Learn something new this Summer

We are excited to offer a series of free virtual lunch-and-learns in Summer 2022, in partnership with South Sound Business Magazine. These bite-sized learning opportunities are an easy way to learn something new and get familiar with PDC instructors during the busy summer months. The 16 free sessions were selected to align with four key topic areas: 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

As the Professional Development Center, we are guided by a belief that developing your DEI knowledge and skillset within the context of your professional roles is essential if you hope to advance DEI within your organization. This summer will see the return of our two most popular DEI instructors from the last year, as well as welcome a new one. 

June 9: Applying an Equity Lens in Project Management – An Introduction (presented by Samad Aidane, PhD, PMP) 

June 22: An Infusion of Inclusion (presented by Ava McGee) 

July 27: Quick Guide to Racial Equity in the Workplace (presented by Julia Kagochi) 

HR Skills for Everyone 

We often think about hiring and retention as “just” HR issues, but that’s not the case. Every employee in the organization is involved in areas that influence hiring and retention success so every employee would benefit from training in “HR skills.” This summer, we’ve selected several topics that will be beneficial for anyone who wants to better understand how their organization works and contribute to improving hiring, engagement, and retention.  

June 8: The Benefits Triad (presented by Cary Randow) 

June 22: An Infusion of Inclusion (presented by Ava McGee) 

July 13: Hiring Like it Matters (presented by Richard Wilkinson) 

August 10: What Does ENGAGEMENT Have to Do with Employee Retention? (presented by Rebekah Jones) 

August 24: Aligning Your Values (presented by Joey Pauley) 

Nonprofit Excellence 

The PDC saw a significant increase in interest in our Certificate in Nonprofit Management this academic year, reflecting renewed energy and (possibly) funding as the economy recovers from COVID-19. This summer, we’ll offer two sessions by our enthusiastic certificate program instructors that focus on a much-requested nonprofit management topic: fundraising. 

June 29: Succeed in Fundraising with a Focused Fund Development Plan (presented by Toni Aspin) 

August 17: So, You Want to Have a Capital Campaign? (presented by Jan Brazzell) 

Process Improvement 

Washington State has a long history of process improvement excellence in both the public and private sector. This summer, we have four topics to help you refine your Lean Six Sigma skills – or engage with the methodology for the first time! 

June 1: How to Effectively Close Out Projects (presented by Megan Oczkewicz) 

June 15: Creating Powerful Problem and Goal Statements (presented by Nathan Navarro) 

July 6: Championing Lean Six Sigma in Your Organization (presented by Chastity Walck) 

August 3: Lean Six Sigma and Project Management – Similarities and Differences (presented by Nathan Navarro) 

We look forward to seeing you at these free Lunch-and-Learns throughout the summer.