Conference Materials
$25
Includes:
Access to Conference materials after the event (some exceptions may apply.). Includes recordings of all 3 breakout sessions.
Agenda
8AM: Conference Check-In & Continental Breakfast
9AM: Welcome Remarks
Valerie Jensen, Visionary and Founder of The Prospector.
Ryan Wenke, Executive Director of The Prospector.
9:10AM: Introduction and screening of ‘47’, a heartwarming short film showcasing Cafe Joyeux's mission to create an inclusive and joyful workplace.
Jason Washington, General Manager and Head Trainer of Cafe Joyeux.
9:25AM: Hiring People with Differing Abilities is Not Altruism. It is Good Business
John and Mark demonstrate that hiring people with differing abilities is good for business and offer many examples of why.
John & Mark X Cronin, Co-Founders of John’s Crazy Socks.
10:25AM Break
10:40AM: Social Enterprise - The Power of People with Purpose
Embracing dual and triple bottom line business models that integrate social, environmental and fiscal impact, while spotlighting the untapped potential and innovation driven by a diverse workforce, fueling business excellence, inclusivity and economic advancement.
Rick Sebastian, President & CEO of The Kennedy Collective.
11:40AM: Yes She Can - Work Skills Training, Social Skills and Mentorship
Work Skills training, combined with Social Skills training and a strong mentor, provides neurodiverse individuals with the tools they need to secure and maintain employment.
Robin L. Davies-Small, Executive Director of Yes She Can.
Darlene Schubert, Director of Training of Yes She Can, Inc.
12:25PM: Walgreens Hiring Model
Walgreens will share replicable strategies for implementing an inclusive hiring model and comprehensive training programs initiatives, designed to support career paths for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
Marc Senia, Field Disability Inclusion Manager at Walgreens.
Julie Oakley, Area Field Disability Specialist at Walgreens.
12:55PM - 1:55PM: Lunch (catered by The Porch at Christies) and Prospector Gourmet Popcorn Tasting
2:00PM: Panel
Together Everything is Possible - Andrea Pecoriello, Owner & Founder of Sweet P Bakery and The Porch at Christies.
The Super Stars of Team Woofgang - Kelly Maffei, Co-Founder & Program Manager at Team Woofgang & Co.
Focusing on their current strengths & honoring their ability to do more, Team Woofgang & Co. strives to provide individuals with IDD the opportunity to learn and succeed in a safe environment, while equipping them with the skills necessary to become valuable contributors to their community.
Deb Rogan, Executive Director at Coffee for Good.
Danny Clarke, Coffee for Good Graduate, The Bruce Museum.
Suzanne Lio, Executive Director at Greenwich Symphony Orchestra and Former COO at Bruce Museum.
Felipe Rodriguez, Director of Security at Bruce Museum.
Jocelyn Barandiaran, President and Director of Westport Book Sale Ventures, Inc.
Jocelyn is looking forward to sharing with conference attendees their transformation from a traditional public library book sale operation, to a multi-faceted enterprise that provides inclusive employment and job training, in both a retail store environment, as well as in office-type and computer skills training. She’ll also share some of their longer term plans to continue to expand their impact.
3:00PM: Building a More Inclusive Economy
Laura DeFrancesco Ross, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Procure Impact
3:45PM: Break
4PM-6PM: Breakout Sessions (Choose 1 Per Hour)
Spectrum Designs: Empowering through Employment. (Kelli Fisher Marketing & Development Specialist at Spectrum Designs).
This presentation highlights the crucial importance of autism employment by exploring how it provides financial independence, fosters a sense of purpose, leverages unique inclusive practices.
Bridges to Employment: Resources, Strategies and Tips to Support Meaningful Work Opportunities / Stand Out or Fit In? 4 Application. Strategies to Help You Do Both. (Jessica DiValentino, Transition Coordinator at Ridgefield Public Schools, Brad Bellagamba, HR Director at The Prospector.)
Jessica will discuss strategies, tips and resources to create meaningful employment opportunities for all
Brad will teach you how to share your sparkle, highlight your employability, and stand out to fit in.
Exploring my Sparkle Throughout the Years / Do What You Love and Love What You Do (Ali Wood, Usher Manager at The Prospector, Joe Gillotti, Usher & Embroidery at The Prospector.)
Ali will share her struggles in finding meaningful employment, until she started working at the Prospector where she was able to explore her Sparkle which has allowed her to gain confidence, thrive and succeed at a job while using AAC to communicate with.
6PM: Final Comments & Conclusion
Why Do Good Business?
Around 80% of Americans with disabilities have no job. We can work, want to work, and add tremendous value. Through universally designing workplaces and businesses, we can tap into a talented workforce. What we’re doing isn’t nice; it’s good business.
Since opening, the Prospector has received hundreds of replication inquiries. Employment opportunities are still hard to find for many people with disabilities. Automation is on the rise, sheltered workshops are closing their doors, and more parents than ever are wondering what happens after the post-transition cliff. We need to make a larger impact at a quicker rate.
The Do Good Business Conference is a forum where we can share our successes and strategies, helping employers to understand how inclusion and accessibility can better their business and bottom line. Through this collaboration, we will create a community like-minded organizations who can work together to address everyday obstacles and systemic change. It’s time we all sparkled together. Are you ready to Do Good Business?
