Leveraging LinkedIn: OCDA members learned about the importance of LinkedIn for networking and job searching! The interactive session covered a brief overview of setting up a LinkedIn profile and adding sections to the profile. Attendees learned how to utilize LinkedIn more fully through content creation, networking, and growing connections.

Presentation by Chelsea Donovan M.Ed., Program Manager, Boler Professional Development at John Carroll University

The Power of Micro-Internships by Parker Dewey: OCDA members learned about how Micro-Internships can be a powerful way for students or clients to gain work experience and further develop their skills (all while getting PAID)! Best practices in Micro-Internships were learned from Parker Dewey, and OCDA members gained knowledge about how these experiences could benefit students, recent graduates, and companies. 

Presentation by Danielle Rueger-Miroewski M.Ed., Partner Engagement Specialist at Parker-Dewey

Mental Health First Aid: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally recognized training program designed to teach you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gave OCDA members the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. 

Presentation and funding ($170 value per person) provided by Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio.

Week of Reflection: OCDA members celebrated their career accomplishments by thanking the people who helped them along the way! OCDA encouraged members to send a card or email to an individual who made a positive impact on their career.

Committing to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: This training focused on exploring the building blocks of DEI education, ranging from defining the critical terms (diversity, inclusion, equity vs equality, etc.) to recognizing instances of privilege and microaggressions. During the presentation, OCDA members were asked to think about ways they could incorporate these topics into their work, with the goal of creating habits that include all as opposed to unintentionally creating barriers. OCDA members recognized their own privileges and the barriers that may be present for others.

Presentation by D. Ellis Rates, M.A., Associate Director of Intercultural Initiatives, Miami University 

** DEI PRESENTATION RECORDING IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR OCDA MEMBERS UNDER THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATIONS TAB. Please make sure you are logged in to your OCDA account in order to view the recording.**