Education faculty at Clark College in Vancouver, WA. His instruction is focused on supporting adult learners returning to earn their high school diploma or GED. Dr. May-Varas designs his courses to connect adult learners to lived experiences to support... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Lincoln Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

4:30pm EDT

Closing the Postsecondary Gap in Title I Schools: A Four-Pillar CTE Framework Built From the Inside Out
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Washington B
At Bloom Trail High School — a Title I school in Chicago Heights, Illinois — 87% of CTE participants are Black and Hispanic students, yet only 37.7% of graduates enroll in postsecondary education compared to a state average of 64.9%. That 27-point gap is not a student problem. It is a systems problem. And it is solvable.This session presents the Four-Pillar CTE Framework: a practitioner-built...
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Speakers
AS

Abronia S. Young

Division Coordinator, Bloom Twp HSD 206
I didn't walk across a stage to get my high school diploma. I earned my GED — from the same school my daughter graduated from as valedictorian thirty years later. She earned over two million dollars in scholarships. She is graduating from Purdue University as a civil engineer.I... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Washington B Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

4:30pm EDT

Redesigning the Role of Industry Credentials in Postsecondary CTE
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Washington A
Postsecondary CTE leaders are under increasing pressure to demonstrate workforce relevance, enrollment value, and student outcomes. Industry‑recognized credentials are often discussed as a solution, but they are too often implemented as isolated add‑ons rather than strategic program assets.This session explores how postsecondary institutions can integrate industry certifications into CTE...
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Speakers
avatar for April Baek

April Baek

Program Executive, Pearson
April Baek is a program executive focused on advancing access, employability, and innovation across education and workforce systems. She leads large‑scale initiatives that expand certification‑aligned pathways across K–12, higher education, and career training, aligning talent... Read More →
avatar for Scott D’Amico

Scott D’Amico

Executive Vice President, CertNexus
Scott D’Amico is Executive Vice President at CertNexus, bringing over 20 years of experience in education, workforce training, and emerging technology. He specializes in bridging the digital skills gap by helping institutions and employers adopt industry‑recognized certifications... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Washington A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

4:30pm EDT

Reskill/Upskill: A Blueprint for Innovative Workforce Development Through Strategic Partnerships
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Regency EF
The ReSkill/UpSkill Initiative showcases a strategic partnership between K–12 school districts and the Southern California ROC to reskill and upskill district employees in response to evolving workforce needs. This initiative strengthens internal talent pipelines - providing staff with access to industry-aligned training pathways leading to certification, advancement, and long-term career...
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Speakers
avatar for Ashley Davis

Ashley Davis

Assistant Superintendent, Southern California Regional Occupational Center
Ashley Davis is proud to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of the Southern California Regional Occupational Center, where she provides strategic oversight of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and leads initiatives to expand high-quality pathways aligned with workforce... Read More →
avatar for Julian Rodriguez, Ed.D.

Julian Rodriguez, Ed.D.

Superintendent, Southern California Regional Occupational Center
Dr. Julian Rodriguez serves as Superintendent of the Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC), where he leads a Joint Powers Authority dedicated to advancing high-quality Career Technical Education (CTE) for high school and adult learners across the South Bay region... Read More →
avatar for Brianne Nakayama

Brianne Nakayama

Executive Director, Southern California Regional Occupatinal Center
Brianne Nakayama is the Executive Director of the Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC), where she leads with a student-centered vision grounded in access, opportunity, and excellence. With administrative experience spanning elementary, middle, and high school... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

4:30pm EDT

Zero Budget Security
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Roosevelt
Zero-Budget Security challenges the assumption that improving school safety requires additional funding, technology, or infrastructure. This session emphasizes that many of the most effective security measures rely on human behavior, awareness, and organizational culture rather than financial investment. Participants will examine how everyday actions—such as situational awareness, active...
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Speakers
avatar for Keith Stewart

Keith Stewart

Director of Safety and Security, Canadian Valley Technology Center
Keith Stewart is the director of safety and security for Canadian Valley technology Center and holds a master’s degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma. After retiring from the Duncan Police Department following 21 years of service, Keith continued his... Read More →
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:30pm - 5:15pm EDT
Roosevelt Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Concurrent Session

5:30pm EDT

Exhibitor Breakdown
Thursday September 17, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Independence A

Thursday September 17, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Exhibitors

6:00pm EDT

Poster Presentation & PACE Networking Reception
Thursday September 17, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT

Thursday September 17, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
  Meals

7:30pm EDT

Tour (additional fee): Monument Twilight Tour
Thursday September 17, 2026 7:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
Experience the heart of Washington, D.C. on this guided monument tour by bus! Journey through the nation's capital as you take in iconic landmarks and breathtaking views of the National Mall.This tour includes a scenic stop at the Lincoln Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, where you'll get a chance to explore tributes to two of America's most enduring legacies — one a president who...
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Thursday September 17, 2026 7:30pm - 9:30pm EDT
  Tour
 
Friday, September 18
 

7:30am EDT

Breakfast & Welcome Remarks
Friday September 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:05am EDT
Independence A

Friday September 18, 2026 7:30am - 8:05am EDT
Independence A Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Meals

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 01: From Learning to Language: Closing the Gap Between Skills Students Build and Skills Employers Hear
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Students are building workforce-ready skills every day. The problem is they do not know how to name them, and employers never hear about them. This session presents a practical model developed at the Community College of Aurora for helping faculty make workforce skills explicit in assignment design and helping students articulate those skills on resumes and in interviews using the NACE Career...
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Speakers
avatar for Misty G. Hull

Misty G. Hull

Dean of Academic Success for Allied Health, Community College of Aurora
Misty G. Hull serves as Dean of Academic Success for Allied Health at the Community College of Aurora (CCA), overseeing programs in Behavioral Health, Health Sciences, and Public Service. A Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor, she spent over two decades at Pikes Peak State College... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 02: NextLevel Fellow - Make-it-Better Plan : Re-Envisioning - The process of transforming a program from low performing to exceptional
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
This session will provide an overview of my make-it-better plan. The plan is focused on transforming a low-performing program to a new program that better meets industry demands and reinvigorates the faculty in the department. 
Speakers
avatar for Kristin Heathcock

Kristin Heathcock

Dean AS and Workforce Programs, Hillsborough College
Dr. Kristin Heathcock serves as the Dean of Associate in Science Programs at the Brandon Campus of Hillsborough College in Tampa, Florida. With twenty years of experience in both faculty and administrative roles at Hillsborough College, she brings deep institutional knowledge and... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 03: The Federal Landscape of Workforce Development Grants
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
This session will take a broad look at the Federal Landscape and changing structure of workforce development grants. Topics will include the structure of workforce development grants, the Administration’s industry priorities and investments. Administrators, development directors, program directors, and anyone interested in learning more about the landscape of federal workforce development grants...
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Speakers
avatar for Tori Foster

Tori Foster

Managing Director of Grants and Federal Affairs, McAllister & Quinn
Tori Foster serves as a Managing Director at McAllister & Quinn, where she advises nonprofit organizations and public agencies on securing federal, state, and private funding to advance mission‑critical priorities. In this role, she specializes in supporting clients with strategic... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 04: Use Your Words: Taking the Hard Out of Teaching Soft Skills and Using Literacy in CTE
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Employers around the country report that the skills that are most often missing in their entry level workers are those things that we call "soft skills" along with the related competencies in speaking, listening and writing.  The simple strategies, tools, methods and protocols covered in this workshop will help CTE teachers become more confident in teaching, modeling and assessing skills that...
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Speakers
avatar for Cheryl York McDonough

Cheryl York McDonough

School Improvement Facilitator, Collins Education
Cheryl York McDonough has been an English teacher, humanities chair, curriculum director, co-principal, and executive director of 7-12 schools.  A New Hampshire native, she graduated from Keene State College with a degree in English and Education; completed a principal’s and superintendent’s... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 05: Continuity for CTE: Addressing Post-secondary Instructor Turnover and Sustaining Industry Partnerships for Student Skill Development
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
I am part of Cohort 8 NextLevel Fellow. This session will focus on addressing the challenge of maintaining program continuity for students' industry experiences due to high turnover in district leadership and shortages in qualified CTE instructors (industry-experienced teachers).  Those interested in addressing this challenge would benefit from the interactive collaborative...
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Speakers
avatar for Michael Pate

Michael Pate

Professor and Graduate Program Director, Utah State University
Michael L. Pate, Ph.D., is a Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Applied Sciences, Technology, and Education Department at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. A former agriculture teacher from Arkansas, he has spent more than 17 years advancing high‑quality, engaging... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 06: Career Readiness in Transition: How Higher Ed Must Adapt to AI, Accountability, and Employer Demand
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Higher education career readiness is being reshaped by forces that no longer sit neatly inside the career center. Artificial intelligence is changing the capabilities expected of entry-level talent. Employers are asking for clearer signals of readiness, judgment, and work experience. Regulatory and policy pressures, including OBBBA-related reporting and outcome accountability, are raising...
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Speakers
avatar for Susan Campbell

Susan Campbell

Director, Cawley Career Education Center, Georgetown University
Name: Susan CampbellInstitution: Georgetown UniversityEmail: [email protected] title: Director, Cawley Career Education Center

Academic credentials: Bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in marketing from Miami University; Executive Masters of L... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 07: Why Faith-Based CTE Now?
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Why Faith-Based CTE Now? As education leaders respond to shifting Gen Z priorities and widening gaps in non-college workforce pathways, traditional trade-school models—while effective at teaching technical skills—often fall short in addressing students’ growing desire for purpose, identity, belonging, and direction in their work. This session explores why this moment presents a unique...
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Speakers
avatar for Maryann Reid

Maryann Reid

Cofounder, Purpose to Path inc.
Bio

Maryann Reid is an award-winning author, educator, and nationally recognized advocate for young adults and family empowerment, with more than two decades of experience transforming individuals and communities through education, faith-based initiatives, and storytelling. A former teacher... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 08: Building the Semiconductor Workforce of the Future: A Scalable Model for Technician Training
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
This session explores how postsecondary leaders can design and implement a unified, industry-aligned workforce training model in response to the rapidly evolving demands of the semiconductor sector. Grounded in a real-world statewide initiative in Arizona, the presentation will walk participants through the development of the Future48 Semiconductor Workforce Accelerator—an ambitious...
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Speakers
avatar for Danny Fisher

Danny Fisher

Dean of Manufacturing, Technology, and Trades, GateWay Community College
Danny Fisher serves as Dean of Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, and Trades at GateWay Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, where he leads programs that prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor technology, and the skilled trades. His work focuses on building... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 09: From Proposal to Award: Navigating the Grants Process
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
The session will provide a "best practices" model of where to start applying for grants, review essential questions, and provide examples
Speakers
avatar for Rudolph Chavez

Rudolph Chavez

Perkins CTE Coordinator, College of Southern Nevada
Rudolph Chavez is currently serving as the Perkins Title V grant coordinator for Career and Technical Education at the College of Southern Nevada.  He has over 40 years of experience in higher education serving as an Academic Advisor, College Access Advisor, and Assistant Director... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 10: Understanding Some of the Anticipated Effects and Outcomes of Micro credentialing and Short-Term Pell in CTE Programs
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
- What the session is aboutThe expected Effects of Short -term Pell and Micro credentialing in the CTE field- Who will benefit from the sessionSession Attendees and CTE stakeholders - How it will help attendees apply the content in their programs or institutionsSharing of discussion ideas in a slide deck - How you will engage your audience (e.g., discussion, activities, tools)- Any...
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Speakers
avatar for FELITA MURPHY

FELITA MURPHY

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, ILLINOIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD/ ASSOCIATION OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION _ CO HORT 8
Felita Murphy Associate Director for CTEIllinois Community College BoardSpringfield, ILRegion IIICo Hort 8 Fellowship/ACTE Fellow Call For Proposal Submission Final SubmissionMy name is Felita Murphy, a Cohort 8 Fellow with the Association for Career and Technical Education (AC... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 11: Make it Better Roundtable Plan
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
This session focuses on practical strategies to strengthen the operations of academic divisions while building meaningful faculty and stakeholder buy-in. Participants will explore how to implement structured, transparent systems, such as shared deadlines, project tracking, and cross-functional workgroups that improve efficiency without sacrificing collaboration. The session will highlight how...
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Speakers
avatar for Michelle Sliczniak

Michelle Sliczniak

Operations Manager - Career and Technical Programs Division, Harper College Career and Technical Programs
Michelle Sliczniak is the Operations Manager for the Career and TechnicalPrograms Division at Harper College, where she oversees the operational and strategic initiatives that ensure the success of students and programs across Harper College. Based in the Chicago suburbs, Michelle’s... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 12: Why Stop at Staff? Building Leadership in Every Adult Learner
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
What happens when leadership development extends beyond staff and becomes part of the student experience? Learn why the director of one of Florida’s largest CTE adult schools expanded leadership training to include the adult learners they serve.Discover how integrating leadership development for both educators and students strengthens workplace readiness, builds confidence, and fosters a culture...
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Speakers
avatar for Sera Anello

Sera Anello

Partner Engagement and Growth, IMAGO
An adventure seeker and mountain explorer at heart, Sera Anello brings the same spirit of curiosity to her work in education. She began her career as a classroom teacher and Climate and Culture lead, where she discovered the power of brain-based strategies, soft skills, and human... Read More →
LB

Lorri Benjamin

Director of Adult & Community Education, Brevard Public Schools
Bachelors in Psychology with a concentration in Education – LeMoyne College
Masters in Education- Le Moyne College
Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership- Nova Southeastern University
Lorri Benjamin is the Director of Adult and Community Education for Brevard PublicSchools. With 16 years with Brevard Public Schools she has been afforded theopportunity to work in many different roles in the organization. She began her career inBrevard as an academic coach in mathematics... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 13: Building Bridges with University CTE Teacher, WBL Coordinator, and Career Counselor Preparation Programs
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Many states have been experiencing challenges with finding highly qualified CTE teachers (especially in areas such as Technology and Engineering Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, etc.), WBL coordinators, and career counselors to fill vacancies in these critical shortage areas. As a result, numerous licensure pathways have been created and are currently being tested. However, the long-term...
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Speakers
avatar for Tyler Love

Tyler Love

Professor and Director of CTE Studies, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Baltimore campus
Dr. Love is a Professor and Director of CTE programs for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. He also oversees the Work-Based Learning and Career Counseling certificate programs, and the Engineering and Technology teacher preparation... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 14: Bridging the Gap: Building CTE Dual Credit Pathways
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Coastal Bend College and Tuloso-Midway High School have developed a collaborative partnership to strengthen secondary-postsecondary CTE pathways through free dual credit, stackable credentials, and intentional alignment between the ISD and the college. Through Warpath Academy, students engage in structured pathways that connect high school CTE participation to transferable college credit and...
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Speakers
AA

Alcario Alvarado

Principal, Tuloso-Midway High School
Alcario Alvarado is the Principal at Tuloso-Midway High School. 
JB

Jarod Bleibdrey

Vice President of Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, and Research, Coastal Bend College
Jarod Bleibdrey is the Vice President of Planning, Institutional Effectiveness, and Research for Coastal Bend College.
avatar for Mary

Mary "Susie" Gaitan

Director of Academic Advising & Dual Credit, Coastal Bend College
Mary "Susie" Gaitan is the Director of Academic Advising and Dual Credit at Coastal Bend College. 
ZZ

Zachary Z. Suarez

President, Coastal Bend College
Zachary Z. Suarez is the President at Coastal Bend College. 
SV

Steve VanMatre

Superintendent, Tuloso-Midway Independent School District
Steve VanMatre is the Superintendent of Schools for Tuloso-Midway ISD. ... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 15: Connecting Students to Careers Through Stackable Credentials
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
How can institutions strategically expand workforce programs to meet growing labor market demands while increasing student access to high-wage careers? This session explores a data-informed approach to strengthening and scaling career and technical education (CTE) programs and short-term credentials in high-demand fields.Participants will learn how one institution is working to increase enrollment...
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Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Curtis

Jennifer Curtis

Project Manager, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Jennifer Curtis is a Project Manager in Academic Affairs at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) in Arizona, bringing more than 20 years of progressive experience across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, and Career and Technical Education (CTE). Born and raised in the... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 16: From Industry Expert to Exceptional Educator: Transforming CTE Faculty Development
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Many Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs rely on instructors who are highly skilled professionals in their fields. While these individuals bring valuable real-world expertise to the classroom, they often begin teaching without formal preparation in instructional methods, classroom management, or effective learning strategies. As a result, faculty development frequently focuses on...
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Speakers
avatar for Melissa HIbbard

Melissa HIbbard

Program Director, Healthcare Programs (Online), Miller-Motte College
Melissa Hibbard, MSEd, AHI, CEHRS, CPC, CPHI, CPhT, is the Program Director for Healthcare Programs (Online) at Miller-Motte College and a proud 2026 ACTE NextLevel Fellow. With more than a decade of experience in K–12 education and 18 years in postsecondary Career and Technical... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 17: NEW! ACTE Masterclass Series
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
To celebrate turning 100, ACTE is launching a new professional development offering and member benefit! The ACTE Masterclass Series brings the best in-person conference keynotes directly to you, your team, and all your colleagues back at your college!  This is an opportunity to invest in, upskill, and equip members of your college community that may not usually attend in-person ACTE...
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Speakers
avatar for Kevin Fleming

Kevin Fleming

CEO, Catapult Masterclass
Dr. Kevin Fleming received the 2025 ACTE Postsecondary Leadership Award and serves as the Founder and CEO of Catapult Masterclass.  A 25+ year administrator, he has also produced multiple, viral animation videos including Success in the New Economy, and authored four books including... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 18: From Classroom to Career-ReadY: Build the Bridge the Industry Won’t
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
This session explores how CTE educators can strengthen postsecondary pathways and workforce readiness by bridging the gap between classroom instruction and real-world industry expectations. Grounded in real classroom practices, it reframes educators as connectors—leveraging their networks, lived experiences, and industry insight to create authentic, career-connected learning experiences. As...
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Speakers
avatar for Casey Snipes

Casey Snipes

CTE Graphic Arts Teacher, DCPS / Snipes Design Agency
Casey Renae Snipes is a brand designer, educator, and founder of Snipes Design Agency, bringing over 15 years of industry experience into Career and Technical Education. As a Graphic Arts instructor at Cardozo Education Campus in Washington, D.C., she transforms her classroom into... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 19: Powering Possibility for All: How the HIRE Program is Bridging the Gap for Students with Unique Abilities
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Bridging the gap between high school and the workforce is one of the most significant challenges for neurodivergent learners. Many students with intellectual disabilities face a steep "transition cliff" upon graduation, struggling to access postsecondary education or sustainable employment. This session explores how Southwest Florida tackled this challenge through the evolution of the School...
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Speakers
avatar for Renato Freitas

Renato Freitas

Program Coordinator and NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellow - Cohort 8, Fort Myers Technical College - HIRE Program -
Renato Freitas is the Program Coordinator for the How I Reach Employment (HIRE) Program at Fort Myers Technical College in Florida. With nearly two decades of experience in education and workforce development, Renato leads a transformative post-secondary transition program that empowers... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 20: Building CTE Teams into Workforce Learning Architects
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Postsecondary CTE programs are being asked to produce workforce-ready graduates in increasingly complex and rapidly evolving industries. However, many institutional structures still rely on traditional faculty and instructional roles designed primarily for content delivery rather than skill development and performance. This session explores how to redesign those roles into an integrated,...
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Speakers
avatar for Wendy D. Harris

Wendy D. Harris

Career and Technical Education Department Chair and CTE Faculty, Shawnee Community College
Career and Technical Education Department Chair, Shawnee Community College and CTE faculty member with over two decades of experience in workforce-aligned instruction. She specializes in bridging instructional design, competency-based education, and real-world workforce outcomes.As... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 21: Designing High-Impact CTE for People and Performance
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
You’re getting the outcomes you designed for. When students struggle, faculty and staff are often left navigating systems that were not built with real human needs in mind.This session centers Human-Centered Design (HCD) as a practical approach to strengthening postsecondary CTE workforce capacity. Participants will learn how HCD can help faculty and staff better understand student and colleague...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Taija R. Jackson

Dr. Taija R. Jackson

Vice President of Student Affairs, Uintah Basin Technical College
Dr. Taija R. Jackson is a higher education executive and systems strategist serving as Vice President of Student Affairs at Uintah Basin Technical College. She leads institution-wide efforts to expand access, remove structural barriers, and strengthen workforce-aligned pathways within postsecondary Career... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 22: From Manners to Market Readiness: Teaching the Hidden Curriculum of Professional Success
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
As the labor market becomes more selective, career readiness depends on more than technical skill. Students are increasingly judged on how they communicate, follow up, adapt to workplace expectations, and present themselves in interviews, networking settings, and early employment. Yet our recent research and practitioner conversations suggest a persistent perception gap: employers and career...
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Speakers
avatar for Evan Saperstein

Evan Saperstein

Associate Director of Career Development, Southern Methodist University
Institution: Southern Methodist UniversityEmail: [email protected] title: Associate Director of Career Development
Academic credentials: Master of Education (M.Ed.), Arizona State UniversityBachelor's Degree, Florida State University Professional Roles:Associate Director of Career Development: Currently leads initiatives at the Hegi Family Career Development Center at SMU.Former Assistant Director... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 23: Advocating For the Trades in an Era of Deregulation
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
In an era when many states are focused on lowering safety standards in the name of deregulation, how can CTE educators advocate for rigorous program standards, strong industry engagement, and a focus on life safety? As the trades workforce continues to inch closer to retirement, what can your program do to ensure we don't lower the bar for the next generation of trades professionals? Ultimately,...
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Speakers
avatar for Amy Lorenzo

Amy Lorenzo

Bureau Chief, Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
Amy Lorenzo has served as the Building, Construction, and Real Estate Bureau Chief for DOPL since 2022. Prior to this role, Amy spent 15 years with the State of Idaho, including 7 years with the Division of Career Technical Education and 8 years working for the Idaho Legislature with... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 24: From Training Provider to Workforce Partner: Building Industry-Aligned Adult Education
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Adult and continuing education programs are vital to workforce development, yet many struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing industry needs. This session explores how providers can evolve into proactive, industry-aligned workforce partners.Participants will learn how to implement an Industry Consortium Model that connects employers, educators, and workforce stakeholders to co-develop relevant,...
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Speakers
VM
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 25: Reimagining ways to Design and Strengthen CTE Pathways 
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Join this interactive roundtable to share and explore how community colleges can design and sustain career pathways that promote workforce readiness while protecting student trust, equity, and responsible data use. Participants will reflect on how students from their programs navigate pathways across disciplines, credentials, and career outcomes. Through guided discussion and peer exchange,...
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Speakers
JP
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 26: Bridging the Gap: Implementing AI-Driven Guidance for Student Success
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
This 25-minute roundtable session focuses on the Student GPS (Guidance, Planning, Support) on the Rapid Pathway platform. This innovative system streamlines the academic and career transition for students (specifically from DCPS to UDC in our case study). We will provide a high-level overview of this performance-driven workflow, detailing its seven-step Academic GPS (from goal setting to degree...
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Speakers
avatar for Rachel Yager

Rachel Yager

CEO & Chief Innovation Officer, FortuneTimes Group (FTG)
Dr. Rachel Yager is a global innovator specializing in institutional collaboration and student success. As a Stanford LEAD Distinguished Scholar, she integrates Management Science, Design Thinking, and Growth Mindset to drive impactful educational initiatives. As FTG Founder and Chief... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

8:15am EDT

Roundtable 27: From Compliance to Collaboration: Transforming Advisory Committees into Strategic Workforce Partnerships
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF
Advisory committees are essential to workforce program success, yet many operate as compliance-driven requirements rather than strategic assets. This session explores how to transform advisory committees into high-impact partnerships that actively shape curriculum, expand student opportunities, and strengthen employer engagement.Participants will learn how to implement an Industry Partnership...
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Speakers
KL
Friday September 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  Roundtable Session

9:45am EDT

3 Micro-workshops
Friday September 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Friday September 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
  Workshop

9:45am EDT

Grant Writing Strategies for National Science Foundation ATE Proposals
Friday September 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
The National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program has grant funding opportunities available to support 2-year institution CTE and STEM technician program development, faculty professional development, career pathways, curriculum development, outreach activities and more. Attendees will learn some grant writing strategies focused on the NSF-ATE solicitation. Attendees will...
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Speakers
avatar for Greg Kepner

Greg Kepner

Consultant, Hillsborough College
The National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education program has grant funding opportunities available to support 2-year institution CTE and STEM technician program development, faculty professional development, career pathways, curriculum development, outreach activities... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
  Workshop

9:45am EDT

POWER Up Your Practice: A Framework for Culturally Responsive Workforce Education That Actually Works
Friday September 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Workforce education is evolving, and the educators and leaders charged with preparing today's learners are being asked to do more with less, serve broader populations, and close persistent equity gaps, all without a clear roadmap. This session introduces the POWER Framework (Personalized Opportunities in Workforce Education Readiness), an eight-pillar instructional model grounded in...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Cynthia E. Thomas

Dr. Cynthia E. Thomas

Founder/ Consultant/ Assistant Professor, CTE Consultants/ SUNY Oswego
Dr. Cynthia E. Thomas is an educator, researcher, and leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE), workforce development, and equitable instructional practice, with over 15 years of experience across education and industry. She serves as Assistant Professor and Work-Based Learning... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
  Workshop

9:45am EDT

S(TAC)K - A Framework for AI-Enabled Individualized Learning in Postsecondary CTE Settings
Friday September 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
This presentation introduces the S(TAC)K framework—a practical approach to AI-enabled individualized instruction. I will explore why traditional "average student" design fails in most educational contexts where instructors bring industry expertise but limited pedagogical training, and students arrive with vastly different backgrounds and needs. The framework solves education's oldest scalability...
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Speakers
avatar for Clayn D. Lambert

Clayn D. Lambert

Chair, Business and Consumer Services Department, Clinical Professor, Idaho State University
Clayn Lambert, PhD is Department Chair and Clinical Associate Professor at Idaho State University College of Technology, where he has spent 24 years building learning systems that meet skeptical, performance-driven professionals where they are. His work centers on scalable instructional design fra... Read More →
Friday September 18, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
  Workshop

11:00am EDT

Dig Deeper: Reflecting on the Future of Postsecondary CTE
Friday September 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency EF
The conference may end, but the conversation is just beginning. Join fellow postsecondary Career and Technical Education leaders for an engaging, facilitated discussion that transforms conference learning into meaningful action. This interactive session provides dedicated time to reflect on key insights from the conference, exchange ideas with peers from across the country, and examine the trends,...
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Speakers
avatar for Kayla Maxey, Ph.D.
Friday September 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  General Session

11:50am EDT

Closing General Session
Friday September 18, 2026 11:50am - 12:30pm EDT
Regency EF

Friday September 18, 2026 11:50am - 12:30pm EDT
Regency EF Hyatt Regency | 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA
  General Session
 

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