ATD Mid-Michigan
Recognition Dinner and Program
"Tough Conversations
Just Got Tougher"
Diversity and respect have shared center stage during the 2016 campaign and election, and January’s impending inauguration. More than ever, people’s political views are polarized and are making their way into workplaces in unexpected ways: differences in opinions and clashing world views, discussions turning angry or violent, or racially motivated statements starting to become the norm. All of these add up to a work environment in dire need of some civility and respect of differences. How can we as development leaders help our organizations respond?
We want you to walk away with a greater understanding of:
- Our role in creating a healthy work environment based on civility and respect
- How to use our skills as talent development leaders and what we know about these issues, to shape a meaningful response
- Using how people learn, create opportunity to impact organizational culture
- Sometimes it’s about “standing in the fire”
Join us on Thursday, January 26, 2016 4:00 – 6:30 pm, at Jimmy's Pub for an evening of networking, dinner, and celebration. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bLCPY8jSriS2
Registration details (see below):
Members: This event is included with your membership
Non-members: $15 (the registration can be applied as part of your membership enrollment if you join the chapter)
Agenda:
4:00 - 4:30 Welcome & Networking
Attendees may order their own meal, snack, and/or beverage ordered and paid for on their own. Menus will be made available upon arrival (non-alcoholic beverages will be furnished by the chapter). Attendees are welcome to dine after our program if they wish to stay longer to network. We will move out into the main part of the restaurant at 6:30 pm.
4:30 - 5:15 Volunteer Recognition & State of the Chapter
5:15 - 6:15 Program
6:15 - 6:30 Closing Remarks
About Our Speakers:
Gwen Day, MAOD
Gwen Day is currently the Manager of Organization Developm
ent at Lakeland Health, St. Joseph, Michigan. With 25 years of experience in the training and organization development field, she has created and facilitated a variety of organizational, team, and individual interventions in the interest of and for the benefit of people and organizations. Her passion lies in leadership development and developing leaders who can meet the challenges of tomorrow’s changes.
Gwen is a former ATD Mid-Michigan chapter president, and has been an ATD/ASTD member for nearly 30 years.
Danny Sledge
Danny E. Sledge is currently the Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager at Lakeland Health, a position he has held since May 2015. In this position he is responsible for leading the organization in advancing the diversity agenda and assisting in creating an inclusive 
environment, consistent with the mission and values of Lakeland Health. Previous to coming to Lakeland, Mr. Sledge worked in the field of higher education administration for over 35 years, serving in various administrative positions such as Director of the Division of Minority Affairs and Acting Dean of Students at Western Michigan University, as well as Dean of Student Development at both Kalamazoo College and Lake Michigan College. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education, a Master of Arts Degree in Counselor Education/Counseling Psychology, and has completed additional coursework towards a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Mr. Sledge has also been very active on various boards and organizations at the local community, state, and national levels. He has been an invited presenter at the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE), president of the International Mentoring Association (2000-2002), selected as an American Council on Education Fellow semi-finalist (2007), and co-authored a teacher resource guide, “Creating a Climate of Civility” with Dr. Theresa Powell, Vice President of Student Services at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.