Sheridan Lane, director of culinary program and operations, was interviewed in the WCIA Community College Connections segment on Feb. 28. She discussed hospitality and culinary arts programs at LLCC as well as the student-run café, Bistro Verde.
Brandon Lewis, WEI program navigator, was interviewed by WICS about African-American Food and Vendor Day.
Save the date! Due to the popular success of the event last year, the LLCC Black Student Union is hosting BSU Fest again on April 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event celebrates black culture and excellence, and connects you with the Black students of LLCC.
BSU is seeking Black volunteers to have lunch with students during the event. The event’s purpose is to introduce students to the Black staff and faculty of LLCC and inspire them to consider LLCC as a home for their educational journey. We would like to highlight all career fields. This is a chance to mentor and inspire the next generation of Black leaders and scholars. The event is specifically aimed at high school seniors but will include some community members as well. Please email Brandon Lewis by March 21 with your name, department and availability if you would like to participate. More information will be provided at a later date. Thank you for your support and participation.
LLCC Student Services welcomes Kellee Phillips who began work on Jan. 2. Kellee is in the newly added role of student care coordinator. Kellee will be working with students to direct them to well-being and mental health services available on and off campus. She will be partnering with faculty and staff on how to work with students with mental health and well-being issues. Kellee will also be developing workshops, classroom trainings and resources for students to expand their skills in personal management and growth. Kellee earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and most recently worked at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School as a school social worker and counselor. If you’d like to reach out to Kellee, you can do so at 217-786-2409 or kellee.phillips@llcc.edu.
LLCC Workforce Equity Initiative welcomes Nick Johnson to the team. Nick began work on Jan. 16 as a WEI program assistant. Nick has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Blackburn College. Prior to coming to LLCC, Nick served as a foster care manager through the Department of Children and Family Services. If you’d like to reach out to Nick, you can do so at 217-786-4964 or Nicholas.johnson@llcc.edu. Welcome to LLCC, Nick!
A new semi-trailer design is on the road! It promotes the Workforce Institute at LLCC and free career training opportunities through the Workforce Equity Initiative.
LLCC Academic Innovation and eLearning and the Workforce Equity Initiative will host “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for All” on Friday, Nov. 3, 1-4:30 p.m. in the Robert H. Stephens Room.
The expectation that organizations and institutions demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) has been increasing over the last decade. In this workshop we’ll explore key terms and concepts related to EDI. Group discussions and activities allow participants to apply the material to their lives and work contexts. Participants will leave with a foundational understanding and practical tools for embedding equity in their personal and professional lives.
Tim McGee is an equity, diversity and inclusion consultant at Memorial Health with experience working on inclusion and belonging in higher education, nonprofits, and religious organizations. He has a Ph.D. in religious studies, focusing on ethics and anti-racism.
Tiffani Saunders is an equity, diversity and inclusion consultant at Memorial Health. She spent a decade teaching in higher education, where she was a tireless advocate for equity and inclusion in teaching, recruitment, and hiring. She is regularly invited to share her knowledge and expertise via panels, workshops and lectures with organizations spanning from the arts to human services. Tiffani is a certified diversity professional with undergraduate and graduate degrees in sociology.
Note: Faculty participants will receive four points toward their Training and Innovation professional development total for successful completion of each part of this workshop (eight points total).
The Workforce Equity Initiative has a new bus ad traveling around Springfield, featuring an LLCC HVAC student.
Candace Silas, director, WEI and PATH, recently wrote an essay for the Illinois Times, “Grit. Grind. Goal: The journey to success.”
PATH, TRIO and WEI welcome Alex Dean to our team! Alex started Aug. 7 as the student support specialist for the grant programs. He can be reached at alex.dean@llcc.edu or 217-786-2369.
Megan Bierbrodt, program assistant, Workforce Equity Initiative, joined LLCC July 3. She previously worked as a billing specialist/sales coordinator for an IHG company in the hospitality industry. She also has experience working in student mental health at the Labette Center for Mental Health Services. Megan studied psychology at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
She can be reached at 217-786-3469 or megan.bierbrodt@llcc.edu.
Welcome Megan!
On Thursday, Rashawn Jones, program navigator, PATH; Brandon Lewis program navigator, WEI; and Jeff Martin , workforce recruitment coordinator, Workforce Institute, attended the District #186 Lawrence Education Center/Springfield Learning Academy Education Fair. They spoke with students about the many opportunities at LLCC.