[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”2022 Conference Keynote Speakers” text_orientation=”right” admin_label=”Fullwidth Header – AlaskaCAN! Keynote Speakers” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font_size=”35px” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”225deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#fda529 5%|rgba(0,21,60,0.8) 5%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#fda529″ background_color_gradient_start_position=”5%” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(0,21,60,0.8)” background_color_gradient_end_position=”5%” background_image=”https:\/\/65by2025.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/CROP_AlaskaCAN-Conference-2016-number-6-1300×0-1.jpeg” min_height=”230px” custom_padding=”70px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/65by2025.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Our-Keynote-Speakers.png” title_text=”Our Keynote Speakers” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#fda529″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”H2 – Day 1: INNOVATION” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/65by2025.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Mandy-Savitz-Romer.jpeg” title_text=”Mandy-Savitz-Romer” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”H3 – Dr. Mandy Savitz-Romer, Director” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#fda529″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Mandy Savitz-Romer\u2019s professional experience has allowed her to link research to practice in the field of school counseling, specifically as it relates to college access and retention for urban students.<\/p>\n
Before joining the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Mandy was the associate director of the Boston Higher Education Partnership, where she led research, policy and programmatic initiatives focused on promoting college access, readiness and support for Boston Public School students. She previously taught courses in school counseling and postsecondary planning at Boston University.<\/p>\n
As a former urban school counselor, Mandy is particularly interested in how schools structure counseling support systems and college planning efforts to reach all students. Her work in promoting academic achievement for Boston students has also included directing various enrichment programs for middle school, high school and first-year college students in the Boston Public Schools, Boston University, Boston College and Simmons College.<\/p>\n
Mandy is the author of Fulfilling the Promise: Reimagining School Counseling to Advance Student Success (Harvard Education Press 2019) and the co-author of Ready, Willing, and Able: A Developmental Approach to College Access and Success (Harvard Education Press 2012).<\/p>\n
Mandy is the director of HGSE\u2019s master\u2019s program in Prevention Science and Practice (PSP). Her research interests include college access and retention for urban students; early college planning and awareness; school counselor development; K-16 policies and reform; and school-university partnerships.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#fda529″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”H2 – Day 2: ACCESSIBILITY” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/65by2025.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Duane-Mayes-2.png” title_text=”Duane-Mayes-2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”H3 – Duane Mayes, Director” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#fda529″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Duane Mayes, Director for the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, began his career in social services just out of high school when he took a job in a nursing home. He found he loved the work, perhaps because he and his two siblings already had experience caring for their father, who had significant physical disabilities from polio; also, because both his parents are deaf. Mayes is fluent in American Sign Language, his first language.<\/p>\n
Mayes went on to get a bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin Stout graduating in 1982. Mayes moved to Alaska in 1982, where he worked for many years with the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. He has 38 years of vocational rehabilitation experience, eight in the private sector and four as the owner of his own business. He went on to work for three years as the Operations Director with the Governor\u2019s Council on Disabilities and Special Education and then assumed the position of Division Director from 2010 to 2018 for Senior and Disabilities Services with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.<\/p>\n
Two years ago, Mayes made the decision to come back to the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and is often saying this is where he truly belongs. \u201cAssisting Alaskans with disabilities in obtaining competitive and integrated employment is my passion,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_bottom=”2px” border_color_bottom=”#fda529″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”H2 – Day 3: FLEXIBILITY” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/65by2025.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Rebecca-Braun.jpeg” title_text=”Rebecca-Braun” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”H3 – Rebecca Braun, Consultant” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” link_text_color=”#fda529″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Rebecca\u2019s background in research, communications, and policy provide an excellent foundation for her McKinley Research assignments. Recent projects include an analysis of the Alaska Performance Scholarship.<\/p>\n
She served as Policy Director for Governor Bill Walker, researching and advising on a wide array of issues including education, fiscal policy, healthcare, and transportation.<\/p>\n
Prior to her work in government, she published and edited the nonpartisan Alaska Budget Report, which produced original coverage of all aspects of Alaska budget and policy issues. The weekly newsletter was valued for timely and accurate analysis by news outlets, lawmakers, local and state government entities, trade organizations, and numerous other subscribers.<\/p>\n
Rebecca completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard, and holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from University of Alaska Southeast. She enjoys running, writing, and helping her children navigate life.<\/p>\n
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Day 1: INNOVATIONKEYNOTE SPEAKER Dr. Mandy Savitz-Romer, Director Prevention Science and Practice; Harvard Graduate School of Education Mandy Savitz-Romer\u2019s professional experience has allowed her to link research to practice in the field of school counseling, specifically as it relates to college access and retention for urban students. Before joining the Harvard Graduate School of Education, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":1983,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\r\n
\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dr. Tamika L. Ledbetter serves as the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Under her leadership, the department serves to provide safe and legal working conditions and advance opportunities for employment. Dr. Ledbetter held several key positions with the department prior to becoming Commissioner. She began her career with the State of Alaska in 2007 as a career development specialist. After two years, she left to become manager of the Mat-Su Job Center, a role she held for eight years. Most recently, she served as regional manager for the Anchorage\/Mat-Su Economic Region. Her background as a community leader, dynamic public speaker, and human performance improvement consultant have complemented her experience as a workforce development professional for more than 12 years.<\/p>\r\n
As a United States Air Force veteran, Dr. Ledbetter served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After she and her family transferred to Elmendorf Air Force Base in 2003, they decided to make Wasilla their home. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History\/Political Science, a Master of Arts in Education\/Adult Education and Training, and a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Ledbetter serves on several nonprofit boards and community organizations, and she is also a member of two academic research organizations. She and her husband Fred are most proud of their children: their 13-year-old daughter and two sons who are active duty in the United States Marine Corps.<\/p>\r\n
Cathy LeCompte started her career in postsecondary education over twenty years ago as a faculty member on the University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan campus. She served as the Campus Director in Ketchikan and then Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Alaska Anchorage Community and Technical College. She is currently the Director at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC).<\/span><\/p>\r\n She is an experienced and skilled postsecondary leader and online instructor; and has been an online faculty since 2000, teaching undergraduate business and graduate leadership and higher education courses in the UAS School of Business and Public Administration.<\/span><\/p>\r\n With two children aged 8 and 10 and two jobs, she became one of many non-traditional college students at the local community college where she earned several credentials of value including a certificate in accounting and small business administration, an AAS in Small Business Management and an AA in general studies. She attended a commuter college and earned BS in Business Administration and an Executive Masters of Not for Profit Leadership.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Prior careers include small business owner, nonprofit executive and fund development professional, a health club manager personal training, and certified yoga and aerobics instructor, and caf\u00e9 manager and barista. She is an Alaskan gardener, avid traveler and proud Grammy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n I dropped out of college the first time and joined the Carpenter Joint Apprenticeship. During my apprenticeship, I quickly realized that the more knowledge gained, the more opportunities opened. Rising through the ranks, I went from the field to the office as an estimator and project manager. The office required a new set of skills and I needed more credentials. I returned to community college some ten years after the first time. Nervous but determined, I registered for a full load. My employer said, no raises until I earned a degree. Working full time, family and children at home, I was determined not to fail. After three years of evenings, online, and Saturday classes, I did it! My AAS was now transferrable to the next step.<\/p>\r\n After three years without a raise, I was faced with, \u201cThat\u2019s not a real degree.\u201d Now even more determined, I pushed forward. I completed my bachelor degree in four consecutive semesters, again working full time. A career shift and using my new degree, received an Alaska Type M Teaching certificate for vocational education. My new found peers were quick to remind me, that I was \u201cnot a real teacher\u201d since I did not have a teaching degree. Challenge accepted. Attending UAS, I completed the MA in Teaching program. After a few not-so-stellar educational leaders, it was time for additional skills and education. In twelve months, I completed my MA in Educational Leadership.<\/p>\r\n All of this has lead up to my current position at I\u1e37isa\u0121vik College. I have a strong desire to give back to those who started in the same shoes. Everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive in life. At I\u1e37isa\u0121vik College we say: More education, More options, More out of life.<\/p>\r\n My name is Tiffany Caudle and I've been a proud Alaskan since I was 2 years old. I love the outdoors, my rescue dogs, and my beautiful family. With my background in education from a degree in Education at the University of Idaho, I have always had a passion for educating youth about postsecondary opportunities including apprenticeship. I have been working for a non-profit called Alaska Works Partnership that offers free construction training to youth and adults in our community for 12 years.<\/p>\r\n As the program coordinator, I also do case management and enjoy working with our community members to help them gain skills that lead to better jobs and careers. It is very rewarding to work with youth and adults and offer educational and career guidance that can help to better their lives, and in turn better our great community. I have an ambitious, positive attitude and am always learning and working in creative and innovative ways.<\/p>\r\n Felicia Swanson is the main contact for federal Carl Perkins related data questions at the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development. She has been part of the department for 21 years with the majority of her time spent on the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Team; she has extensive historical knowledge of CTE at the Department and a breadth of experience in navigating the federal supports and requirements of federal CTE funding.\u00a0Felicia also serves as the Statewide Coordinator for the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS).<\/p>\r\n Dr. Michael Johnson began his service as Commissioner on July 1, 2016. Commissioner Johnson served in the Copper River School District as superintendent, school principal, district curriculum and staff development director, elementary teacher, and special education program assistant. During his tenure as its principal, Glennallen Elementary School was named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Johnson also is a recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award.<\/p>\r\n Commissioner Johnson holds certification in Alaska as a teacher and administrator. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a master of arts in teaching degree in elementary education from Columbia International University, and a doctorate of philosophy in education and intercultural studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.<\/p>\r\n Sana Efird joined the Commission in December 2020 as Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education \/ Executive Officer, Alaska Student Loan Corporation.<\/p>\r\n Prior to her appointment she served as Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) during three different administrations, currently overseeing a $3.3 billion budget and administrative and operational functions of DHSS including Budget, Fiscal\/Revenue, Audit, Human Resources, Facilities\/Leasing, Grants and Contracts, and Information Technology. She has also served as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Education and Early Development focusing on Alaska\u2019s Education Challenge to ensure every student across the state has equitable opportunity to learn and succeed. Her credentials include a Master of Arts from Saint Mary\u2019s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of South Carolina. Additionally, Sana has been a classroom teacher, teacher trainer, reading specialist, and executive director of a college foundation supporting financial scholarships and loans to help students achieve their educational goals.<\/p>\r\n She and her husband live and work in Juneau and enjoy all the outdoor activities Juneau has to offer, especially hiking and backpacking with friends.<\/p>\r\n B.A. Anthropology and B.A. Alaska Native Studies from University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2004. Masters in Alaska Native and Rural Development from University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2010. Ph.D. in Indigenous Studies, with an emphasis in Indigenous Leadership from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, May 2016. Dr. Brower is currently the President and CEO of Brower Consulting Services, and independent consulting service around the state of Alaska. In October of 2020, Dr. Brower left the President of I\u1e37isa\u0121vik College, Alaska\u2019s only Tribal College where she had been at the college for 13 years, the last 8 serving as President.<\/p>\r\n Dr. Brower grew up in both Barrow, Alaska and in northern California practicing a subsistence lifestyle in both areas. She and her husband, Jesse Darling, have two daughters, Isla and Sindri. Brower was named one of Alaska\u2019s Top 40 Under 40 in 2015, the First Alaskans Institute Young Alaska Native Leader in 2019, and received the 2019 YWCA Women of Achievement award.<\/p>\r\n Brower is active around Alaska. She serves as the Alaska Native representative on the Alaska Postsecondary Access and Completion Network, serves on the Alaska Airlines Community Advisory Board, on the Foraker Group\u2019s Operations Board as Chair in 2021, as a Commissioner for the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE), and a board member on the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Board of Directors.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Julia helps Alaskans develop Personal Learning & Career Plans (PLCPs) using the Alaska Career Information System (www.AKCIS.org<\/a>). She encourages parental and community engagement while partnering with school districts, organizations, and industry by sharing her career services; human resources; job center; secondary education and postsecondary education, and corporate training experience.<\/p>\r\n Julia contributes nationally to CIS system development and the State Leaders in Career Development Coalition. Julia serves nationally as Alliance of Career Resource Professionals (ACRP) President, Career Information System (CIS) Executive Team Chair, and the Technology in Education Co-Chair of the National Coalition for Career Development Advisory Board.<\/p>\r\n Julia received the 2019 Alaska Association of Career & Technical Education Leadership Award for her work across Alaska bringing awareness to Personal Learning & Career Plans (PLCPs).<\/p>\r\n Josh Bicchinella is the campus president for Charter College, a private, independent institution located in Anchorage, Alaska. Josh also serves on the Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education filling the proprietary education seat.\u00a0 Josh holds a MS in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University and is actively pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration. As the campus president, Josh is responsible for direct and indirect leadership and operational management of the Anchorage campuses admissions, financial aid, education, student success, and career service departments. As an appointed commissioner for the state of Alaska, Josh is responsible for working with the commission to advocate and support post-secondary participation and education in Alaska. Born and raised in Alaska, Josh is an avid Alaskan embracing all things outdoors. When not actively engaged in work, community activities, or public service, Josh enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and of course hiking.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\n
\r\nFACILITATOR Arth Brown III, Assistant Professor \u2013 Construction Trades
<\/strong>I\u1e37isa\u0121vik College<\/a><\/h4>\r\n
\r\nFACILITATOR Tiffany Caudle, Program Manager
<\/strong>Alaska Works Partnership Inc.<\/a><\/h4>\r\n
\r\nFACILITATOR Felicia Swanson, Education Associate
<\/strong>Alaska DEED\/Career & Technical Education<\/a><\/h4>\r\n
\r\nDay 2: K-16 EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\r\n
\r\nKEYNOTE SPEAKER Dr. Michael Johnson, Commissioner
<\/strong>Alaska Department of Education & Early Development<\/a><\/h4>\r\n
\r\nKEYNOTE SPEAKER Sana Efird, Executive Director
<\/strong>Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education<\/a><\/h4>\r\n
\r\nFACILITATOR Dr. Pearl Brower, President & CEO
<\/strong>Brower Consulting Services<\/h4>\r\n
\r\nFACILITATOR Julia Renfro, AKCIS Partnership Coordinator
<\/strong>Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education<\/a><\/h4>\r\n
\r\nFACILITATOR Joshua Bicchinella, Campus President
<\/strong>Charter College<\/a><\/h4>\r\n