WNC-DEC Introduces Professional Development Series
The WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition is a collaboration between six anchor institutions, including A-B Tech, Buncombe County, City of Asheville, MAHEC, Mission Health, and UNC Asheville.
Representing just over 15,000 employees, the WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition’s mission is to foster inclusive work environments that realize the benefit of a fully engaged and diverse workforce. There are three committees working toward a goal of recruiting and promoting 100 multicultural employees over the next three years; the committees are professional development, social networking, and accountability standards.
Lisa Eby, Director of Buncombe County Health and Human Services, stated, “We started our first professional development series in April. We chose the YWCA to host the series because they have a great drop-in child-care program which allowed for greater access to the class for working moms and dads. Learning was mutual: the facilitators gained insight into the needs, struggles, and hopes of participants, and the participants left with some skills and connections to position them for further professional advancement.”
Co-facilitator Michele Ashley adds, “Part of my role as a coach was to facilitate weekly hour-long coaching calls for the participants. We discussed topics such as ‘Navigating your Professional Landscape’ and spoke in great detail about managing your ‘professional brand’ in the corporate landscape.”
Attendee Gaysha Snipes said, “I found the three things I want people to experience when meeting me. I am genuine, sensitive and optimistic. I learned that I must look at all parts of the picture and never lead with emotions. I must always stay teachable!”
From this 30-member class, five professionals found employment or new employment and two found advancement. “The research shows that promotion for multi-cultural professionals often follows a ‘lily-pad’ approach, where there is advancement by moving from one organization to another. By having our HR professionals coming together, we are able to facilitate this process,” says Sheila Meadows, VP of Human Resources at Mission Hospital and System Talent Management.
The Professional Development committee is also working to promote what is already happening in the community, such as the A-B Tech class “Maximizing Interview and Professional Skills.”
Instructor Darryl Rhymes reports, “This class is designed to help you curb your nervousness, feel more confident, and shine during your interview. This workshop is not only for job seekers but also people who are employed and want to further polish their professional skills and prepare them for a future advancement.” The class is being offered free July 21, 22, 23 at A-B Tech.
Next up for the coalition is a weekly call-in program on the following topics:
July 23, Noon – So your boss says you aren’t meeting expectations, what do you do?
August 6, Noon – Building relationships the smart way
August 21, Noon – What steps can you take today to increase your chances of a promotion?
The WNC-DEC is currently accepting proposals from local professionals to assist with the professional development series and overseeing the social networking.
To learn more about WNC-DEC visit www.wncdec.com.
