Day 1 Sessions and Speakers
In a fiercely competitive job market, candidates prioritize organizations that value and embody diversity, equity, and inclusion. Does your organizations adequately showcase these values in the candidate process? From interview panels to phone screens, each part of the hiring process is a chance to show DEI matters in your organization. In this session, we’ll provide your practices and share practical tips on how to authentically signal a sense belonging and help your organization stand out from the rest.
This keynote is sponsored by ModelExpand.
Presenters:
Damon Maassen, Senior DEI Consultant
Damon is a Senior DEI Strategist at ModelExpand, a strategic workplace advisory firm that works with organizations across industries and global offices to embed diversity, equity and inclusion practices into daily work. Damon is a seasoned leader with a history of running best-in-class experiences and enterprise learning programs across industries. He has managed global clients with a specialization in leadership development, cultural competency and inclusive leadership. His innovative learning programs and acumen for client needs make him a highly sought-after partner for client accounts.
Dr. Sarah Trocchhio, Strategist
Dr. Sarah Trocchhio is a strategist at ModelExpand. She comes to the organization with over a decade of experience as a DEI-centered educator, consultant, executive coach, and researcher committed to improving access and opportunity for diverse talent. Sarah is passionate about driving and scaling impactful DEI strategies in workplaces that improve the ability of organizations to simultaneously promote equity while advancing business objectives.
A Discussion about the current war for talent in higher education. We will highlight the importance of upskilling and will review some of the Pro’s and Con’s of upskilling. I’ll share some concrete steps attendees can use today to get your organization moving in the right direction and will conclude with how AI can help you with your upskilling journey.
Presenter: Michael Watson, Head of Customer Evangelism, www.eightfold.ai
After years of experience in corporate HR and talent acquisition for companies such as Aerotek, Robert Half, Polycom, Western Digital, Workday, Rambus, and Gigamon, Michael joined the artificial intelligence startup Eightfold.ai. As a former customer of Eightfold.ai, he has unique first-hand knowledge of how AI is being used to hire and retain talent. As the Head of Global Customer Evangelism for Eightfold's products and solutions, Michael frequently interacts with business leaders, customer executives and government officials to amplify the power of Eightfold’s artificial intelligence (AI) and their vision to use artificial intelligence for good and enable the right career for everyone in the world.
Michael is a thought leader in the field of talent acquisition and artificial intelligence, and he is committed to using his expertise to help organizations and individuals navigate the rapidly changing world of work. He is the author of 3 books; Career AI: Navigating the Job Market in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, The AI-Powered HR Professional and his most recent book, Upskilling 101: A Practical Guide to Building Employee Skills and Boosting Business Performance. He is a frequent speaker and writer on topics related to AI, talent acquisition, and career development, and he is always looking for new and innovative ways to use technology to improve people's lives.
Michael attended Fresno State University where he studied Criminology. When he is not working, Michael is busy working on his family's farm and dedicates a lot of time to coaching youth baseball and softball in his community. He is married and has two children.
Day 2 - Sessions and Speakers
Learn practical ways colleges and employers can improve recruiting outcomes for early career talent by carefully constructing experiential learning infrastructures that prepare students to succeed on the job. Internship partnerships can equally serve both student and employer stakeholders.
Presenter: Jocylen Ashton, Executive Director of Internships and Career Services, Menlo College
Jocylen brings professional experience in both the private sector and higher education. She is a proud first-generation college graduate, while not so unique, it has shaped her career path, choosing work focused on assisting others in the pursuit of their goals, helping them define a path and a plan, and to see options instead of obstacles on their way to success.
Jocylen began her career in higher education with the nonprofit, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), where she led career programs championing access and inclusion in business education for diverse professionals seeking to attend top MBA programs. Her ongoing commitment to higher education led to a Director role with Santa Clara University’s Graduate School of Business, managing career education and employer engagement. In 2018, Jocylen joined Stanford Career Education, as an Assistant Dean where her work focused on employer engagement and career outcomes. Jocylen recently joined Menlo College with a great commitment to continue bridging students to great careers with a focus on aligning purpose and meaning when it comes to careers and championing access and equity to support great career outcomes for all Menlo students. She loves the mission and values of Menlo, and is excited to join an organization that lives its mission. She is focused on expanding the connectedness between a student’s academic path and the pursuit and application of that knowledge to careers that resonate and change lives.
Jocylen spends a lot of her spare time working on initiatives that focus on access and education for children. She supports community efforts for exposing children to leadership as well as access to STEM education for Black youth in the Bay Area. For fun, she likes local hikes and the occasional craft.
In recent years and as a result of life altering events, the outreach, engagement, acquisition, and retention of talent has forever changed. There are countless buzz words, speculation, and opinions on the reasons why. It is time to hear directly from talent, to learn their needs, experiences, and decision-making factors. Hear from a panel of diverse Human Resources professionals at various stages in their careers in higher education.
Panelists:
Lyndon Huling, Ed.D., SHRM-SCP, Interim Lead, Talent Acquisition, UC Davis
Lyndon Huling is the Interim Lead for Talent Acquisition. He has a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from UC Davis and completed his undergraduate education at UC Davis as well. In each of Dr. Huling’s roles, he has worked to advocate for the needs of diverse students, staff, and faculty. Most recently, he served as Chair of the African American Faculty and Staff Association at UC Davis Health. Additionally, he is a member of the Staff Diversity Administrative Advisory Committee, the Staff Advisory Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and the Staff Assembly. He is passionate about doing his part to make UC Davis a welcoming and inclusive community to everyone and giving back to his alma mater.
Sarah Laird, Recruitment Analyst, California State University, Sacramento
Sarah Laird is currently a Recruitment Analyst at California State University Sacramento leading recruitments for high level departments including Presidents Office, Athletics and the University’s Administration and Business Affairs department. With over 14 years of higher education experience ranging from Career Services Director to Student Employment Coordinator and now Recruitment Analyst. Sarah has spent the last 7 years working in HR. Sarah earned an MPA from CSU East Bay, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from CSU Sacramento.
Iliana Revuelta, Assistant Director, R&DE Talent Acquisition, Stanford University
My name is Iliana Revuelta, and I was born in Mexico. At the age of 7, my family immigrated to this country, which marked the beginning of a unique professional journey. Unlike many others, I did not immediately pursue college after high school due to my undocumented status. However, in 2012, under the administration of former President Obama, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was enacted, providing me with an incredible opportunity to return to school and pursue my passion for Business Management.
In 2020, I accomplished a significant milestone in my life by graduating from Menlo College with a bachelor’s degree in business management, with a concentration in HR. Throughout my time at Menlo College, I embarked on an internship at Stanford University R&DE, where I had the privilege of assisting the HR Business Partners and Recruitment team. It was during this internship that I discovered my true calling: recruitment. Driven by my newfound passion, I applied for a position when it became available and successfully secured a job as a recruiter.
Over the course of two years, I honed my skills as a recruiter and proved my dedication to the field, which led to a promotion to the role of Assistant Director, Talent Acquisition. This career progression has been a testament to my hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
I hope that sharing my story will inspire and motivate others who may have faced similar challenges on their professional journeys. My experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and embracing one's true passions. As I continue to evolve in my career, I aspire to make a positive impact in the field of talent acquisition and serve as a role model for others who strive to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Amanda Simons, Benefits Analyst, California State University, Sacramento
Amanda Simons (pronounced Simmons) is a public administration professional with more than a decade’s worth of experience in local and state government as well as nonprofit organizations. Ms. Simons is new to the realm of Higher Education and currently holds the position of a Benefits Analyst at Sacramento State University where she supports employees with medical/disability leaves and retirement. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University and a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Organization Leadership from National University. Amanda has always felt called to be a public servant and has a passion for helping others and effecting positive change.
Facilitator: Mellonie Richardson, Director of Talent Acquisition, California State University, Sacramento
Mellonie Richardson is a Human Resources and Organizational Development professional with nearly 20 years of experience, in non-profit and private industries, and academia. For over 15 years, Mellonie has worked in Higher Education in Human Resources, in the areas of professional development, training, employee engagement, recruitment/talent acquisition and hiring. (LinkedIn profile - www.linkedin.com/in/mellonierichardsonhrpro)
Ms. Richardson is the Human Resources Director of Talent Acquisition for California State University, Sacramento as well as the Principal Consultant of a private Human Resources and Organization Development consulting firm, Bene Consulting Group (www.benecg.com)
Mellonie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies, with a concentration in Media Studies from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources and Organization Development from the University of San Francisco.
Mellonie is a sought-after advisor, coach, and presenter, addressing professional development and advancement, diversity in recruitment and talent acquisition, and organizational development strategies like mind mapping and brand building.
She is also committed to service to others and is actively involved in Sac State campus and Sacramento community organizations - serving on boards, leadership committees, and holding organization office.