Description

Inclusive Hiring Practices: Discovering the solution to inclusive hiring practices and needs

In this riveting session, participants will:

• Understand what integrated employment is
• Benefits of an inclusive workplace
• History of hiring individuals with IDD
• Accessibility and accommodations in workplaces
• Understanding the perspective from other people who have hired a neurodiverse employee.

Date: September 12th, 2024
Time: 10:00AM-11:00AM
Location: The Launch Factory
2459 Wilkinson Blvd
Suite 310
Charlotte NC 28208

Free parking in the parking lot. Park in the back of the building for main entrance and take the elevator to the 3rd floor. 

Speakers

Amanda Jones, Program Manager
 
Amanda Jones is the Vocational Training Program Manager at Cakeable Charlotte. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSW), Amanda has completed a fellowship in Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and has worked with IDD individuals in multiple settings: at a crisis agency, a day program, a group home, and as a direct support professional. Amanda earned her master’s in social work from UNC Chapel Hill and has a close family member who lives with Down Syndrome.

Kelsey Warlick, Deputy Director of Programs

Kelsey Warlick launched Best Buddies’ integrated program in March 2022. Kelsey earned her Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) in May. She has a master’s degree in special education from Ball State University and previously worked as a high school special education teacher.

Panelists

Ally Ada, MS, Employee Consultant
Ally Adams graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in political science. She has worked with the IDD population since she was 15 years old but more recently was employed by the Arc of the Triangle. She joined the Best Buddies North Carolina Team in 2024 as an Employment Consultant.

KELLY McCANN, Manager

Kelly McCann is the manager of The Navigate Foundation in Charlotte. She began her career in nonprofit in Houston, TX, as a Director at The Center for Pursuit, supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to her work in the nonprofit sector, she was the Principal of St. Frances of Rome school, in Chicago’s west side. She graduated from Appalachian State University in 2014 with a BS in Elementary Education and worked as a teacher for five years before moving into administration. She also holds a Master’s degree in educational leadership from DePaul University, graduating in 2019. Throughout her career, Kelly’s mission has been dedicated to helping others reach their full potential.

WENDY BOWERS, Human Resources Manager

WENDY BOWERS has been a Human Resources professional for more than 35 years, most recently at Northrop Grumman SYNOPTICS as a Manager of Human Resources. Having worked in a variety of organizations across multiple industries, Wendy knows that one of the most important things she can do as HR Manager is to support employees at all levels and help create a workplace culture where everyone feels welcome and respected.