91做厙

ACE Conference

Welcome to the 2025 ACE Conference: Rising Beyond!

As we embrace this year’s theme, Rising Beyond, we invite you to join us for a transformative day of connection, learning, and inspiration. This year, we opened the call for proposals to hear directly from you, our classified professionals, and the sessions selected reflect the topics you identified as most meaningful and relevant to your professional growth. 

Anticipation fills the air as we prepare for another meaningful journey rooted in team building, mental wellness, change management, innovation, leadership, process improvement, creative expression, and personal and professional development, all designed to support the important work you do every day.

The ACE (Applauding Classified Employees) Conference is more than a professional development event; it is a celebration of the vital role our classified staff play in advancing 91做厙’s mission. This all-day experience offers opportunities to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and participate in a wide range of engaging sessions that reflect the diversity of roles and interests across the College. 

Whether you are seeking to build new skills, deepen your understanding of 91做厙’s operations, or simply connect with peers across campuses, the ACE Conference is designed to empower, uplift, and equip you to continue rising beyond in your role and career. 

We look forward to learning and growing with you.

When

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
8:00 a.m.  – 4:15 p.m.

Where

Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center, Annandale Campus

NOTE: This is an in-person event.

Accessibility Map

Register Today!

Registration closes on September 26, 2025. Secure your spot today!

About the ACE Conference

The ACE (Applauding Classified Employees) Conference launched in October 2017, inspired from the voices of dedicated employees who advocated for a professional development experience designed specifically for classified staff. In response to this vision, the conference was created as a space to honor, empower, and invest in the individuals who serve as the backbone of our institution.

The ACE Conference brings together classified employees from across the College for a day of meaningful engagement, learning, and connection. Through the exchange of ideas, resources, and shared experiences, participants are inspired to grow professionally, support one another, and continue rising beyond challenges in pursuit of excellence.

Conference Program

Time Location Session/Activity
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM Forum

Registration & Light Breakfast Reception

Enjoy light refreshments and breakfast as you check in and prepare for the day.

Important Note: Refreshments will close at 8:50 AM
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM Theater

Welcome Message

Charlotte Calobrisi, Associate Vice President, Office of Human Resources
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM Theater

Speaker: Dr. Patrick C. Patrong
Title: Deputy Director for Human Resources
Organization: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Get ready to experience a little magic! In the spirit of this year’s theme, Rising Above, our opening plenary will surprise, delight, and inspire. Blending meaningful insight with a sense of wonder, our speaker will offer powerful reflections that may feel almost magical, reminding us that growth, possibility, and new perspectives are always within reach.
10:15 AM – 11:25 AM Varies

Breakout Session 1

With 8 unique in-person sessions to choose from , there’s something for everyone! Browse the schedule and click on each session title to view full details , including descriptions, presenters, and what you can expect to learn. Find the topics that interest you most and start planning your day!


– Presented by Jennifer Kralik, CETSS


– Presented by Aasma Farooq, Adjunct ESL Instructor, 91做厙


– Presented by Marcela Arimany and Jessamyn Ayers, Employee Wellness Assistants, OEWW


– Presented by Kimberly Jewell, Scott Jenquine and Monica Miranda, HR Benefits Team


– Presented by Emily Southers, Director Material Management, Financial & Administrative Services


– Presented by Catalina Novac, Student Success Coach and Associate Professor


– Presented by Dr. Hemchand Gossai, Dean, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences


– Presented by Esther Perantoni, Director of 91做厙 Event Services & Michael Van Dyke, WDS Instructor
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM Varies

Breakout Session 2

With 8 unique in-person sessions to choose from , there’s something for everyone! Browse the schedule and click on each session title to view full details , including descriptions, presenters, and what you can expect to learn. Find the topics that interest you most and start planning your day!


– Presented by Brian Adler, Coordinator for the Academic Support Centers, Black Belt


– Presented by Dr. Vanessa Diaz, Director of Student Success, 91做厙 Online


– Presented by Johnna Denny, Educational Technology Support Services Lead Trainer


– Presented by David Tyson, Associate Professor of Theatre and Communication


– Presented by Dr. Tanneh Kamara, Coordinator, Student Ombuds Services (SOS)


– Presented by Maya Galathe, Accommodations Counselor, Student Affairs


– Presented by Dan Kaufmann, Associate Director, HR Employee Relations


– Presented by Ivan Gotay, Alaa Osman & Emmanuel Makanjuola, Information Technology SS
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Gymnasium (Lunch)

Forum (Exhibits)

Outdoor Patio (Networking)

Lunch & Networking

Boxed Lunch (Panera) – Lunch Registration Required

Vendor Exhibits:

TBD

Networking & Fun!

Take a break from the sessions and enjoy an opportunity to connect with your 91做厙 community, including fellow colleagues, speakers, and vendors. Build new relationships, share ideas, and recharge.

Join in the friendly competition with lawn games, lighthearted activities and team challenge. Whether you choose to represent the Gold Team or the Green Team, it’s all about having fun, learning from one another, and celebrating the spirit of our 91做厙 community.
2:05 PM – 3:05 PM Varies

Breakout Session 3

With 4 unique in-person sessions to choose from , there’s something for everyone! Browse the schedule and click on each session title to view full details , including descriptions, presenters, and what you can expect to learn. Find the topics that interest you most and start planning your day!


– Presented by Cecil Jackson, Associate Director of Student Leadership and Engagement


– Presented by Sara Collins, Director of Communication and Enrollment Marketing & Kama Storie, Web Services Manager, Communication and Enrolment Marketing


– Presented by Allison McElfresh, Computer Application Management Analyst, CIS


– Presented by Stephanie Barkalow, Retirement Outreach Counselor, VRS
3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Theater

Closing Session:

Cultivating a Mindset for Resilience and Renewal

Speaker: Jamie M. Kizer
Title: Organizational Development Consultant & Trainer, Human Resources
Organization: George Mason University

Raffle and Final Remarks