The University Career Center will recognize disabled community members as well as their professional development and workforce rights with programming around the theme “Disability @ Work: Advocating for a Brighter Future,” during the week of April 12-19.
The week will kick off with an open house at the Career Center Wednesday, April 12, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Other events throughout the week will feature experts and employers about their companies’ disability-focused initiatives.
“Diversity is the future of the workforce,” said Lee Anne Tourigny, coordinator for disability outreach at the University Career Center. “We hope to share and celebrate the differences that exist and the beauty it creates.”
Events and opportunities include:
Disability in the Workplace Art Contest: What does workplace inclusion mean to you?
Students, faculty, staff and alumni of all abilities are invited to participate in an art contest to showcase the meaning of workplace inclusion to them. Submissions are accepted through April 11; winners will be announced at the open house on April 12.
Open House, sponsored by Disability:IN-NC
Wednesday, April 12, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
University Career Center
Students, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to learn more about resources available from the Office of Disability Services, the Office of Identity, Equity and Engagement, the Center for Academic Excellence and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. Attendees may sign up for networking opportunities with Mentra and Disability:IN-NC. In addition, the professional clothing closet will be open with access to Iris, a professional photo booth. Refreshments will be served.
Navigating Disabilities at Work: Answer the Questions Not Being Asked
Thursday, April 13, 3 to 3:45 p.m.
Join this virtual meetup to discuss questions you've probably asked yourself with representatives from leading change and transformation consultancy North Highland. Topics to be included are employee resource groups (ERGs), the “Do you have a disability?” checkbox, working from home with a disability, accommodations at work, when and how to request accommodations and inclusive companies.
Finding THE Job Instead of A Job: Knowing Your Worth and Gaining Confidence with the Job Search Process
Tuesday, April 18, 9 to 9:45 a.m.
Attend this virtual meetup to learn tips and tools for gathering intel on yourself and companies, help you deal with setbacks and find a fit for your specific needs and interests from Hannah Strack, a business development associate with Leading in a Culturally Diverse World, a nonprofit organization that strives to foster equity in communities where people live and the organizations where they work.
Lunch and Learn: Networking, presentation and public speaking skills
Wednesday, April 19, 11 a.m. to noon
Lance Cibik ‘02, with over 20 years experience in sales and leadership roles, will share his experiences growing up with adversity, navigating his time at Charlotte, and succeeding in his corporate journey. He will offer insight for becoming better prepared to network, present and speak in public – and determine your post-college career path. Come prepared to engage and ask questions over lunch. Registration is required; space is limited.
Cultural Humility: Empathy for All
Wednesday, April 19, 2 to 3 p.m.
At this virtual event, learn about cultural humility in the workplace from Addie Black ‘19, a recruiting coordinator for A Bridge to Achievement, an organization whose mission is to positively impact the lives of learners on the autism spectrum and their families.
“Building an inclusive Niner community means expanding the table so that everyone feels like they belong in the journey towards purposeful work,” said Patrick Madsen, director of the University Career Center. “I am proud of the career center for leading the charge in developing and implementing the Disability @ Work series and bringing to our University community the wonderful mentoring programs, new resources and connections to opportunity."