Re-entry Mediation & Returning to the Workplace

8/24/2021 Hosted by Leadership Washington County

While labor shortages are affecting every industry and hiring managers struggle to fill open positions, there are individuals who want and need work. Formerly incarcerated individuals face immense challenges upon release, and some of the biggest hurdles are securing housing and employment. During the next Cultural Conversation, we will hear from Lorig Charkoudian, Ph.D., Executive Director of Community Mediation Maryland and a Maryland State Delegate. Her work includes developing innovative partnerships with state agencies including the Department of Education, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Department on Aging and others, to bring collaborative conflict resolution to new and unique forums. The session will explain the restorative justice process, how re-entry mediation plays a critical role and address the challenges and opportunities for employers willing to hire formerly incarcerated individuals.

This virtual event is FREE for members of LWC, the Chamber and GHC. **Email invitations have been sent to LWC members**

Parenting Equity the Workplace (VIDEO LINK)

Hosted 6/15/2021 by The Washington County Chamber of Commerce

Panelists

• Carrie Aaron: Human Resources Manager for Hub Labels

• Jena Judd (LWC Class 34, 2021): Director of Human Resources Operations for Meritus Health

• Kim Lundy: President of Kim Lundy HR Consulting

• Amber Mowery: co-owner of JDog Junk Removal

Hiring and engaging techniques to improve diversity and equity in your company or organization.

Hosted 4/8/2021 by The Greater Hagerstown Committee

Panelists

• Michelle Wright: President, Certus Consulting, LLC and former SVP, Chief H.R. Officer for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

• Toni Bowie: Founder of MaxLife LLC

  • MaxLife LLC is a minority, woman owned company that provides training, facilitation, education and executive coaching to companies and organizations

• Holly Combs: Plant Manager of Ring Technologies

  • Ring is known for their diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to fostering a culture of empowerment and respect—within their own walls, in the communities they live and work in, and in the global community we all share.

Go for Bold Initiative & Equity

Focusing on basic needs.

We collaborated to host three separate lunchtime conversations and welcomed community experts to discuss the following topics:

Seeking equity in a distance learning environment

Our first segment is focused on education and seeking equity in a distance learning environment.

Thank you to our community for the tremendous response to our parent survey!! We hosted a focus group of 11 parents that represent many backgrounds and appreciate their views that helped to provide answers to our questions about how they and their families/children have been impacted and affected by distance learning.

The feedback from the focus group was used during a panel discussion moderated by Tara Sargent, Executive Director - Leadership Washington County.

Panelists:

Neil Becker, President - Washington County Teachers Association

Terri Lancaster, Outpatient Services Coordinator - Mental Health Center of Western Maryland

Nitzalis Rivera, English Learner (EL) Teacher - Washington County Public Schools

Allison Smith, Supervisor of Equity & Excellence - Washington County Public Schools

We are proud to share the conversations that discuss relevant information and foster collaboration with a call to action.