Game Changer Week professional development series

In collaboration with Women Impact Virginia, WoTech, and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, the Roanoke Center is offering free professional development opportunities on Sept. 14 as part of Game Changer Week, a weeklong celebration of technology throughout the region.

Three sessions will be offered from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., highlighting the expertise of Virginia Tech faculty and staff and encouraging creativity and innovation. Sessions are free and open to the community as well as university employees and students, but registration is required. Join us for one of the following sessions, or stay for all three!

Moving from Groupthink to Teamthink: How to Make Smarter Decisions Together

When: 9 – 10:45 a.m.
Register Now

In the workplace, there can be daily pressure to make smart decisions. Limited resources and conflicting data can make it challenging to choose the best path forward. Although group decision-making is often thought to lead to better outcomes, research suggests that it can rob us of fulfilling our individual and collective potential.

Speakers Wendy and Mike Gentry will discuss strategies to mitigate the pitfalls of group decision-making through a teamthink approach that encourages creativity and contribution so we can make smarter decisions together.

Wendy Gentry is an assistant professor of instructional design and performance technology at Baker University. Mike Gentry served as Virginia Tech’s associate athletics director until his retirement in 2015 and was named a master strength and conditioning coach. He has recently been chosen for induction into Virginia Tech’s Sports Hall of Fame. 

The Value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging: Assessing the Impact of Your DEIB Efforts

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Register Now

In this session, participants will learn about the basics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), with particular emphasis on measurement strategies to link efforts to actual business outcomes. By the end of the session, participants should have a high-level understanding of how to assess the impact of their work unit’s DEIB efforts and express its value to organizational stakeholders.

A.K. Ward, associate professor in the Pamplin College of Business, will give participants a high-level understanding of how to assess the impact of their work unit’s DEIB efforts and express its value to organizational stakeholders. 

Women Impact Virginia Lunch & Learn: Taste of Tech

12-1:30 p.m
Register Now

Offered as part of the Women Impact Virginia series, this session will include a catered lunch followed by a hands-on tech activity from STEM instructor Ashley Sloan. She will present “What are microcontrollers and why are they in EVERYTHING?” Discover how these mini personal computers control small features of larger components in everything from washing machines to toys. This interactive session will teach you how to program LEDs to blink and see how microcontrollers work in practice.

This session will be the final Women Impact Virginia regional event held before the Women Impact Virginia Summit on Oct. 12 at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond. Register now to reserve your seat; virtual participation is also available.

Contact Sally McQuinn, assistant director of Roanoke Regional Initiatives, with questions. 

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sally McQuinn at smcquinn@vt.edu or (540) 767-6096 during regular business hours at least 10 days prior to the event.