Candid Conversations | June 18
Higher Education’s Role in Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce with Dr. Philomena Mantella
Date
June 18, 2026
Time
1:00PM–3:00PM
Location
Daniel and Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health
Registration
Each Session: $65
Full Series Bundle: $240
Join us for Candid Conversations, an engaging event series that features some of the region’s top community leaders as they explore challenges and opportunities in people- and talent-focused spaces.
Each unique session will take on a fireside-chat format led by our own Dr. TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity, and will highlight timely topics such as building strong talent pipelines, the role of higher education in talent, inclusive hiring practices, and more.
As higher education and industry continue to evolve, strong partnerships between academic institutions and employers are increasingly critical to preparing tomorrow’s workforce.
Join us for a fireside chat with Dr. Philomena Mantella, President of Grand Valley State University, as she explores higher education’s role in developing talent, strengthening workforce readiness, and equipping future leaders for a rapidly changing economy. In conversation with Dr. TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity, Dr. Mantella will share insights on the intersection of education, leadership, and workforce development, along with perspectives on how institutions and employers can work together to build stronger talent pipelines for the future.
Thank you to our series sponsor!
