MCDA Members,
On behalf of the entire MCDA Board, I’d like to thank you for your membership and welcome you to another year of terrific programming and opportunities to connect with your career development colleagues across the state. I’m honored to be serving as your President this year, alongside an energized and talented Board of Trustees.
I certainly don’t have to tell you that this has been an extraordinary year, full of unprecedented challenges. We’re in the midst of a global pandemic, which has led to many changes in the way we work, an economic recession, and high unemployment rates. The effects of climate change have contributed to natural disasters that put additional strain on many communities already struggling to cope with the pandemic. This year has also shown a bright light on how far we still have to go as a society in the fight against systemic racism.
After giving this quite a bit of thought and consulting with some of you, I’ve decided on the following theme for this year:
Learning and leading in times of transformational change.
This covers a number of bases. We have a lot to learn about the future of work and career development in a COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 world. The economic recession and high unemployment caused by the pandemic has affected many of our students and clients, and has increased the urgency of our work. The theme also incorporates a focus on issues related to diversity and anti-racism as they pertain to career development. In alignment with our mission and vision, MCDA has an opportunity to provide learning opportunities to grow as professionals, and equip our community with the tools and community support to lead and act as change agents.
Please watch for programs and events this year that align with this theme. If you have expertise that you would like to contribute (e.g., presenting a webinar, writing an article, helping to plan an event), please send a message to MinnCareerDevelopment@gmail.com.
Sharon Balke
MCDA President