May 8, 2026 I 9:00am - 12:00pm
This online live event brings together adult education providers, workforce partners, and employers to build partnerships and explore workforce-aligned instruction, career pathways, digital and foundational skills, work-based learning, and coordinated support services.
Key Note Speaker
Edward Macdonald
Sustaining High Performance in Complex Systems: The Neuroscience of Resilient Leadership
Leaders working across complex systems face constant pressure to deliver results, align stakeholders, and support the success of the people they serve. Over time, that pressure can lead to burnout, reduced clarity, and diminished decision-making capacity.
In this keynote, executive coach and applied neuroscience practitioner Edward Macdonald, MCC, MBA explores how the brain and nervous system shape leadership performance, resilience, and the ability to navigate complexity.
Drawing from neuroscience, performance psychology, and leadership development, participants will learn how stress physiology impacts focus, decision-making, and collaboration, and how leaders can build the resilience needed to sustain high performance while guiding complex initiatives and partnerships.
This talk provides practical insights for leaders who want to perform at a high level without sacrificing clarity, resilience, or long-term effectiveness.
Edward Macdonald, MCC, MBA is an executive coach and applied neuroscience practitioner who works with leaders, physicians, and high-performing professionals. Through his firm Limitless Development, he helps individuals and organizations optimize leadership performance, resilience, and decision-making using insights from neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and coaching. Edward’s work focuses on helping leaders sustain high performance while navigating complex environments and demanding responsibilities.
Dr. Joseph Charleman
Guest Speaker
GED to Entry-Level Workforce @ Pikes Peak State College
Gary Walker
Guest Speaker
GED to Entry-Level Workforce @ Pikes Peak State College
Presentation
GED to Entry-Level Workforce @ Pikes Peak State College
Often, students who earn their GED are unfortunately still not ready to join the local workforce and earn a living, sustainable wage in Colorado. Dr. Joseph Charleman, Executive Dean of Health Sciences, and Gary Walker, Associate Vice President for Instructional Services and Credit for Prior Learning, will discuss a proposed Pikes Peak State College program in which adult students can earn a one-semester GED and move directly into a one-semester certificate that will both make them workforce ready and enable them to stack their certificate into pursuing a larger credential.
Cailey Oehlier
Guest Speaker
Roundtable: Innovative Workforce Programing Development in Pennsylvania
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Alicia Buchanan
Guest Speaker
Roundtable: Innovative Workforce Programing Development in Pennsylvania
Round Table
Josh Margolin
Guest Speaker
4 Credit High School Equivalency Program
Dr. Junior ReinaToc, PhD
Guest Speaker
4 Credit High School Equivalency Program
Catherine Lachman
Guest Speaker
4 Credit High School Equivalency Program
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Will Whitaker
Guest Speaker
4 Credit High School Equivalency Program
4 Credit High School Equivalency
4-Credit Adult High School Program Panel Description
This panel explores how 4-credit adult high school programs support learners in completing core academic requirements while building skills for career and postsecondary success. Panelists will highlight instruction in language arts, math, science, and social studies, along with integrated workforce readiness, digital literacy, and career pathway connections. The discussion will also focus on flexible program design, learner support strategies, and partnerships that help adult students transition into employment, training, or continued education.
Luke Hammon
Guest Speaker
The 30-Minute Resume Workshop: Using AI to Boost Student Employment Outcomes
Workshop
The 30-Minute Resume Workshop: Using AI to Boost Student Employment Outcomes
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Students leave class with a real, polished resume and job-specific cover letter ready to submit to employers
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Requires just 30 minutes of class time with no technical experience required from students or teachers
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Easy for any teacher or administrator to facilitate no special training needed
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Builds student AI and technology literacy alongside job-readiness skills
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Directly supports your program's employment outcome metrics
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Fully personalized works for any industry or job target
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Students learn a reusable skill they can apply every time they apply for a new job
Workshop facilitated by Luke Hammons, co-founder of A+ Organizational Academy and former Director of Adult Education at The Learning Source in Weld County, Colorado. With over seven years in adult education and workforce development and a track record of raising GED completion rates from 12% to 46% Luke brings practical, classroom-tested expertise to every session.
Trades Panel
Wilson Betances
Guest Speaker
Education to Career Pathways in the Trades
Educator-Podcaster, Electrical, Builder, Advocate
Jess St. Peter
Guest Speaker
Education to Career Pathways in the Trades
Project Manager - Glazier, Welder, Electrical, Automotive
Sergio Cortez
Guest Speaker
Education to Career Pathways in the Trades
Electrical
Skilled Trades Panel Description
This panel brings together industry professionals from high-demand skilled trades including construction, electrical, plumbing, manufacturing, automotive, and welding to share insights on career pathways, training opportunities, and workforce needs. Panelists will discuss entry points into the trades, industry expectations, and strategies for building strong partnerships between adult education and employers. Attendees will gain practical knowledge to better align instruction with workforce demands and support learners in transitioning to sustainable, high-wage careers.
Corrections Panel
Dr. Albert Alba, PhD
Guest Speaker
Education to Career Pathways in Corrections
Jefferey Abramowitz
Guest Speaker
Education to Career Pathways in Corrections
Daniella Hastings
Guest Speaker
Education to Career Pathways in Corrections
Corrections Panel Description
This panel brings together professionals working in correctional education and reentry services to discuss strategies for supporting justice-involved individuals in achieving educational and workforce success. Panelists will share insights on delivering ABE, GED, ESL, and career training within correctional settings, as well as best practices for transition planning, reentry support, and reducing recidivism. The session will highlight partnerships between correctional facilities, adult education programs, and employers, and provide practical approaches to help learners successfully reintegrate into the community and workforce.