Dr. Lisa Riegel organized Ohio Department of Education's Economic Education Summit for two years, so she understands the complex relationship between education and business. She also worked as an administrator at an Ohio Career Center where she was in charge of business and community outreach. She is a co-founder of an organization that seeks to close the soft skills gap and is in charge of all content development related to soft skill development and measurement. Durable skills, soft skills, essential skills continue to be at the heart of discussion related to workforce readiness, and businesses do not believe education is closing the gap. A comprehensive soft skills development program can show employers educators are not only listening, but also making sure students have the skills they need to get and retain a job. While everyone is talking about soft skills and their impact on academic, personal and professional success, they are not taught, measured and supported in a strategic way. This presentation will connect the dots so participants can leave with action steps to start building a soft skills culture in their programming and partnerships.
Lisa Riegel, PhD is our Chief Operations Officer. She manages operations, leads the development and support of our coaching network and oversees the development of JAKAPA's skills challenges, implementation and resources. Her doctoral cognate area focused on adult motivation and engagement... Read More →
Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT Room 201
Relevance of the topic to the CTE field: Community engagement aligns closely with the mission of Career and Technical Education (CTE) by emphasizing real-world application and experiential learning. It bridges the gap between classroom instruction and professional practice, fostering student readiness for healthcare careers.
Value to participants: Participants will gain practical strategies to enhance their programs, from inviting impactful guest speakers to building partnerships with local institutions. The presentation will also provide a model for community-based events like the Teddy Bear Clinic, inspiring attendees to implement similar initiatives that connect students with their communities and future professions.
Presenter knowledge and experience: With 3 years of experience in the health science classroom, the presenter has successfully integrated community engagement into the curriculum. This includes organizing events like the Teddy Bear Clinic, partnering with local colleges and hospitals, and hosting guest speakers. These initiatives have yielded positive outcomes in student engagement and career readiness, equipping the presenter with firsthand insights to share.
The topic is very relevant as it is what I teach daily. The value to participants will be an insight into a different cluster that is new to CTE but an age-old concept. I have an Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, I have been officially teaching for three years although I have been employed by my school for eight years. I have worked as a Warehouse Manager for eight years and worked in a manufacturing plant for four years.
The intersection of sustainability, the maritime industry, and logistics is highly relevant to Career and Technology Education (CTE) because it prepares students for high-demand careers in global industries that are rapidly evolving due to technological advancements and environmental challenges. The maritime industry and logistics sectors offer diverse career opportunities in transportation, supply chain management, renewable energy, and engineering. Sustainability is becoming a core competency in these industries, with growing demand for professionals skilled in green logistics, alternative energy sources, and data-driven decision-making. Presenters are all working in the field as a sustainability professional, logistics manager, and maritime industry leader.
