FloridaACE2025: Full Schedule

Alexandra Minnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works with traditional and nontraditional college students in the Central Florida community. She currently works as the Assistant Director of Career Planning at UCF Career Services for the last 3 years. She has... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

2:00pm EDT

Welcome & Opening Panel FloridaACE25: Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future

Wednesday June 11, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT

Journey

Join us as we kick off the 60th Annual FloridaACE Conference with an engaging panel discussion that brings together fresh perspectives, seasoned insights, and employer partnerships to reflect on where we’ve been—and where we’re headed. As we celebrate six decades of advancing career services across Florida and beyond, this session will explore how professionals at every stage—newcomers, veterans, and employer partners—can thrive in today’s evolving career development landscape.

Speakers

Amy Casari

Group Talent Acquisition Manager Jacksonville, Enterprise Mobility

Mallory Powell

Dona Gaynor

Director, Career Services, Florida Institute of Technology

Dona Gaynor is the Director of Career Services at the Florida Institute of Technology and has over 35 years of experience in the career services field. She served as the Job Location & Development Coordinator, Cooperative Education Coordinator and Assistant Director of Career Services... Read More →

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 →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Journey

Journey

3:30pm EDT

Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Student Success through Collaboration Between Career Services, Faculty, & Employers

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Expedition

Collaboration between Career Services, faculty, and employers plays a crucial role in preparing students for successful careers. This roundtable discussion will explore some of the best practices for integrating career planning and preparation into academic experience, fostering student engagement, and bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Topics will include embedding career development into curricula, leveraging faculty influence to promote career readiness, utilizing experiential learning opportunities, and creating a partnership between academics, career support services and area businesses. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to encourage student participation in career planning, ultimately enhancing student success and post-graduation outcomes.

Speakers

Matina Wagner

Business Faculty, Polk State College

Matina Wagner, MA, SHRM-SCP spent a decade working with the military and government, before switching gears and going into the private sector. She served as the Recycling Program Administrator for the Walt Disney World Company. She stayed in this role for seven years before going... Read More →

Lynn Chisholm

Faculty, FSU Certified Public Manager Program, Florida State University

Lynn Chisholm is Faculty in the Certified Public Manager program at the Center for Public Management at Florida State University. She was an adjunct instructor for 9 years and has been full-time faculty for 3 years, facilitating leadership and management development for rising leaders... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Bridging the Professionalism Gap

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Expedition

Proposed by Agnie Duplis, Industry Outreach Representative at Full Sail University, and facilitated by FloridaACE's Professional Development Committee, this roundtable will explore the growing disconnect between undergraduate students' professionalism and employer expectations in today’s job market. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, hiring managers have increasingly reported a decline in early career talent’s professional behavior, citing issues such as no-call-no-shows for interviews and job start dates, poor grammar in written and verbal communication, and a lack of preparedness or follow-through. These behaviors not only hinder students' individual success but also damage employer trust in entry-level talent pipelines. The conversation will bring together educators, career services professionals, and employers to examine the root causes of these professionalism gaps, including changes in learning environments, limited work-based experiences, and shifting cultural norms, and to identify strategies for rebuilding career readiness. This discussion will seek to uncover effective interventions so institutions and employers can partner to better equip students for the professional demands of the workplace.

Speakers

Angie Duplis

Industry Outreach Representative, Full Sail University

Angie's first job in the entertainment field was within the hallowed halls of Walt Disney World's Character Department. After working in themed entertainment for 5 years, she expanded her work to include roles on film and television after moving to Hollywood. She explored the worlds... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Empowering Global Talent: Insights and Trends in International Students Programming

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Expedition

During the 2023-2024 school year, almost 45,000 international students attended universities or colleges in Florida. International student attendance has continued to increase each year. International student programming ensures that international students are prepared to enter the global job market with the necessary skills and confidence. This roundtable discussion aims to explore and share valuable insights and emerging trends in programming designed to empower international college students. By bringing together career development professionals, employers, and educational institutions, the event will focus on identifying the key skills and strategies required to enhance the career readiness and professional growth of 21st Century international students, exchanging perspectives, and generating innovative ideas for programming or efforts.

Speakers

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida Career Services

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

New Kids on the Block: Supporting New Employees in Career Services

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Expedition

Join us for an engaging roundtable discussion focused on supporting new employees in the career services field. This session is designed for supervisors who are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of both new professionals and those new to the career services industry. We will explore common challenges faced by new employees, such as adjusting to the demands of the role, building confidence, and navigating the complexities of the field. Participants will brainstorm strategies to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of allowing room for mistakes and learning opportunities. Our goal is to empower new employees to do their best work, fostering a culture of continuous growth, professional development, and comfort within their roles. Don't miss this opportunity to share insights, gain new perspectives, and collaborate with peers to enhance the support provided to new professionals in our field.

Speakers

Amanda Marshall

Director of Operations & Marketing, University of South Florida, Center for Career & Professional Development

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 →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders: Best Practices for Student Supervisor Development

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Expedition

Higher education is ever changing with the types of students we serve, especially when they are taking their first professional journeys. Along with these changes, new staff members are beginning their full-time professional careers, which includes the task of being a new supervisor to student employees. To keep up with changes to both processes and the students, it is imperative to have student supervisor trainings to address these needs. This roundtable discussion is designed for any person at any level to talk about supervisor training. The topics that are going to be covered are training mediums, topics, and timelines done for managers and supervisors of student staff. The goal is to expose all participants to new ideas that other institutions are currently doing and/or talking through areas that someone feels need some sort of addressing.

Speakers

Christopher Lang

Student Employment Coordinator, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg

Chris Lang is the Student Employment Coordinator at the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg with multiple years of higher education experience from orientation to housing, now working in career services. Chris graduated from the Texas State University with an M.Ed in Student... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

Strategic Storytelling: Leveraging Platform Data for Career Services Reporting

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Expedition

In Career Services, we know our work supports students' career mobility, but how can we effectively communicate that information to leadership? In today's data-driven environment, career services professionals must effectively demonstrate their impact to retain funding for their team. This session addresses the challenge of translating platform data, appointment metrics, and student and employer feedback into compelling narratives for various stakeholders. Participants will discuss how to identify key performance indicators and craft brief strategic reports that showcase their team's successes. Career Services teams can effectively transform raw data into actionable insights, driving strategic decision-making and securing vital resources for the team.

Speakers

Kristen McKnight

Senior Employment Engagement Manager, Western Governors University

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:30pm EDT

The Game Plan: Career Readiness for Student-Athletes

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT

Expedition

Connecting with student populations whose experiences differ from our own requires intentional reflection and strategy. Not all of us were student-athletes, but we may work closely with this student group. Together, we will work through a Bridge Building activity, designed to review assumptions, explore gaps in understanding, and identify meaningful ways to connect. This worksheet encourages a shift in language, rethinking default approaches, and committing to showing up in relevant ways. Although this activity centers around the student-athlete population, this roundtable is designed to support authentic, student-centered connection for all populations.

Speakers

Brittney Pieper

Employer Development Program Manager, Florida State University

As a two-time Florida State University graduate, Brittney is proud to serve on the Employer Relations team at the FSU Career Center. As a newer professional in the Career Services field, Brittney cultivates relationships with organizations that share a commitment to FSU students with... Read More →

Wednesday June 11, 2025 3:30pm - 5:30pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

5:45pm EDT

Welcome Cocktail Reception

Wednesday June 11, 2025 5:45pm - 7:00pm EDT

Grand Foyer

Wednesday June 11, 2025 5:45pm - 7:00pm EDT
Grand Foyer

Grand Foyer

7:30am EDT

Registration

Thursday June 12, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

Grand Foyer

Thursday June 12, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
Grand Foyer

Grand Foyer

8:00am EDT

Breakfast & Annual Meeting

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am EDT

Deep Blu Grille

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am EDT
Deep Blu Grille

Deep Blu Grille

9:30am EDT

Exhibitor Area Open

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 11:30am EDT

Grand Foyer

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Foyer

Grand Foyer

9:45am EDT

From Graduates to Guides: Leveraging Alumni Networks for Student Career Development

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Compass

This breakout session will explore how alumni networks can be leveraged to enhance career development for students, focusing on mentorship, internships, job placement, and career transitions. Participants will discuss how institutions can more effectively engage their alumni in supporting students throughout their career journey, from providing mentorship and internships to facilitating job placements and career transitions. Attendees will leave with actionable takeaways for integrating alumni into their career services, improving student outcomes, and fostering long-term alumni-student relationships. This session will provide FloridaACE members with innovative approaches to enhance their institutions' alumni engagement and strengthen career development initiatives for students.

Objectives:
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to leverage alumni networks to support student career development, including mentorship, internships, job placement, and career transitions. By the end, attendees will be equipped with actionable ideas and best practices they can implement at their institutions to strengthen alumni engagement and improve student outcomes.

Building Structured Mentorship Programs: Develop formal alumni mentorship programs where students are paired with alumni based on their career interests and goals. Utilize digital platforms (like LinkedIn, alumni portals, or mentorship apps) to create easier connections.

Creating Internship Pipelines: Engage alumni to help create exclusive internship opportunities, especially for students in fields with limited access to traditional internships. Alumni can act as liaisons between their organizations and the institution’s career services team.

Alumni Referral Networks: Alumni can play a pivotal role in job placement by offering recommendations, making introductions, and opening doors to their own professional networks. Building a system where students can tap into alumni referral networks can enhance job placement efforts.

Specialized Career Transition Support: Alumni who have successfully navigated career changes can provide valuable guidance for students looking to transition into new fields. Universities can set up alumni-led workshops or one-on-one sessions focused on career pivots.

Speakers

Alexis Walmer

Student Career Counselor, University of Central Florida Career Services

I currently serve as a Student Career Counselor at the University of Central Florida, helping students assess career interests, set goals, and develop actionable career plans. With a background in mentoring roles through non-profit organizations, my work focuses on empowering students... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Compass

Compass

9:45am EDT

Empowering Tomorrow's Graduates: How Work+ and Peer Advisors Enhance Career Readiness for Working Learners

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Discovery

As the workforce landscape continues to change, higher education's approaches to preparing students for future success must adapt as well. Work+, a developing program within Career Services at the University of Central Florida and part of the Work+Collective initiated by Arizona State University, is leading the way in this transformation. This session will delve into the pilot implementation of supervisor training aimed at incorporating essential career competencies into the student working-learner experience. By providing supervisors with the necessary tools and resources to cultivate skills like leadership, communication, and critical thinking, we seek to enhance the quality of on-campus employment and its influence on students' career preparedness. Attendees will also learn about PeerKnights, a team of working learners at UCF, which has successfully integrated these core career competencies into their operations. Examples of career success stories due to PeerKnights work experience will be shared to demonstrate how supervisor training can empower students, enhancing their employability and readiness for the future workforce. This presentation will not only highlight the effectiveness of these programs but also provide actionable insights that other institutions can replicate. Join us to discover how adaptive supervisory strategies can unleash student potential!

Objectives:
1. Understand the significance of integrating core career competencies into student employment through effective supervisory training.
2. Identify strategies for implementing adaptive career development programs within on-campus employment settings.
3. Explore real-world examples from PeerKnights that illustrate the impact of strategic student supervision on student success and employability. We will also provide each participant in the breakout session with an accessible pdf resource guide that provides examples of resources utilized by Work+ and PeerKnights that they can adapt for their use at their respective institutions.

Speakers

Shelby Melfi

Academic Program Manager, University of Central Florida

Shelby Melfi is the Career Services Academic Program Manager at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where she is leading the pilot phase of Work+ to equip supervisors with best practices to support a career readiness workplace culture. Shelby holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology... Read More →

Julie Kephart

Assistant Director, University of Central Florida

Julie Kephart is the Assistant Director of the Office of Academic Advocacy, home to the PeerKnights program, at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. Before transitioning into the Office of Academic Advocacy, Kephart was the Program Coordinator of PeerKnights, a peer-to-peer... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Discovery

Discovery

9:45am EDT

Pathways to Career: A Collaborative Internship Model

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Explorer

At New College of Florida, a small, public liberal arts institution, students become experts in their academic discipline and many students have an interest in becoming teachers, yet do not have the classroom management skills. To meet the industry demand for teachers and help students transition to full-time teaching roles, we developed the Pathways to Teaching program, a collaborative initiative designed to enhance internship experiences through on-the-job training, mentorship, and industry-aligned learning objectives. The pathways to career model is now being expanded into other high-demand industries and career interests for our students. Attendees will gain insight into key components of this successful internship model that fosters skill development and increases conversion from internship to full-time hire. Through a focus on the successes of this internship program model, we will discuss strategies for building partnerships between industry professionals, career center staff, and faculty with presenters representing all stakeholders in the experience. Participants will leave with actionable steps to implement or refine internship pathways at their own institutions or businesses, fostering stronger workforce connections and student success.

Objectives:
1. Identify key components to a successful, collaborative model for internship pathways that center on-the-job training, mentorship, and intentional learning objectives focused on industry-specific skills for entry-level jobs to increase internship to full-time hire conversion.
2. Apply insights from the Pathways to Teaching pilot program to create customized internship opportunities in collaboration with industry partners, career center professionals, and faculty.
3. Develop action steps to provide similar opportunities at your institution/business through discussion of the pilot Pathways to Teaching Program.

Speakers

Dr. Mariam Manzur-Leiva

Director of Teaching & Learning, Professor, New College of Florida

Mariam Manzur Leiva, former Fulbright Scholar, earned an M.A. in Spanish Language and Literatures, along with graduate certificates in Latin American & Caribbean Studies and Cuban Studies, from USF. More recently, she has obtained certificates in Online Teaching, Online Proctoring... Read More →

Madeline (Maddie) Tympanick

Associate Director, Employer Relations & Work-Based Learning, New College of Florida

Maddie joined New College of Florida in September 2018 as an Assistant Director and Career Coach and was promoted into her role as the Associate Director of Employer Relations and Work-Based Learning in June 2022.Maddie is a nationally recognized educator with experience at multiple... Read More →

Sam Carmer

Assistant Director & Career Coach, 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 →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Explorer

Explorer

9:45am EDT

7 Data-Driven Insights to Boost Student Success and Career Center Engagement

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Voyage

Gain valuable insights into seven key factors directly linked to undergraduate career success, backed by cutting-edge research from the 12twenty Research and Evaluation team. Explore how student engagement in career fairs, workshops, mock interviews, and internships influences starting salaries and the timing of job offers. Additionally, discover how the inclusion of specific career readiness keywords in a resume improves applicant success. These findings will empower career advisors, career fair organizers, and institutional leaders to craft more effective marketing strategies using their own career center data to boost student participation in career development programs, while also increasing job and internship placement.

Objectives:
Participants will be able to identify and apply the seven key indicators that influence undergraduate student success to develop targeted strategies that enhance student engagement and improve post-graduation employment outcomes.

Speakers

Jeff Beavers

University Partnership Team, 12twenty

Jeff Beavers is a recognized expert in the college labor market, backed by more than 25 years of extensive experience in career services, campus recruiting, and educational technology. He has held impactful leadership roles at the University of Illinois, Michigan State University... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Voyage

Voyage

11:00am EDT

Shaping the Future of Career Readiness: A Digital Badging Pathway for Excellence in Education and Employment

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Compass

This session explores the development of a structured career services pathway at New College of Florida, using digital badging to enhance student career readiness and employer engagement. The pathway validates career milestones with digital credentials that can be shared on LinkedIn, Handshake, and e-portfolios. Participants will learn how to implement a digital badging framework within career services, aligning milestones with employer expectations. Through case studies, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on activities, attendees will gain practical strategies to develop a tailored career services pathway. Join us to discover how digital badging can transform career services, strengthen employer connections, and empower students for workforce success!

Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Explain the Value of a Career Services Pathway: Describe how a structured career services pathway using digital badges enhances student career engagement and employer recruitment processes.
Outline the Implementation Process: Detail the steps for launching a career services pathway, including setting milestones, designing badge criteria, and integrating with existing career programs.
Identify Opportunities for Employer Collaboration: Analyze how digital badging can align with employer hiring processes and workforce readiness expectations.
Develop Institutional Strategies: Create an action plan for incorporating a career services pathway into their institution's career development programming.
Assess the Impact of Digital Credentials: Evaluate how a structured badging system improves student success, employer engagement, and career services effectiveness.

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 →

Ryan Hughes

Assistant Director and Career Coach, New College of Florida

Ryan joined his current institution in 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 Education... Read More →

Lauranne Adriano

Career Coach, New College of Florida

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Compass

Compass

11:00am EDT

Employer Education: An Innovative and Strategic Program to Engage Employer Partners at your University

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Discovery

Employers need significant resources necessary to recruit students for available roles in their organization. In many such cases, organizations face challenges in understanding how to recruit for talent. This often results in employers struggling to recruit to fill talent gaps. Given this need, the Florida Atlantic Career Center launched the Employer Education Program in Fall 2024. The mission of this initiative is to provide educational programming to employers seeking out information on recruiting at Florida Atlantic, strategies to enhance applications, and ways to increase their employer brand amongst other dialogue. At the Florida Atlantic University Career Center, educating employers on effective on-campus recruitment strategies is a priority. By employing a comprehensive approach to employer education, the Florida Atlantic Career Center enables employers to recruit effectively and intentionally with the university. This session will review how this program has been implemented, early data on success, and challenges faced, Attendees will also learn meaningful ways to start a similar program at their institution. Come learn how The Florida Atlantic Employer Education program can strengthen your employer relationships and improve recruitment efforts!

Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify one or more ways to consider using Employer Education at their institution or organization
Participants will learn about strategies to outreach employers to attend Employer Education sessions and programming
Participants will consider how to measure success of such programming at their institution or organization, including such things as Career Fair or event registrations.

Speakers

Justin Balser

Assistant Director, Employer and Community Engagement, Florida Atlantic University

Justin joined the Florida Atlantic Career Center in January 2022 in his current role as Assistant Director, Employer & Community Engagement. Prior to this role, he worked at FAU as an Academic Advisor for over 5 years. Justin has grown into his role at the Career Center to best help... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Discovery

Discovery

11:00am EDT

Taking the Show on the Road: Connecting with Students in Unexpected Spaces

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Explorer

As career services professionals, we know that meeting students where they are both physically and developmentally can significantly enhance engagement and career readiness. Rather than waiting for students to come to us, we've taken the show on the road, embedding career development into spaces and experiences students naturally gravitate toward. This session will explore how the University of Florida's Career Connections Center has strategically partnered with campus partners to integrate career education into existing student programs. From working with Intramural Sports on professional development for students who engage in their programs and experiences to engaging students at Housing's Haunted House and Casino Night, we have found innovative ways to connect career development with students' daily lives. We will also highlight ProfessionalU, an initiative designed to prepare housing students for Career Week. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to forge campus partnerships, lessons learned, and ideas for future engagement.

Objectives:
Attendees who attend this session will:
1. Explore Innovative Career Integration Strategies: Attendees will learn how to embed career development into campus partner programming, leveraging existing student experiences to enhance career readiness.
2. Evaluate Lessons Learned & Evolving Approaches: Participants will gain insight into successes and challenges from our partnerships, including key takeaways that are shaping how we refine and adapt our approach to collaboration.
3. Develop Actionable Campus Partnership Plans: Attendees will leave with strategies to initiate, strengthen, and sustain career services partnerships that effectively engage students where they are.

Speakers

Alison Noonan

Associate Director for Career Foundations and Partnerships, University of Florida

Alison Noonan, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, serves as the Associate Director for Career Foundations & Partnerships with the University of Florida's Career Connections Center. Alison has spent the last 12 years in higher education, championing student success, career and leadership... Read More →

Jason Tillotson

Career Coach for Early Engagement, University of Florida

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Explorer

Explorer

11:00am EDT

Thriving in Career Pathways: A Psychoeducational Workshop Series for Generation Z

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Voyage

In a post Covid-19 world, Generation Z college students have faced unprecedented stress and uncertainty regarding their career paths. To address these challenges and support the resilience and growth of our current workforce, UCF career professionals have developed an innovative psychoeducational workshop series integrating mental health and career development. This program is designed to equip students with essential coping strategies to navigate transitional stress, imposter syndrome, job search stress management, social anxiety, career mind mapping, managing stress during career fairs, and parallel planning for the unexpected. The psychoeducational workshop series focuses on helping students develop practical tools and techniques to manage stress during significant life and career transitions. This presentation will show an example of programming that can be incorporated into institutions to profoundly impact the well-being and success of Generation Z students.

Objectives:
1: Participants will learn how to enrich existing career services and mental health support initiatives to serve students.

2: Participants will develop strategies to create a campus culture that prioritizes mental health, resilience, and career readiness.

3: Participants will equip students with the necessary tools and confidence to navigate their career paths and thrive in the professional world.

4: Participants will learn how to incorporate similar programming that can be adopted by institutions to significantly enhance the well-being and success of Generation Z students.

Speakers

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida Career Services

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Voyage

Voyage

12:15pm EDT

Recognition Luncheon

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Deep Blu Grille

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Deep Blu Grille

Deep Blu Grille

1:15pm EDT

Exhibitor Area Open

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT

Grand Foyer

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT
Grand Foyer

Grand Foyer

1:30pm EDT

Beyond the Logo: Creating Value-Driven Sponsorship Programs

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

A sponsor’s impact shouldn’t stop at their logo; let’s turn commitment into real connection. Employer sponsorship programs are vital for fostering strong industry partnerships and enhancing student career opportunities. This roundtable discussion will explore strategies to strengthen sponsor participation, increase return on investment, and align program offerings with both employer and student needs. We invite employers and career services professionals to share best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions to enhance sponsorship value while maintaining meaningful engagement. Through collaborative discussion, we aim to identify strategies for optimizing program structure, refining benefits, and fostering long-term employer partnerships. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to implement at their institutions, ensuring that sponsorship remains a mutually beneficial investment for all stakeholders.

Speakers

Taylor Sandifer

Assistant Director, Employer Relations, University of Central Florida

Taylor Sandifer is an Assistant Director of Employer Relations at UCF Career Services, where she cultivates strategic partnerships with engineering and technical employers to enhance recruitment initiatives and career programming. In this role, she manages the employer sponsorship... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Campus Recruitment Trends: the good, the bad, and everything in between

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

Ever want to sit down with a recruitment learn all the dirty secrets behind campus recruitment? This session will cover campus recruitment & recent trends from an employer's perspective including ATS, AI, general trends, Tik Toks, and DEI. This roundtable will be very interactive and gives attendees to pick the brain of an employer and share best practices for ensuring student success.

Speakers

Amanda Shere

University Recruiting Sr. Associate, Grant Thornton LLP

Amanda Shere is a dedicated and accomplished University Recruiting Senior Associate with a robust background in higher education, career development, and talent acquisition. In her current role, she excels in identifying and nurturing top talent, ensuring a seamless recruitment process... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Empowering Global Talent: Insights and Trends in International Students Programming

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

Speakers

Alexandra Minnick

Assistant Director, Career Planning, University of Central Florida Career Services

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

From Excellence to Forgotten to Essential: Reimagining On-Campus Interviews for the Next Generation of Talent

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

Are employers less likely to use on-campus interviewing as part of their campus recruiting strategy? COVID changed the landscape in regards to options for recruiting, but unfortunately, on-campus interviewing seems like it was forgotten as employers moved on to virtual options. This roundtable discussion will explore how we are reinvigorating on-campus interviews. We will facilitate a sharing of ideas on why on-campus interviews are ideal for recruiting Generation Z, how to increase employer participation, and brainstorm new creative strategies on how to evolve the service into an essential aspect of an employer’s campus engagement, bringing it back to its former glory.

Speakers

Dwayne Peterson, MS, MBA, GCDF

Director, Industry to Campus Connections, University of South Florida

Dwayne Peterson is a nationally recognized career educator, strategist, and higher education career services leader with over 15 years of experience facilitating career development for clients and students at all educational levels. A first-generation college graduate, his diverse... Read More →

Alexa Abourizk

Industry to Campus Connector, University of South Florida

Alexandra is a motivated and ambitious motivated and new career services professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida. In her role as Industry to Campus Connector within USF’s Center for Career & Professional Development, she... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

From Vision to Visibility: Crafting Impactful Marketing & Event Branding Strategies

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

This roundtable session will explore how to develop a structured marketing plan that integrates social media, email campaigns, and traditional marketing distribution to promote cross-functional programs. Participants will gain insights into leveraging various marketing channels and how to develop consistent branding to create cohesive and impactful promotional strategies. We will show examples of how we implemented marketing strategies to cross-promote programs effectively.

Speakers

Marisela (MJ) Juarez

Employer Relations Coordinator, University of Central Florida

Marisela Juarez (MJ) is an Employer Relations Coordinator at the University of Central Florida, where she plays a key role in strengthening connections between employers and students. With expertise in event planning and marketing, she helps coordinate the bi-annual Internship and... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Resumes that Win: Application Material for Student-Athletes

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

Student-athletes develop invaluable skills - teamwork, leadership, time management - but translating these experiences onto a resume can be a challenge. In this interactive roundtable, we'll explore how to support student-athletes in telling their unique stories on paper with a standout resume. I'll share my evolving resume template, designed specifically for athletes, and discuss key takeaways from working with this population. Together, we'll examine real-world scenarios and brainstorm ways to highlight transferable skills beyond traditional work experience. Participants will leave with practical strategies and resources to empower student-athletes.

Speakers

Brittney Pieper

Employer Development Program Manager, Florida State University

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Serving Those Who Served: Tailored Career Support for Veteran Students

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

Join us for a dynamic roundtable discussion focused on effectively supporting veteran students through tailored career services. This session will explore practical strategies for engaging military-affiliated students, including veteran-focused programming, targeted outreach, and strategic partnerships with veteran organizations. We’ll discuss how to identify transferable skills, interpret military resumes, and connect students to transitional programs such as SkillBridge. Participants will also examine top industries hiring veteran talent and explore employer partnerships that offer veteran-specific opportunities. The conversation will include marketing approaches, survey data insights, and the key questions career advisors can use to guide veteran students more confidently. Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing services or build new veteran-focused initiatives, this roundtable will offer actionable insights and collaborative dialogue to better serve those who’ve served.

Speakers

Anthony Hankerson

Employer Engagement Manager, Western Governors University

Anthony Hankerson is a United States Navy veteran and advocate for veteran employment. With a background encompassing active duty and reserve service, he deeply understands the unique skills and experiences veterans bring to the workforce. His professional experience includes successful... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

Strategic Storytelling: Leveraging Platform Data for Career Services Reporting

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

Speakers

Kristen McKnight

Senior Employment Engagement Manager, Western Governors University

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

1:30pm EDT

The Trend Towards Skills Based Hiring

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Expedition

In recent years, the hiring landscape has been shifting towards a skills-based approach, emphasizing competencies over traditional degree requirements. According to reports from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and insights from HR professionals, many employers are prioritizing demonstrable skills when making hiring decisions. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for universities as they prepare students for the workforce.

Speakers

Martha Seney

Career Coordinator & Adjunct Instructor, Florida Polytechnic University

Martha Seney is a Career Coordinator in Career Services at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, FL, where she leverages her academic background and professional expertise to empower students in their pursuit of meaningful career opportunities. Martha holds a Bachelor’s degree... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

3:00pm EDT

Re-energize with Exhibitors

Thursday June 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Grand Foyer

Thursday June 12, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Grand Foyer

Grand Foyer

3:00pm EDT

Exhibitor Area Open

Thursday June 12, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Grand Foyer

Thursday June 12, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Grand Foyer

Grand Foyer

4:00pm EDT

Navigating Uncertain Times: Research Insights Into the Career Development and Employment of New College Grads

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Compass

Changes in our labor market and higher education policies are rapidly unfolding as students and recent college graduates navigate their career pathways. Our ability to serve students and early career talent, especially in these times, needs to be grounded in empirical evidence. Dr. Mary Gatta, Director of Research and Policy at NACE, will share the latest NACE research on the state of the job market for college graduates, skills-based hiring, experiential learning in and out of the classroom, internships and student experiences, to help ground our programs and recruiting strategies.

Objectives:

Participants will learn the latest research on hiring, experiential learning and students' experiences.
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss key insights, trends and patterns on the latest recruiting and career services data.
Participants will gain ideas of ways to deepen their work with the latest research and trends.

Speakers

Dr. Mary Gatta

Director Research and Public Policy, National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

Dr. Mary Gatta has over twenty years of teaching, research and advocacy experience working on issues of education, employment and retirement inequity in colleges and non-profit organizations. She currently is a member of the Scholars Strategy Network and serves as the Director of... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Compass

Compass

4:00pm EDT

Senior Career Launchpad: A Strategic Approach to Career Success Before Graduation

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Discovery

How do you empower students to self-launch their career in an ever-evolving global economy? See how Florida Poly, a small, public STEM institution, addressed this challenge by developing a year-long career development program, Senior Career Launchpad. Launchpad was incorporated into the capstone courses with the goal of securing full-time employment before graduation. This scalable program considered different learning styles including online courses with gamification, peer-to-peer working sessions, individualized career coaching appointments, and student incentives. Not only did Launchpad encourage students to start their career search early, it increased participation in semester career fairs and overall engagement with Career Services. Launchpad has also allowed staff to showcase Career Services' impact on campus by collecting in-depth outcome data during the students' last year. Learn how you can take a similar approach using no additional budget to support seniors' career development and tell the story of your office's impact on campus!

Objectives:
Participants will learn how to create a proactive approach to senior career development that cost no additional budget. Attendees will understand the value of faculty partnership in creating co-curricular programs and student feedback loops. Participants will gain strategies on how to collect outcome data sooner and project placement trends by major. Attendees will learn how to track data that illustrates impact to senior leadership, employment and student trends, and career center decision making.

Speakers

Heather Hanssen

Coordinator, Career Services, Florida Polytechnic University

Heather Hanssen serves as a Coordinator for Career Services at Florida Polytechnic University, an all-STEM public university in Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Higher Education from Florida State University... Read More →

Martha Seney

Career Coordinator & Adjunct Instructor, Florida Polytechnic University

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Discovery

Discovery

4:00pm EDT

Pivot! Strategies for Seamless Transitions Between Higher Ed and the Corporate World

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Explorer

Are you considering a career change but unsure how to navigate the transition? Join us for an insightful session on mastering career pivots. We'll explore effective strategies for moving out of higher education into the corporate world and vice versa. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on what to expect during both recruitment processes and learn practical tips for preparing if they're not yet ready to pivot. Additionally, we'll cover the pros and cons of each employment opportunity, helping you make informed decisions about your career path. Whether you're contemplating a career shift or simply want to be prepared for future opportunities, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to make a successful transition.

Speakers

Amy Kavanaugh

Assistant Director, UCF College of Business

Amanda Shere

University Recruiting Sr. Associate, Grant Thornton LLP

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Explorer

Explorer

4:00pm EDT

Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Using Career Quizzes to Personalize Student Engagement

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Voyage

Tired of redirecting students to the same career resources over and over? This session will showcase how a simple, automated career resource quiz can streamline student engagement by providing personalized career guidance. Attendees will learn how to design a quiz that assesses student needs, connects them with tailored resources, and automates follow-up communication saving career centers time while enhancing student support. Weâ€™ll explore logistics, implementation strategies, and real-world outcomes, demonstrating how this tool can boost resource utilization and improve student career readiness. Whether you're looking to increase engagement, improve efficiency, or provide scalable personalized advising, this session will equip you with practical steps to create your own interactive career quiz. Attendees will leave with a roadmap to implement this tool at their institution, enhancing their ability to guide students effectively through their career journey.

Objectives:

Understand the Value of Personalization: Attendees will recognize how customized career quizzes can help students navigate career resources more effectively.
Learn How to Design a Career Quiz: Attendees will gain insight into structuring quiz questions and results to align with student career development stages.
Explore Implementation Strategies: Attendees will discover methods for integrating a career quiz into their institution's career services using tools like Microsoft Forms and Power Automate.
Analyze Data for Student Engagement: Attendees will learn how to track quiz responses and use the data to improve career programming and outreach.
Develop a Framework for Their Own Quiz: Attendees will leave with actionable steps to create a career quiz tailored to their institution's needs.

Speakers

Anne Fayson

Assistant Director of Career Success, Stetson University Career Success

Dedicated and results-driven higher education professional with a proven track record in program coordination, research, and student service. Skilled in managing budgets, developing engaging workshops, and fostering student career development. Strong data management abilities combined... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Voyage

Voyage

5:00pm EDT

Wine & Coloring with FloridaACE Leaders

Thursday June 12, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Expedition

Thursday June 12, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Expedition

Expedition

7:00pm EDT

Closing Banquet

Thursday June 12, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Thursday June 12, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT
Bonnet Creek Ballroom

Bonnet Creek Ballroom

8:00pm EDT

After Party: Game Room!

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:00pm - 11:00pm EDT

Discovery

Held in Journey and Discovery A&B

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Discovery

Discovery

8:00pm EDT

After Party: Dancing

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:00pm - 11:00pm EDT

Journey

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Journey

Journey

8:30am EDT

Breakfast

Friday June 13, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Deep Blu Grille

Friday June 13, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am EDT
Deep Blu Grille

Deep Blu Grille

9:00am EDT

Exhibitor Area Open

Friday June 13, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Grand Foyer

Friday June 13, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Grand Foyer

Grand Foyer

9:30am EDT

Affinity Group Meeting: Internships

Friday June 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

Compass

Friday June 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
Compass

Compass

9:30am EDT

Affinity Group Meeting: Career Advising/Coaching

Friday June 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

Explorer

Friday June 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
Explorer

Explorer

9:30am EDT

Affinity Group Meeting: Administration/Leadership

Friday June 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

Journey

Friday June 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
Journey

Journey

9:30am EDT

Affinity Group Meeting: Employer & Employer Relations

Friday June 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

Voyage

Friday June 13, 2025 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
Voyage

Voyage

10:00am EDT

Closing Keynote & Ending Session

Friday June 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:45am EDT

Journey

Speakers

Annie Meehan

Keynote Speaker, Author 11x and Coach, AM Speaking and Consulting

Keynote speaker, award-winning author, and Exeptional life expert Annie Meehan has spent years motivating and teaching audiences to transform achievement from good to great and become Exceptional in life. With a background in corporate America as well as being a business owner, her... Read More →

Friday June 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:45am EDT
Journey

Journey

11:45am EDT

2026 Conference Committee Sign-Up

Friday June 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:00pm EDT

Journey

Friday June 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:00pm EDT
Journey

Journey