Liberal Arts Week

September 24, 2021 Washtenaw Community College

October 21-25, 2024

#LiberalArtsGetPaid

Register

Elevate your education! Develop essential workplace skills!

Join us at WCC’s Liberal Arts Week (October 21– 25, 2024). The interactive virtual and in-person presentations and workshops will showcase how liberal arts classes empower personal and professional success, and sustain a fair and just society.

The Liberal Arts Week sessions will help you.

  • Gain insights from seasoned professionals and industry experts
  • Participate in hands-on workshops and real-world scenarios
  • Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network
  • Take home valuable tools and resources to continue your workplace skills development

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to dive deep into the essential Liberal Arts Workplace Skills (link) that will give you a head start in your professional journey!

Speakers

jacob brown

Jacob Brown

former NFL athlete, #FailForward

Jacob Brown's journey from the tough NFL fields to speaking on international stages is nothing short of inspiring. Today, as an experienced entrepreneur, engaging speaker, and recognized writer, he shows the true power of resilience. Beyond his sports achievements, Jacob co-founded Varlo, a  leading brand in cycling and triathlon apparel.

As a three-time TEDx speaker, Jacob was named one of the '40 Under 40' in 2015. His insights have been featured in Forbes, WallStreet Journal, and Good Morning America. Top brands and institutions like Intel, Meta, LinkedIn, Dallas Cowboys, UPS, Stellantis, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, and Central Michigan University have been captivated by his talks.

Jacob's mission goes beyond motivation. He promotes a transformative approach to life, advocating for a mental reset and a shift in perspective to discover one’s true calling. His #FailForward philosophy, shared on LinkedIn, through motivational posts, and in powerful videos, has inspired countless individuals worldwide to turn setbacks into strength.

susan westhoff

Susan Westhoff

President of Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center

Susan Westhoff is a passionate leader with over 25 years in nonprofit management, currently serving as President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center.

Her journey includes transformative roles covering a range of the nonprofit sector, from world renowned performing arts institutions, to long distance hiking trail coalitions, Irish dancing schools to now nature centers and museums. She has shepherded a merger, doubled the size of an organization, and built a volunteer-led team. Throughout her career, Susan has focused on building strong community connections and fostering inclusivity and transparency within her teams.

With a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Michigan, Susan combines her love for the arts and outdoors with a commitment to education and community engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering with various local organizations, reflecting her belief in the power of community.

stephanie mansour

Stephanie Mansour

Today Show Fitness Contributor, Host of Step it Up with Steph, PBS

Stephanie Mansour is a contributing health and fitness writer for TODAY. She is a certified personal trainer, yoga and Pilates instructor, and weight-loss coach for women. Stephanie also hosts “Step It Up With Steph” on PBS. Stephanie holds a BA in Communications with an emphasis on Women’s Studies & Psychology from the University of Michigan, and she has personal training, yoga, and Pilates certifications, as well as her professional life coaching certification.

Before starting “Step It Up with Steph” in 2008, she worked for Oprah’s XM Radio show host Marianne Williamson, the Dr. Phil show, Lifetime TV, and WNET PBS.

Schedule

Monday, October 21

10:45 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.

Welcome

ML 150, Morris Lawrence Building

President Rose Bellanca, Washtenaw Community College
10:50 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Opening Remarks

ML 150, Morris Lawrence Building

Brandon Tucker, Executive Vice President for Instruction and Chief Workforce Development Officer.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Keynote - “Fail Forward into the Discovery of Your Purpose!”

ML 150, Morris Lawrence Building

Jacob Brown has journeyed from NFL fields to the international stage with a message of failing into strength and purpose, rather than discouragement and despair.  Jacob will share how the Liberal Arts Workplace skills aid with navigating failure successfully at work, at home, and in life.  Come listen to Jacob’s experience and the techniques/approaches he has learned to embrace and apply in challenging circumstances.  Failing at a class, a career, or a task does not spell, T-H-E  E-N-D.  Rather, failure may be exactly what all of us need to be able to discover the real opportunities standing right outside the door!

Jacob Brown, former NFL athlete, #FallForward
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Local Employers Speak: What We Need in New Hires, Panel Session

Community Room - Student Center Building, First Floor

This session brings together five area employers representing a variety of industries. Attend and hear what's hot as employers search for the right employees in tech, criminal justice, search for the right employees in tech, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI),health education, training, law and criminal justice. Next, interface directly with employers who could help you break down the door to your future by providing the straight scoop on how to gain experience and by providing input on must-have classes to equip you with Liberal Arts Workplace Skills!

Co-facilitators: Bonnie Tew, Professional Faculty - Communications and Amanda Deacon, Student Advisor - Center for Career Success
Panelists:
  • Kim Jones - Director of Innovative Inclusion, Washtenaw County’s Sheriff Office
  • Nick Avram - Sr. Account Manager, Google
  • Nicole Roberson, Executive Trainer, RKT Holdings
  • Karen Barron MLS (ASCP), Allied Health Education Program Manager - Pathology, Michigan Medicine

Tuesday, October 22

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Keynote - “Harmonizing Disciplines: From Music to STEM and back again”

ML 150, Morris Lawrence Building

What does a trumpet player have to say about the bottom line? How can Irish Dancing teach us anything about DEI and community building? Where can painting get you, when you’re trying to build a database? Join Susan Westhoff to connect the dots, and see how the liberal arts are integral to running a successful business, building community, and finding success.

Susan Westhoff, President and CEO, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Making Life, Academic and Career Transitions Into New Landscapes of Hope!

Panel session on Zoom

The Liberal Arts Workplace Skills work to ensure professional success from your first professional job, right down to the last stop on your career pathway!  This panel brings together individuals who recognized a life transition was needed to be able to start down their desired college and career pathways.  The stories in this session will teach, encourage, and inspire!  How do you make a transition into College after being away for a while?  Who says you can’t go back to school again?  How do you transition into College as an adult for the first time, or the second time?  How do you transition from one career to another?  What does it take to get a GED so you can get on your career pathway?  Join us for a storied journey into the possibilities this group of speakers transformed into reality!

Co-facilitators: Bonnie Tew, Professional Faculty - Communications and Marisol Adelmann, Coordinator of Enrollment, Assessment, and Data - Adult Transitions
Panelists:
  • Kayla Lugo, Veteran Support Staff, WCC Wadhams Veteran Center -  “From the Ground Up”
  • Mystii Jones, Mentor, Washtenaw Community College - “The Opportunity I Needed”
  • Marisol Adelmann, Coordinator of Enrollment, Assessment, and Data, WCC Adult Transitions GED and ESL Pathway PRogram  - “It’s Never too Late”
  • Angela Persinger, Care Team Coordinator - “Doing the work, Now getting the Pay”
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

#LiberalArtsGetPaid: Plan NOW To Apply Your Workplace Skills & Prepare to LAUNCH A Great Business/Product Idea*

Garrett’s - Student Center Building, First Floor

Are you ready to turn an innovative business idea into a reality? Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to help you apply the workplace skills to prepare for a successful launch. Whether you're looking to start a side hustle or a full-fledged business, this workshop will guide you through the essential steps to transform an idea into action.

Co-facilitators: Bonnie Tew, Professional Faculty - Communications and Emanuel Terrell, Entrepreneurship Center Manager.
Entrepreneurs:

Wednesday, October 23

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Keynote - "The Liberal Arts and The Career Change"

Zoom session

How do you become a wellness contributor on NBC’s Today Show and work with Al Roker? Find out in this keynote session where Stephanie Mansour will share her unique story of how she used the skills she learned in her Liberal Arts courses to create a niche career of her dreams.

Stephanie Mansour, Today Show Fitness Contributor
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cool Careers in Writing Panel & Networking Event

Panel session on Zoom

Employers across industries know -- the skills we develop in liberal arts classes are essential to successful organizations! In this moderated Q&A, you’ll learn directly from professionals in writing intensive roles how YOU can get paid to write, from public advocacy to fiction to film! You’ll also get to ask your own questions in networking breakout rooms! Join us to learn about creating great writing, getting your writing out to real readers, and how #TheLiberalArtsGetPaid! #WritingForTheWin!

Facilitator Hava Levitt-Phillips, Professional Faculty, English and College Readiness.
Panelists Sarah Flandorfer, Novelist and Matthew Flemming, Freelance Writer
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Is This the Right Career Pathway for Me? Taking Career Exploration From the Virtual Level to Reality - A Workshop Journey*

Garrett’s - Student Center Building, First Floor

Are you feeling “stuck” in a career that you’ve outgrown? Have you lost the passion for the field you entered a few years ago? Is there a career you have always wondered about? Are you the right fit for the industry? Take control of your future and stop the guessing game! Attend this workshop and explore your career from the inside-out with the help of Virtual Reality Technology. This is a workshop designed for adults who are considering using their Liberal Arts Workplace Skills for the first time AND those who are considering transitioning to a new career pathway.

NOTE: Pre-registration by 12:00 noon on 10/21/24 to insure enough materials to provide everyone with a hands-on experience. Max capacity = 25 participants

Co-facilitators: Emerge Company,  Bonnie Tew, Professional Faculty - Communications, and WCC’s Center for Career Success

Thursday, October 24

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Career Vision Boarding and Reflection Workshop*

Garrett’s - Student Center Building, First Floor

Art & literature aren’t just for audiences! As renowned novelist Julia Alvarez famously said, “I write to find out what I am thinking. I write to find out who I am.” In this interactive session, we’ll use collage, poetry, and reflective writing to get a glimpse of the futures we’re working to bring into our lives. Get ready to make something beautiful and inspire yourself to keep going toward your goals! #LiberalArtsGetPaid #ArtForLife #WritingForTheWin

Co-facilitators Hava Levitt-Phillips (Professional Faculty-English and College Readiness) and Jill Jepsen (Professional Faculty - Art)
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Projectships: Your Path to Career Success

Garrett’s - Student Center Building, First Floor

Projectships, your gateway to real-world experience while still managing your busy college life. They’re flexible, making them perfect for students juggling classes, part-time jobs, and other commitments. Get insider tips on how to identify the right one for you, where to find them, plus, engage in a fun interactive activity to add experience on your resume, boosting your employability.

Co-facilitators: Bonnie Tew, Professional Faculty - Communications and Amanda Deacon, Student Advisor - Center for Career Success

Friday, October 25

11:00 a.m.

Closing Remarks

Zoom session

Dean Anne Nichols, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences Division
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Cool Careers in Communication, Media and Theatre Arts

Zoom session

Wondering what careers highlight the skill sets you’ve been acquiring in your Liberal Arts classes? Wonder no more! Join the Communication, Media and Theater Arts faculty to explore the bright future one could have within these exciting disciplines. Meet with our panel of working professionals in breakout rooms for small group discussions about your future.

Facilitator Bonnie Tew, Professional Faculty - Communications
Panelists:
  • Charmie Gholson: New York Times Published Writer, Founder: Michigan Moms United, WCC Alum
  • Frannie Shepherd-Bates: Founder/former Director of Shakespeare in Prison, Local Theatre Director and Designer
  • Stephanie Mansour: Today Show Wellness Contributor
  • Nicole Brown: Mayor of Ypsilanti
  • LeNa McDonald: Associate Commissioner for Academic Relations for the SEC
* Zoom Streaming not Available

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