FloridaACE 2026

Join us for our exciting kick off to the 2026 FloridaACE Annual Conference, Echoes of Innovation: Connecting to Guide the Next Generation.

Speakers

Lesa Shouse

Director, Campus Career Services, USF | St. Petersburg Campus

Monday June 15, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Plenary General Sessions

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 1: Echoes of Innovation in Action: Creating Care Spotters to Transform the Career Fair Experience

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Large-scale career fairs can be exciting—but also overwhelming—for students navigating high expectations, crowded environments, and performance pressure. This 30-minute roundtable will explore an innovative Standard Operating Procedure: the Care Spotter Team model implemented at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University during the Spring Career Fair and Fall Career EXPO. Participants will learn how...
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Speakers

Lizz Giordano

Career Center Outreach and Expo Manager, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Lizz Giordano is a career services professional with more than eight years of experience in employer relations, career advising, and large-scale recruiting initiatives. She currently serves as Career Center Outreach & Expo Manager at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 2: From Classroom to Interview Room: What Early Career Talent Is Doing Right (and Wrong) in Today's Hiring Process

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

As early-career hiring continues to evolve, employers and career development professionals are seeing shifts in interview expectations, candidate readiness, and communication skills. This roundtable will examine what employers currently seek in early-career talent, the interview questions being used across industries, and how students are performing in real-world interview settings. Participants...
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Speakers

Amy Kavanaugh

Program Director | Lecturer, UCF | College of Business

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 3: Building a Supportive Career Development Ecosystem: Positioning Student Well-Being at the Core of Career Decision Making

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Today's career decision making process is influenced by rapidly changing labor markets, competitive academic environments, and societal pressure to achieve. These factors may intensify student stress, burnout, and self doubt which directly shape how students select majors, engage in career exploration, and build professional identities. This roundtable will examine the deeply interconnected...
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Speakers

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 4: Career Readiness in a Shifting Landscape: How OBBBA is Reshaping the Career Center

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

OBBBA is now law, and career centers across Florida are racing to figure out what "demonstrated experiential learning" and "measurable career outcomes" actually require in practice. Most directors are still building the answer in real time. This roundtable convenes career services leaders for a tactical exchange: what counts as experiential learning under the new requirements, how are you tracking...
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Speakers

Rahul Jindal

CEO, MyCareerCloset

We help students across 80+ universities get hired with scalable career readiness tools: professional attire (CareerCloset), formulaic prep for career fairs, and international student visa support. Designed for tight budgets, our solutions are employer-funded and impact-driven.

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 5: Implementing AI tools in Career Coaching

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

This roundtable explores best practices for the ethical, responsible, and effective use of artificial intelligence in career coaching. As AI-powered tools increasingly shape resume development, career exploration, skills assessment, and job search strategies, career professionals must balance innovation with student-centered, values-driven practice. Participants will discuss opportunities for AI...
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Speakers

Moha Forero Bucheli

Assistant Director Career Readiness, Rollins College

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership, Affiliate/Technology Partners

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 6: Let's Talk Outreach: Career Readiness Across Campus

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

To better guide the next generation of students at the University of Central Florida, the Kenneth G. Dixon Career Development Center is evolving its outreach strategy from independent departmental efforts into a unified, centralized model. This innovation in connectivity provides a single "front door" for faculty and student organizations, ensuring a cohesive approach to classroom presentations,...
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Speakers

Riya N. Patel, PMP, MPM

Academic Support Coordinator I, University of Central Florida

As an Academic Support Coordinator I at the University of Central Florida, Riya N. Patel partners closely with faculty partners, ensuring they have the technological tools and resources to drive student success. From managing the Career Services Canvas course to streamlining outreach... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 7: From Paychecks to Pathways: Reimagining Student Employment as a Career Development Strategy

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Student employment is one of the most accessible and scalable ways to engage students, yet it is often underutilized as a tool for career development. This interactive roundtable invites participants to explore how campus jobs can be intentionally designed to support career readiness, skill development, and long-term success. Through guided discussion, attendees will share current challenges,...
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Speakers

Edson O'Neale

Student Employment/JLD Coordinator, University of South Florida, Tampa

Edson O’Neale has been working in Higher Education for over 15 years with a wide variety of experiences in Student Activities, Advising, Admissions, Student Success and now Career Services. Edson currently serves as the Student Employment/JLD Coordinator at the University of South... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 8: Vibe Coding Across the Curriculum: Integrating AI Skills into Any Major or Course

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

As AI becomes a foundational workforce skill, institutions must find ways to integrate practical AI experiences across all majors-not just technical fields. This roundtable explores how vibe Coding, a no-code, prompt-driven approach to building AI-powered tools, can be embedded into any course using the Base44. Participants will discuss strategies for incorporating AI skill-building into diverse...
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Speakers

Elery Rojas

Director of Outreach and Programs, Base44

Elery Rojas is the Director of University Programs and Outreach at Base44, where she empowers educators and innovators to lead in AI and digital presence. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Elery has dedicated her career to advancing student success through career... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

3:30pm EDT

TABLE 9: Wellness in the Workplace

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Wellness in the Workplace is an interactive 30-minute roundtable designed for employers, career professionals, and organizational leaders committed to cultivating healthy, human-centered work environments. Together, we will explore how companies are supporting employee wellbeing through meaningful initiatives, ranging from mental health benefits and flexible work structures to creative perks that...
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Speakers

Sara Sabourin

Employer Relations Coordinator & Career Coach, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership, Affiliate/Technology Partners

3:30pm EDT

TABLE. 10: Career Service Software: Making Informed Decision

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

This presentation shares the results of a statewide benchmarking study of career services technology across 19 Florida colleges and universities. Evaluating more than 18 platforms across job skills, career exploration, and job search, the study identifies dominant tools such as LinkedIn Learning, Big Interview, and Handshake, highlights emerging momentum around Career Forge, and surfaces...
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Speakers

Kelli Grogan

Career Services Coordinator, Florida College

Kelli Grogan leads the Career Services Center at Florida College in Tampa, Florida. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University, as well as a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both from the University of Kentucky... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership

3:30pm EDT

TABLE. 11: Career Readiness through Networking

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

This roundtable discussion explores how intentional, low-stakes networking experiences can strengthen students' career readiness, confidence, and career exploration. Participants will learn about a collaborative networking initiative between Florida Gulf Coast University's Communication program and both the professional and FGCU student chapters of Florida Public Relations Association. The event...
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Speakers

Lindsay Singh

Internship Coordinator, Florida Gulf Coast University

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Career Development Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals

3:30pm EDT

TABLE. 12: Prototyping the Pivot: Using Life Design to Navigate Life's Transitions

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

The transition back to work after a significant leave is often viewed as a hurdle to be cleared rather than a creative opportunity. Traditional career models demand linear progression, but life is rarely linear. This roundtable explores how Life Design principles can transform the return to work after life transitions into an intentional, innovative journey. Participants will discuss high-level...
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Speakers

Ciara Suarez

Interim Executive Director, New College of Florida

Ciara Suarez has been working in Higher Education since 2019, and returned to the New College of Florida in September 2023 as the Coordinator of Office and Recruitment Services in the Center for Career Engagement and Opportunity. She is also the Coordinator in the Office of Global... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership

3:30pm EDT

Expo Area Open

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 7:00pm EDT

Ballroom Foyer

Stop by and say "Hi" to our amazing exhibitors in the expo area.

Monday June 15, 2026 3:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Ballroom Foyer

Exhibitor Event

6:00pm EDT

Opening Reception - Exhibitors

Monday June 15, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

Ballroom Foyer

Grab a bite to eat and network with our exhibitors during our open reception.

Monday June 15, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
Ballroom Foyer

Networking & Meals

7:00pm EDT

Evening Meet-Ups: 4 Events Available

Monday June 15, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

See Description For Locations

Monday Night Entertainment Includes:Vision Boards & PizzaHosted By: Kevin Stevens of Seminole State CollegeLocation: Room Longboat KeyShepard's Tiki BarHosted By: Sara Sabourin of USFLocation: 619 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767Trolley transportation is free for Marriott Sandkey guests with a room cardColumbia RestaurantHosted By: TBDLocation: 1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33786Next...
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Speakers

Amy Casari

Group Talent Acquisition Manager Jacksonville, Enterprise Mobility

Kevin Stevens

Career Development Coordinator, Seminole State College of Florida

I received my Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Radio/Television Production which provided the knowledge and experience of the video/ audio production process. This has given experience with pre-production (planning, scripting, coordination,) production (recording,) & post-production... Read More →

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida

Sara Sabourin

Employer Relations Coordinator & Career Coach, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg

Monday June 15, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
See Description For Locations

Social & Evening Events

9:00pm EDT

Poolside Nightcaps with the FloridaACE Board

Monday June 15, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT

Pool Bar

Join your FloirdaACE Board for a relaxing evening nightcap as we wind down our first day of the conference.

Speakers

Lesa Shouse

Director, Campus Career Services, USF | St. Petersburg Campus

Megan Blanco

Director, Partnerships and External Communications, University of Central Florida - College of Business, DeVos Sport Business

As the Director of Partnerships and External Affairs for the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at UCF, I lead initiatives that strengthen industry relationships, enhance student experiences, and expand the reach of one of the nation’s top sport business graduate programs... Read More →

Amy Kavanaugh

Program Director | Lecturer, UCF | College of Business

Amy Casari

Group Talent Acquisition Manager Jacksonville, Enterprise Mobility

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida

Dwayne Peterson

Director, Eckerd College

Dwayne Peterson is a nationally recognized leader in career education, experiential learning, early career talent acquisition, and workforce development, with a passion for transforming futures. As a career strategist for nearly two decades, Dwayne has helped people from diverse industries... Read More →

Monday June 15, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm EDT
Pool Bar

Social & Evening Events

7:30am EDT

Registration Open

Tuesday June 16, 2026 7:30am - 9:30am EDT

Elevator Foyer

Stop by our registration table to check-in for conference!

Tuesday June 16, 2026 7:30am - 9:30am EDT
Elevator Foyer

Registration

8:00am EDT

Breakfast & Annual Business Meeting

Tuesday June 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am EDT

Join the FloridaACE Board in the Sand Key Ballroom for an update on our organization and a delicious hot breakfast. All attendees are invited and encouraged to attend.

Speakers

Lesa Shouse

Director, Campus Career Services, USF | St. Petersburg Campus

Tuesday June 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:30am EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Business Meeting

9:00am EDT

Expo Area Open

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Ballroom Foyer

Stop by and say "Hi" to our amazing exhibitors in the expo area.

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Ballroom Foyer

Exhibitor Event

9:45am EDT

From Idea to Impact: Career Weeks That Resonate

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Madiera

At New College of Florida, “Careers in Weeks” is a three-day micro-series that builds career readiness through immersive industry exposure and transferable skill development. Each short-format series focuses on a career field such as pre-health, finance and technology, education, or the arts, while pairing practical skill-building activities with reflective exercises that connect students’...
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Speakers

Samantha Carmer

Assistant Director, New College of Florida

As an educator with a background in customer service, recruitment, and student success, it is my goal to support and expand a network of experiential learning available to all people. I joined the New College CEO team in January 2023 as the Office and Recruitment Services Coordinator... Read More →

Ellie Mobley

Assistant Director & Career Coach, New College of Florida

Ellie joined the New College CEO team in January 2023. Ellie is passionate about helping students realize and reach their full potential. She’s been working with people of all ages since she could remember. Ellie is excited to work alongside students as they navigate their ever-changing... Read More →

Ryan Hughes

Assistant Director & Career Coach, New College of Florida

Ryan joined the New College CEO team in August 2023. He is a Florida native and lifelong learner dedicated to helping students reach their full potential. Ryan began his academic career at the University of South Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance, a Master of... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Madiera

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

9:45am EDT

Launch a Campus Hackathon/Buildathon in 3 Hours to 2 Days: A Scalable Model for Student Innovation with AI

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Indian Shores

Hackathons/Buildathons are often perceived as resource-intensive, yet they can be quickly implemented as high-impact, career-focused experiences. This session introduces a scalable model for launching campus hackathons/buildathons in as little as three hours to two days using Base44. Designed for FloridaACE professionals, this presentation highlights how hackathons can drive student engagement,...
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Speakers

Elery Rojas

Director of Outreach and Programs, Base44

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Indian Shores

Audience Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals
about <br>

9:45am EDT

Reimagining Career Services Through Intelligent Tools

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Longboat Key

Career services professionals are using AI; however, impact depends on strategic, efficient, and responsible application. This session offers practical, human-centered approaches to integrating intelligent tools across student support and operations. We’ll demonstrate how AI can help students clarify skills, explore pathways, and take confident next steps through intentional prompting...
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Speakers

Brendan Daigle

Senior Manager for Career Pathways - Health & Life Sciences, University of Florida

Brendan is originally from the greater New Orleans area of Louisiana and is an alumna of Southeastern Louisiana University. She has worked in education for many years, both in higher education and as an art teacher in K-12 schools. Most of her career has been in student affairs in... Read More →

Jillian Prescott

Manager for Career Pathways - Environment, Design, Manufacturing, and Agriculture, University of Florida

Jillian Prescott is a professional with 10 years in the education industry. A lifelong learner who believes everyone can make an impact, she develops innovative, student‑centered programs at UF’s Career Connections Center. With experience in teaching and learning program coordination... Read More →

Zita Gonzalez

Manager for Career Pathways - Human Services, Consulting, and Education, University of Florida

Zita Gonzalez is a higher education professional at UF’s Career Connections Center. She designs innovative programs grounded in Universal Design for Learning to help students navigate career pathways. With seven years in K–20 education, Zita leads initiatives that build skills... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Longboat Key

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Career Development Professionals

9:45am EDT

Small Teams. Big Impact. Collaboration is Our Superpower How partnerships help small teams create engaging career programming

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Siesta Key

What if your most powerful career center resource is not more staff but stronger partnerships? Career centers are often expected to deliver high-impact programming with small teams. This session explores how collaboration with campus and community partners helps small teams expand capacity and create engaging student experiences. Using examples from collaborative events, presenters will share how...
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Speakers

Christine Moran

Supervisor, Career Development Services, Valencia College

Christine Moran is the Supervisor of the Career Center at Valencia College’s West Campus and has spent her career supporting students through education and career development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Goucher College and is a Certified Career Services... Read More →

Tamara Eicher

Career Advisor, Valencia College

Tamara Eicher is a Career Advisor at Valencia College with over 10 years of experience in career services. She has a Master of Education with a focus in Higher Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of North... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Siesta Key

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

10:45am EDT

Morning Break - Grab a Snack

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am EDT

Exhibitor Foyer

Let's pause, grab a snack, and regroup before we move into our second session of breakouts.

Speakers

Lesa Shouse

Director, Campus Career Services, USF | St. Petersburg Campus

Tuesday June 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am EDT
Exhibitor Foyer

Networking & Meals

11:00am EDT

Building CEOs: Empowering Career Coaches to Help Entrepreneurial Students

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Indian Shores

Student interest in entrepreneurship is soaring, creating new challenges and opportunities for career coaches. Trends show a rise in entrepreneurial mindsets, reflected in both students’ academic choices and the expansion of entrepreneurship programs—from fewer than 100 in the 2000s to over 300 today, according to The Princeton Review. The 2023 EY Gen Z report found that 42% of Gen Z are...
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Speakers

Kelly Nielsen

Assistant Director, Liaison to the College of Science & Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University

Kelly Nielsen has served at the Florida Atlantic University Career Center since 2019, where she is the Assistant Director, Liaison to the College of Science & Wilkes Honors College. Kelly works with a diverse range of students, including those who aspire to be entrepreneurs. Kelly... Read More →

Golden Madume

Assistant Director, Liaison to the College of Engineering & Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Indian Shores

Audience Career Development Professionals

11:00am EDT

Closing the Gap: Coaching Supervisors to Become Career Mentors

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Madiera

For many students, on-campus employment is viewed merely as a paycheck rather than a professional stepping stone. However, when intentionally structured, these roles serve as a primary laboratory for career readiness. This session explores Work+, an innovative, university-driven initiative at the University of Central Florida designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and hands-on work...
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Speakers

Lashay Vazquez, SHRM-CP

Academic Program Manager, University of Central Florida

As the Academic Program Manager of Work+ at the University of Central Florida, Lashay is dedicated to transforming student employment into a cornerstone of career readiness. With a background spanning career counseling and experiential learning faculty roles since 2019, they bring... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Madiera

Audience Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership

11:00am EDT

Data Storytelling: Turning Insights into Influence

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Siesta Key

Career services teams and early talent recruiters are sitting on a goldmine of data, from student engagement and event attendance to application funnels and hiring outcomes. However, often these insights don’t translate into action, nor are they leveraged to achieve influence for securing resources, demonstrating impact, or building stronger partnerships. During this fast-paced, highly...
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Speakers

Jeff Beavers

Vice President, Partnership Development, 12twenty

Jeff Beavers is a nationally recognized expert on the college labor market and a global early-career talent acquisition strategist with more than 25 years of leadership experience across career services, campus recruiting, recruiting technology, and talent strategy. His work sits... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Siesta Key

Audience Administration/Leadership, Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Employers/Recruiters, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals

11:00am EDT

Launching Internship Week: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What I Learned From Year One

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Longboat Key

In Fall 2025, Florida Gulf Coast University launched its first-ever Internship Week—an innovative, campus-wide initiative designed to strengthen internship culture and connect students with meaningful experiential learning. Led by the Office of Internships & Cooperative Programs, the week brought together students, faculty, staff, and employers through targeted events that highlighted pathways...
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Speakers

Trudi-Ann Dyer

Internship Coordinator II, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)

Trudi-Ann Dyer, MS, serves as the Internship Coordinator II in the Office of Internships & Cooperative Programs (ICP) at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). In her role, she guides students in STEM-related majors as they pursue high-impact internships. She played a key role in spearheading... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Longboat Key

Audience Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals

12:15pm EDT

Lunch & Awards Reception Sponsored by RAIN Careers

Tuesday June 16, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Time to regroup, enjoy a great meal, and celebrate our colleagues. A special shoutout to RAIN Careers for sponsoring this event.

Speakers

Lesa Shouse

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership, Affiliate/Technology Partners

1:30pm EDT

TABLE 6: Transactional to Transformational: Building Employer Partnerships That Last

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

This interactive roundtable will explore how intentional connections not just contact creates ripple effects across campus and industry. When partnerships are built with strategy, shared purpose, and sustained engagement, they shape student readiness, employer trust, and institutional growth in ways that endure. Participants will engage in facilitated discussion around practical strategies focused...
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Speakers

Megan Blanco

Director, Partnerships and External Communications, University of Central Florida - College of Business, DeVos Sport Business

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Administration/Leadership

1:30pm EDT

TABLE 7: Automating Student Success: Building a Certificate Workflow for Career Modules

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

While many career centers are expanding digital learning opportunities, there are continued barriers in scaling recognition and tracking completion in meaningful ways. This roundtable will explore how one team designed and implemented an automated certificate workflow that delivers completion certificates to students after finishing asynchronous career development modules. Participants will engage...
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Speakers

CJ Clyde

IT Systems & Applications Admin, University of South Florida, Tampa

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals

1:30pm EDT

TABLE 8: From Classroom to Community: How Employer-Led Mentoring Builds Student Confidence, Career Readiness, and Community Connection

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

This engaging roundtable discussion invites participants into a high-impact conversation on how partnerships with businesses, organizations, and nonprofits are transforming student mentoring beyond traditional advising models. Together, we will explore how employer-led and student-focused mentoring creates powerful hands-on learning experiences, expands professional networks, builds student...
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Speakers

Harris Ambush, Ed.D.

Internship & Career Experiences Coordinator, Career Coach, University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Dr. Harris Ambush is an experienced educator, program creator, and community impact leader whose work spans local and international contexts in education, community building, and human development. He has taught and led programs in diverse settings around the world, serving learners... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

1:30pm EDT

TABLE 9: Doing Less With Less

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

In an era where “doing more with less” has become an expectation rather than an exception, burnout in higher education is no longer a risk, it’s often inevitable. For career services professionals, expanding responsibilities, constant urgency, and growing student needs can quietly erode capacity, creativity, and purpose. This roundtable reframes the conversation from managing overload to...
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Speakers

Aubrey Shelton

Career Education Coordinator, University of West Florida

Communication professional with experience in higher education, research, student services, marketing, and public speaking. Passionate about education with a desire to see students succeed and gain more confidence in their careers.

Jessica Prather

Career Education Coordinator, University of West Florida

Jessica Prather is a Career Education Coordinator at the University of West Florida, where she develops and delivers innovative programs that support student career readiness, experiential learning, and professional growth. Since joining the Office of Career Development and Community... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

1:30pm EDT

TABLE. 10: Connecting Career Support to Career Outcomes

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

As higher education continues to evolve, career services professionals are being asked to do more than deliver programming and manage student engagement. They are increasingly expected to show how career support connects to opportunity access, employer relationships, and student outcomes. This roundtable invites participants to explore how institutions are defining career impact today, where they...
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Speakers

Nick Ryan

Senior Account Executive, Web Scribble

Nick Ryan works with higher education institutions to strengthen the connection between career services, employer engagement, and student outcomes. His work focuses on how colleges and universities can build on existing career services infrastructure to better support opportunity... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Administration/Leadership

1:30pm EDT

TABLE. 11: From Career Closet to Career Readiness: Building a Scalable Professional Attire Strategy

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

MyCareerCloset in partnership with USF present: Professional attire is more than appearance. It affects confidence, access, and employer perception. This roundtable will explore how institutions can move beyond traditional donation closets to build scalable, sustainable, and equitable professional attire strategies. Participants will discuss implementation models, funding pathways, employer...
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Speakers

Amanda Marshall

Director of Operations & Marketing, University of South Florida, Tampa campus

Amanda Marshall serves as the Director of Operations & Marketing in the Center for Career & Professional Development at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus. With a deep passion for fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, Amanda leads the Operations & Marketing... Read More →

Rahul Jindal

CEO, MyCareerCloset

Rose Fuller

CEO, Rose Fuller Consulting, Rose Fuller Consulting

Rose Fuller Consulting Founder, Fuller Career Consulting (formerly Director of Career Development Services, Florida Gulf Coast University) Rose brings deep practitioner credibility from her years building and running FGCU's career services operation. She now consults with Florida... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Administration/Leadership, Affiliate/Technology Partners, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals

1:30pm EDT

TABLE. 12: Faculty and Career Center Collaboration for Student Career Success

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

This roundtable will focus on how faculty can partner with career centers to support career development classes and large-scale career programming, such as Careers in Weeks. Participants will share strategies for engaging faculty in promotion, classroom integration, and student participation.

Speakers

Ellie Mobley

Assistant Director & Career Coach, New College of Florida

Ryan Hughes

Assistant Director & Career Coach, New College of Florida

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Administration/Leadership

1:30pm EDT

TABLE. 13: Beyond the Silo: Connecting Career Services, Employers, and Students Through Shared Purpose

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Career services professionals are often pulled in every direction while working with limited resources and limited support. Whether navigating internal silos that keep departments from working together, struggling to build employer relationships that go deeper than a resume drop, or trying to decode what hiring managers actually want, they are constantly being asked to do more with less and do it...
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Speakers

Anthony Hankerson

Employer Engagement Manager, Western Governors University

Anthony "Hank" Hankerson is an Employer Engagement Manager at Western Governors University, where he is dedicated to building meaningful partnerships between employers and students to meet the evolving demands of today's workforce. A proud United States Navy Veteran, Hank brings a... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Audience Employers/Recruiters, Career Development Professionals

2:45pm EDT

Reenergize with Exhibitors sponsored by Base44

Tuesday June 16, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm EDT

Exhibitor Foyer

Let's take a quick afternoon break. Grab a snack, say "hi" to our exhibitors, and stop by Base44. They've graciously sponsored this event.

Speakers

Lesa Shouse

Director, Campus Career Services, USF | St. Petersburg Campus

Elery Rojas

Director of Outreach and Programs, Base44

Tuesday June 16, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm EDT
Exhibitor Foyer

Exhibitor Event

3:00pm EDT

Career Treks That Inspire: A High‑Impact Model for Immersive Learning

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Longboat Key

This session highlights the design and launch of a three‑day Career Trek to Tampa created for Pre‑Law students through a cross‑departmental partnership between the Rollins Center for Career and Life Planning and the Immersion Programs team within the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement. Attendees will learn how the program was conceptualized, planned, and marketed, how site visits...
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Speakers

Cheyenne Morman

Assistant Director, Career Exploration, Rollins College

Cheyenne Morman is the Assistant Director of Career Exploration at Rollins College, where she leads high‑impact experiential learning initiatives that support students in exploring purposeful career paths. She oversees the College’s signature programs, including the Career Champions... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Longboat Key

Audience Career Development Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals

3:00pm EDT

Hired, Not Just Noticed: Teaching the Skills That Actually Get Students the Job

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Indian Shores

Employers consistently emphasize that while resumes may open doors, it is human skills that secure opportunities and sustain success. Yet many students struggle to clearly demonstrate these skills in meaningful, authentic ways. This session equips educators, advisors, and career development professionals with practical strategies to intentionally develop and articulate essential workplace skills...
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Speakers

Dr. Kyle Dresback

Principal of Nease High School, St. Johns School District

Dr. Jen Halter

Principal of Clay High School, Driven Leadership Success

Dr. Jen Halter is an award-winning high school principal, leadership coach, and founder of Driven Leadership Success. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, she leads a high-performing high school recognized for student achievement, innovative career and technical education programs... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Indian Shores

Audience Administration/Leadership, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Career Development Professionals, Employers/Recruiters

3:00pm EDT

Stronger Together: Collaborative Strategies to Advance Transfer Student Career Readiness

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Siesta Key

Transfer students often begin their higher education journey by facing a variety of competing demands. Universities encourage their students to engage in career readiness activities early to ensure their competitiveness while preparing to meet their career goals. Transfer students have a more compressed timeline which makes timely engagement even more critical. In this interactive workshop,...
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Speakers

Adelia Douglas

Assistant Director of Career Development, University of South Florida (Tampa campus)

Adelia Douglas is an Assistant Director of Career Development at the University of South Florida’s Center for Career and Professional Development. She brings 9 years of higher education experience across student-facing roles, including career coaching, academic advising, and education... Read More →

Dr. Anthea Henderson

Associate Director of Office of Transfer Student Success, University of South Florida (Tampa campus)

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Siesta Key

Audience Career Development Professionals, Administration/Leadership

3:00pm EDT

The Untapped Workforce Within Your Career Center

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Madiera

Career offices at any-sized school are often challenged by limited staff and resources, many of which we know will not increase in the future. Instead of pushing for outside resources, have we considered looking within our offices and colleges? This session challenges the idea that student employees serve only as front desk support or event staff, and instead positions them as strategic...
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Speakers

Maddy Nelson

Assistant Director, Industry Development, Eckerd College

Maddy Nelson serves as the Assistant Director of Industry Development at Eckerd College. In this role, she is the primary point of contact for organizations looking to connect with Eckerd’s emerging talent pipeline. She develops and maintains strategic partnerships across industries... Read More →

Dwayne Peterson

Director, Eckerd College

Angelina Skimos

Career Advisor, Eckerd College

Angelina Skimos is a career education and student engagement professional specializing in career exploration, personal branding, and life design. Currently serving as a Career Advisor at Eckerd College, Angelina is passionate about helping students connect their academic, leadership... Read More →

Taylor Snipes

Assistant Director of Career Education, Eckerd College

Taylor Snipes is a higher education professional specializing in career education, employer relations, and student engagement. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Career Education at Eckerd College, Taylor is passionate about helping students make meaning of their academic... Read More →

Tuesday June 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Madiera

Audience Career Development Professionals, Employer Development/Relations Professionals, Internship/Cooperative Education Professionals, Administration/Leadership

4:45pm EDT

Longboat Key

With 20+ years of experience in holistic wellness, Sara combines Sound Healing, Emotional Freedom Technique, Creative Visualization, Guided Meditation, Breath work, Energy Healing, and Drumming to support relaxation and a reset for body, mind, and spirit.

Speakers

Sara Sabourin

Employer Relations Coordinator & Career Coach, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg

Wednesday June 17, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Longboat Key

Special Event

8:30am EDT

Breakfast

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Rise and Shine: Morning Breakfast Buffet Start your day right with a fully loaded breakfast spread designed to fuel you for the sessions ahead. Enjoy healthy starts like our yogurt parfait station, seasonal tropical fruit, and housemade overnight oats. If you're looking for a hearty morning meal, we've got you covered with scrambled chive eggs, applewood smoked bacon, breakfast sausage, and...
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Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Sand Key Ballroom (Belleaire/Redington)

Networking & Meals

9:00am EDT

Registration Open

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am EDT

Elevator Foyer

Stop by our registration table to check-in for conference!

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Elevator Foyer

Registration

9:15am EDT

Opening Announcements and Affinity Group Information

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:15am - 9:30am EDT

As you wrap up breakfast, stay in the Sand Key Ballroom for a quick overview of the day and the upcoming Affinity Group sessions.

Closing Speaker & Door Prizes

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT