2009 Emerging Leaders Leadership Development Conference Recap

2009 Emerging Leaders Leadership Development Conference Report

"The Emerging Leaders Leadership Development Conference provided us with invaluable knowledge on integrating ourselves into the work force effectively, and an opportunity to network with leaders in their respective fields. After participating in the program, I feel empowered to conquer my goals and achieve my dreams."—James "Jimmy" Curran, 2009 Emerging Leader

Program Background

Emerging Leaders is a highly competitive program that places college students with disabilities in fulfilling, paid summer internships and provides them with leadership development opportunities. The Emerging Leaders program partners with businesses to help them find outstanding and diverse talent for their workforce.

Founded in 2001 by Booz Allen Hamilton, Emerging Leaders is now administered by the National Business & Disability Council. For more information on hiring or becoming an Emerging Leader, visit the Web site at www.emerging-leaders.com.

Leadership Development Conference

Every year, as part of the Emerging Leaders program, interns participate in a three-day leadership development conference focusing on strengthening work-related skills and strategies for effectively managing disabilities in the workplace. The culmination of the conference consists of Emerging Leaders presenting case study findings to an audience of new and prospective corporate partners, Emerging Leaders alumni, members of the press, facilitators, and National Business and Disability Council (NBDC) staff.

"Emerging Leaders gave me the opportunity to compete with my peers for a challenging and meaningful internship. I am not seen as "the girl with the disability," but simply a competent and capable worker. This conference has instilled in me a confidence that was lacking before. Thank you for helping me realize my potential."—Erin Wilson, 2009 Emerging Leader

Program for 2009

Day One:
Welcome, Introductions, and Overview — Lana Smart (Just One Break, Inc.)
Making the Most of Your Internship — Emerging Leader Alum 2007 and 2008
Best practices for internships from someone who has been through the process—twice.
Resume Writing and Interviewing — UBS
Tips for getting your resume noticed and how to impress in an interview.
Your Rights and Responsibilities Under the ADA: Dealing with issues of disclosure and reasonable accommodation — NBDC
What counts as a disability? What is a reasonable accommodation? How much information should I provide to my employer? An approachable strategy to answering theses questions.
True Colors — L'Oreal
An interactive activity that allows you to learn about your personality and working style while working closely with personalities very different from your own.
Planning, Prioritizing and Organizing Your Time — Lifecare, sponsored by Prudential
Time management is a key skill that is useful in both your personal and professional life. However, don?t forget to schedule in time to relax.
You're Difficult: I'm Not — Prudential
Interpersonal relationships can be tricky and these strategies for dealing with "difficult people" are sure to be a success.
Delivering Effective Presentations — MetLife
Public speaking is the number one fear?even more than death! Use these tips and tricks to be prepared and organized and help become a master of public speaking.

Day Two:
Case Study Activity — NBDC
Human Resources Case Study
Joe, a recruiter working for Company B, is told by one of his senior managers that he needs his help in developing a recruitment plan, in that he anticipates having a lot of open jobs in the future, as many of his current employees are nearing retirement age and likely to leave the organization. He also has a number of entry-level employees who likely will move up to fill some of these vacancies, so he will be looking for both entry level workers and experienced hires. This manager is mindful of the company's commitment to diversity, and wants to be sure that he attracts and retains the best talent. He also knows that he must contain costs. He mentions that at a recent Awards Dinner given by a non-profit with which the firm has a relationship, the keynote speaker cited some statistics on unemployment and underemployment rates among individuals with disabilities.

Develop a plan to enable the hiring manager to reach his goals. Consider: What are the opportunities? What are the obstacles? How can the obstacles be overcome?

Marketing Case Study
Company A is a financial firm who has been a market leader for many years. Lately, as the economy stumbles, the marketing division is challenged to take a harder look at broadening their customer base by reaching out to untapped markets. In a disability affinity group meeting, of which the head of marketing is a member, one employee says "People with disabilities are the largest minority population in the US." After this meeting, the head of marketing does some basic research that shows that: The US Census Bureau estimates that 41.3 million Americans have a disability - this represents 15% of all Americans over the age of five.

Identify one or more products with which the firm should initiate its marketing campaign to people with disabilities. Develop a basic marketing plan, indicating how and through which vehicles you would reach this target group. Also, consider a slogan, print ad, or other more contemporary avenues.

Day Three: Welcome – Felipe Botero (Vice President, Technology and Operations, MetLife)
Emerging Leaders Overview – Edmund L. Cortez (President and CEO, Abilities!)
Messages from Corporate Partners – Booz Allen Hamilton and Mutual of America Life Insurance Company
Case Study Presentations by the Emerging Leaders Class of 2009 – While simultaneously learning about and modeling values of teamwork, respect, and professionalism, the class of 2009 incorporated numerous ideas and diverse perspectives in their case studies. Working collaboratively in small groups, students were able to practice patient and active listening while recognizing the contributions of others. The case study teams developed and refined solutions using a holistic and inclusive decision-making process and various technologies such as Power Point, Photoshop, and the internet. All members of each case study team played a role during the presentations before an audience including over 80 representatives from businesses, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and the press. Both teams presented similar conclusions, such as:

• People with disabilities are a diverse population as disabilities are universal.
• People with disabilities are the number one minority group in the world.
• This population is a virtually untapped resource and is often under-employed, despite their capabilities.
• Internally, companies can focus on an accessible physical work environment and help with a culture change/cultural climate.
• Appealing to people with disabilities as part of the workforce creates a diverse and competent employee base.

"What I learned was that people with disabilities are "normal," fun, smart and amazing, which others will discover once they learn to look past the disability. We are just as, if not more, capable; with just an extra challenge to overcome to spice up life a bit. I know all of us had a great time, and we wish that we could relive that weekend again."