thursday afternoon breakouts

Thursday, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Choose One

Ohio A: Audrey Taylor presents: “Mentoring: Past, Present and Future”

Join us for a discussion on how mentoring changes based on your organization’s goals. We will look at traditional mentoring, speed mentoring and more. We will explore how mentoring has changed for many of us who were once mentored but are now THE mentor. What do our mentees need from us? We will explore the topic from both the mentor and mentee perspectives.

Audrey Taylor is the Director of Professional Development Services at Step Forward, the designated Community Action Agency for Cuyahoga County. With her staff of seven, all with a passion for building the community, Audrey shepherds outreach activities, computer-based training programs and employment service opportunities. Through her holistic approach to learning, unique leadership style, authentic vision, entrepreneurial spirit and sense of purpose, Audrey is leading her team to build connections through partnerships and a strong referral system. Her goals for her department include improving the digital literacy rate among adults over 55; seeing high school graduates and young adults find meaningful career and educational pathways; minimizing the digital divide in Cuyahoga County; and working with justice-involved individuals by addressing immediate needs, building follow up services and ensuring client and partner accountability.

Ohio B: Jackie Boehnlein presents: “Breaking Silos for Better Service”

Many Community Action clients need more than one service. How can agencies make it easier for clients to receive all the help they need without completing redundant paperwork or having the same conversation several times? Lorain County Community Action Agency created its Star Service program to break down program silos so customers and clients could be served better. The program greatly increased staff knowledge of agency services and gave wings to the idea of deeply serving customers. Examples, forms and sample reports will be provided.

Jackie Boehnlein is the long-time CEO of Lorain County Community Action Agency (LCCAA) where she has revamped nearly every aspect of the organization. She is guided by her agency’s mission to serve and empower her county’s residents in need. A big believer in strengths-based change, Jackie’s approach to transformation is to do more of what you are good at while mastering what is most important. She earned a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Tiffin University. She holds advanced training and certificates in Baldrige-based frameworks, technical writing and performance coaching. Prior to joining LCCAA, Jackie worked in banking and higher education.