MEC Workshop2
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Come check out Marin Employment Connection's annual August Guest Speaker Series, held this year from August 5-16! The series, in place of the normally scheduled employment workshops, brings in stakeholders from all corners of the Bay Area business community to share expertise on important topics related to gaining and retaining employment. Workshops are first-come, first serve. 


MONDAY, AUGUST 5

9-10:30 AM  
"How to Apply for Federal Jobs"
Freddie Bizzell, US Coast Guard
  
Learn how to navigate the federal job application process from someone with a lFreddie Bizzellong work experience in the United States Coast Guard.
 
Freddie Bizzell Jr., was born and raised in New York City. He joined the United States Coast Guard in 1990 and served as both a Machinery Technician and a Marine Science Technician. Freddie became a subject matter expert in Marine Environmental Response, Hazardous Material Response, and Incident Management Response. He retired from active duty after over 22 years of service. Currently, Freddie serves as the Emergency Management Specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area Command. He is also the proud husband of Andrea Bizzell and father of Jordan Bizzell, a recent Hampton University graduate.
 
 
1-2:30 PM
"How to Sell Your Best Self" 
Jerry Kay, Journalist
  Jerry Kay
You notice advertising everywhere you go, from the grocery store to the gas station, but have you ever thought about marketing yourself? Personal branding is a huge asset in a successful job search. Seasoned broadcast journalist Jerry Kay will give you the tools and tips you need to improve your communication skills to present your best self.

 

Jerry Kay has been a broadcast journalist for over four decades. He has been a program host on KCBS radio in San Francisco and heard nationally on CBS radio as the host of Earthnews and Beyond Organic on Sirius Satellite Radio. Jerry has been the publisher of the Environmental News Network and currently hosts many online programs including Aquarium of the Air for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Thank You Ocean for the National Oceanic, and Atmospheric Administration.  He also developed the Marin County You Tube channel where you will find hundreds of videos about programs offered by the County.  Over the years he has helped many people improve their communications skills.  
  
 
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
 
9-10:30 AM
"Networking 101" 
Nancy Richardson, YWCA
  Nancy Richardson
Need to network for a job, but your nerves are getting the best of you? Networking is a crucial part of any successful job search. Come learn everything from how to get started with networking to practicing your skills. 
 
Nancy Richardson brings 20 years of human resource and recruiting experience to her role as Employer Liaison for the YWCA FiftyPlus Employment Support Program for Women. In this role, she assists women 50+ that are seeking training, re-entry or are transitioning into a new career.  Through Nancy's outreach work, she develops and builds relationships with the employer community as well as community partners, women's organizations and individuals who support older workers. She is also responsible for data gathering, analysis and reporting of 50+ client's activity to funders and to YWCA's board.
 
 
1-2 PM
"Digital Literacy: Using URL before HTML" 
Josh Bradley, JobScout
  
In the age of large social media sites, web-based collegiate programs, streaming movie rentals, online banking and nearly all job postings now listed in the digital space, 1 in 5 Americans (62 million people) still do not use the Internet. With several factors in play from economics to access, the most often overlooked is education. Many who lack essential digital skills are isolated and have trouble coJosh Bradleympeting in the online marketplace. In this workshop, you will learn about JobScout, an educational platform designed to teach and empower individuals to master online job search. 
 
Josh Bradley is TRAIL's Director of Marketing and Platform Satisfaction in charge of media outreach and user acquisition for JobScout. His career began in public and media relations, primarily in the food and consumer products industries, working media campaigns for major household products and nationally recognized names before opening an entertainment marketing firm in the early 2000's. 
 
  
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7  
  
1-2:30 PM
"How to Reinvent Yourself in Today's Market" 
Clare Shanahan, Chris Hanley and Michele Cronin, Fireman's Fund
  
Come join Clare, Michele and Chris from Fireman's Fund as they share key tips to define and communicate what differentiates the value you offer over and above others. Learn to capture an employer's attention, develop a personal brand, and land your next job.
 
Clare Shanahan is the Assistant Vice President, Fireman's Fund Ins. Co.  Clare and her Fireman's Fundteam recruit for all positions from entry level through executive.  Prior to joining Fireman's Fund, Clare managed recruiting for the West Region of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and for a large San Francisco law firm.   
 
Michele Cronin is a Senior Recruiter with Fireman's Fund and has been with the organization since 2005.  Before joining Fireman's Fund, she had her own staffing company supporting the recruiting efforts for multiple industries including: financial, biotech, telecom, technology, startups, and large corporations.

Chris Hanley is a Senior Recruiter with Fireman's Fund and has been with the organization since 2006.  She has more than 20 years of recruitment and marketing experience working for companies such as Starbucks, McDonald's and public television.  
 
 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
 
9-10 AM
"How to Apply with Staffing Agencies" 
Peter Dempsey, ExpressPros
  
Want to use staffing agencies but don't know how to get started? This workshop will help you master the whole interview process from start to finish, and provide tips on how to get your foot in the door with one of the leading employment placement firms.
  
Peter Dempsey is currently the Co-Owner of the San Rafael branch of global staffing agency, ExpressPros. With more than 600 franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa, ExpressPros has placed  5 million people in employment worldwide. In the past, Mr. Dempsey has also served as Marketing Manager for Simpson Timber Company, and was Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing for JELD-WEN, Inc.
  
1-2:30 PM
"How to Keep Your Financial Boat Afloat During a Career Change" 
Bill Pollack, Itineris Financial Advisors
  Bill Pollac
Are you in between jobs or thinking about the possibility of a career move? Worried about how to keep your finances on track during a time of change? This workshop will inform you about how to approach your finances through the career change process. Learn how to maintain perspective about your circumstances, creatively manage your cash flow, evaluate your options for maintaining medical coverage, and consider the various alternatives for your assets in employer-sponsored retirement plans. Looking at your finances during a time of transition does not have induce stress or create undue anxiety - and may even allow you to improve your situation!
  
William ("Bill") Pollak is the Founder and Managing Principal of Itineris Financial Advisors (www.yourmoneyjourney.com) in Walnut Creek, CA. Bill started the firm as a result of his personal experience with career change and other notable mid-life transitions. Over time, as he met others seeking to define the next chapter of their lives, he was inspired to form a financial advisory practice focused on helping people embarking on new professional and personal paths and seeking to feel confident about their financial future. Bill is a Registered Representative with and securities are offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.
  
  
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
  
9-10:30 AM
"Succeeding in a Multi-Generational Workplace" 
Joan Capurro and Erica Demster, Bank of Marin
  

Joan and Erica grew up in different generations but successfully (and happily) worked together for years at Bank of Marin.  Their presentation will uncover the generational differences in the workforce today and give tips and tricks on how everyone can learn to focus on individual strengths rather than generational differences.  Joan Capurro

 
Joan Capurro serves as the Director of Community Relations at Bank of Marin. She has an extensive background in banking - starting as a Wells Fargo page girl at the age of 19. She is also heavily involved in the local community, including work with Women in Leadership and Philanthropy at Dominican University, the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, American Red Cross, and the Marin County Workforce Investment Board.Erica Demster
  
Erica Demster is the Client Communications Officer at Bank of Marin. She is responsible for customer communications, information management and supporting the bank's 17 branches throughout the North Bay.  She first came to the bank in early 2010 as a Marketing Associate, where she was responsible for community relations, market research and data analytics.  Prior to joining Bank of Marin, Erica held various program development positions at Homestead Valley Community Center and the Marin YMCA.
  
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
  
9-10:30 AM
"Acing the Interview" 
Windi Snearly, Wells Fargo Bank
  
After this informative workshop, you will know how to master the interview for that perfect job - everything from dressing for success, asking the right questions and appropriate follow up.
  Windi Snearly
Windi Snearly joined Wells Fargo Bank in 2000 and is currently Senior Recruiting Consultant for the West Coast Business Banking Division.  She has over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition, human resources consulting, project management and leadership.   She recently relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area and is a dedicated contributor who believes in creating social changes through action.  While in Orange County, California she served as a Board Member with The Constitutional Rights Foundation, Santa Ana Career Beginnings Mentorship Program, Banking & Financial Educational Advisor for Orange County School District's Occupational Programs, and volunteer for Second Step/Human Options Abused Women's Shelter.  Currently she serves as Secretary and Board of Directors for CAMINAR for Mental Health in San Mateo County. 
 
1-2:30 PM
"Are You Ready to Be an Entrepreneur?"
 Miriam Karell, SBDC at Renaissance Marin
  Miriam Karell
Explore the mindset, skills, abilities and challenges behind becoming an entrepreneur. Also learn about the nuts and bolts of starting your own business, including local resources that provide support on everything from microloans to marketing.
 
Miriam Karell is the SBDC Manager at Renaissance Marin.  She is passionate about supporting small-medium enterprises as she believes they are the backbone of our society and the leaders in innovation.  For the past 8 years, she has worked with over 50 organizations assisting them to communicate authentically, build their leadership capabilities, grow their organizations and develop initiatives/products that create win-win-win scenarios (good for the business, the community and the environment).  Miriam has a Masters in "Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability" from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden, BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley, and a BA in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Cruz.
  
  
 TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 
 
9-10 AM
"Volunteering for the County of Marin"
 Tara Clark and Anne Starr, County of Marin, Human Resources
  
Want to get your feet wet and hands dirty in your local community? Come learn about the application process and available opportunities, as well as the benefits of volunteering to obtain employment.
  
Tara Clark is the Volunteer and Intern Coordinator for the Department of Health and Human Services for the County of Marin, and has been with the county since 2008. Prior to her work with the county, she had 12 years of development experience in the non-profit sector, working for two health care organizations in Marin (Hospice of Marin/now Hospice by the Bay and the Foundation for Integrative Oncology/now the integrative oncology program at Marin General Hospital). She has a BA from UC Santa Cruz and an MPA from San Francisco State. She is a Marin County native and a life-long volunteer herself.
 
Anne Starr is the volunteer coordinator for the County of Marin's Civic Center Volunteer and Student Intern Program, wCounty of Marinhich provides opportunities for residents to serve their local government. She grew up in a family of self-employed people who volunteered, so community service seems natural to her. A graduate of UC Davis, she was a newspaper journalist before moving to the nonprofit sector. She led the volunteer tour docent program at the Buck Institute for Research in Aging before joining the county. 
  
1-2 PM
"How to Expunge Your Record" 
Gleneda Borton, County of Marin, Public Defender's Office

After a great job opportunity but worried if a background check will hurt your chances? In this informative workshop, learn about available county resources to help clean a criminal record.County of Marin
  
After working in International banking, Gleneda Borton began working with the County of Marin almost six years ago. During that time, she has assisted with post-conviction relief efforts for the public defender's office and has helped hundreds of people clean up their criminal records in the process.
  
  
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
  
9-11 AM
"Accept Where You Are; Get Where You Are Going" 
Jill Williams, Silver Sexy & Strong
  
Unemployment can be a scary place, and fear inhibits our energy to move Jill Williamsforward. During this workshop learn to embrace fear as an ally. Get tips on how to utilize tools to help see where you are in life and accept this reality. Work past these struggles and define where you want to be.    You will walk away with some positive and workable goals for the future!
  
Jill C. Williams is the Founder and President of Silver Sexy & Strong (www.silversexynstrong.com). Through wellness and life reframing coaching, personal fitness training and facilitating workshops, Jill works with clients who are motivated to move past their roadblocks and reframe and claim their lives going forward. She holds a BA from San Francisco State University in Business and Educational Technology, a Masters from the University of San Francisco in Human Resources and Organizational Development and SPHR certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute. 
 
1-2:30 PM
"Getting in the 'Yes' Pile: Helpful Tips and Red Flags to Job Search" 
Betsey Harper, Manpower
  
In this day and age, every little bit counts! Hear more from an employer's point of view what things do (and don't) work to get you in the door.
  

Betsey Harper is a Senior Staffing Specialist with ManpowerGroup at their Santa Rosa office. The company is a world leader in innovative workforce solutions and connects more than 630,000 people to work through its relationships with clients across 80 countries and territories. She previously served as an Employment Services Specialist with West County Community Services.

 
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
  
9-10 AM
"Unemployment Basics" 
Kathleen Seaman, Employment Development Department
  
This workshop will cover basic information about Unemployment Insurance including updates on extensions, managing your claim, how to resolve common issues, and effective methods for contacting EDD.EDD
  
Kathleen Seaman has 13 years of experience in Employment and Training with the past 4 years working with the Employment Development Department in California. Previously, she worked in Washington State as a One Stop Coordinator for 9 years. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services. Kathleen has spent the majority of her career working in multiple capacities with dislocated workers including program coordination, workshop facilitation and career counseling.
  
1-2:30 PM
"Creating Powerful Courageous Conversations" 
Diane Boivie, Catalyst Coaching & Training
  Diane Boivie
Business is fundamentally an extended conversation with colleagues, customers and partners. Conversations are the work of leadership and the fundamental mechanisms of an organization. Conversations avoided can derail the work of any initiatives and increase the likelihood of non-constructive interactions and escalating problems. Courageous conversations can change the trajectory of a project, relationship, career and a company. In this dynamic workshop you will gain an understanding of the components of courageous conversations, how important it is in business to have them and how to improve their effectiveness in doing so, individually and as part of a team.
 
Diane Boivie, CPCC, ORSCC is President of Catalyst Coaching and Training. The organization was founded specifically to assist leaders in creating business cultures in which people feel valued and empowered to accomplish the goals of the organization -- resulting in a high performance workplace. Diane has over 30 years' experience working in businesses and has been a consultant, coach, trainer, and facilitator for more than 10 years.   A former corporate transformation project and program manager, she specializes in dynamic, practical, experiential team-based training and coaching, leadership development training, and communications training. Diane helps leverage the power of shared leadership embedded in teams, increasing team dynamics, so that they can become more empowered, collaborative and inspired to deliver outstanding results.
  
 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
  
9-10:30 AM
"Applying for Jobs with the County of Marin" 
Florence Pattison, County of Marin, Human Resources
  
Learn about the County of Marin's recruitment and application process, with tips on how to be a successful applicant.
 
Florence Pattison is a Personnel Analyst in Marin County's Human Resources Department where she has specialized in recruitment and testing since 2005.   Firefighters, Deputy Sheriffs, Deputy Public Defenders, Accountants and Park Rangers are some of the variCounty of Marined recruitments and testing she's completed over the years. Florence attended Reid Kerr College in Scotland, College of Marin and Sonoma State University, where she obtained a degree in Liberal Arts and a certificate in Human Resources Management. She is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and is currently on the board of WRIPAC (Western Region Intergovernmental Personnel Assessment Council.)
  
Marin Employment ConnectionAugust, 2013
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Marin Employment Connection (MEC) is both a catalyst and partner in Marin County's economic growth and vitality, supporting businesses, job seekers, and the community. Powered by the Marin County Workforce Investment Board, the MEC offers the tools and services needed to achieve personal and professional success. Our common goal: to support a thriving, diverse workforce in our community.  For more information, visit our website.