After many months of planning, the big day finally arrived. The North Carolina Career Development Association’s annual conference was held on March 6 at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. Inspired by the upcoming National Career Development Association conference theme, this year’s focus, Career Resilience in Action: Focus on North Carolina - Creative Solutions, Local Strength, guided the day’s programming. Throughout the conference, attendees had numerous opportunities to engage, network, and learn from leaders across the state.

Opening Panel: Local Voices, Innovative Strategies

A dynamic panel facilitated by Dr. Belinda Wilkerson featuring Jamie Vaughn, Linda Robinson, Dr. Seth Hayden, Stacey Huffman opened the conference. Representing the education, workforce, and nonprofit sectors, the panelists shared community-rooted strategies and offered fresh perspectives and collaborative tools to strengthen pathways and advance equity.

Breakout Sessions: Practical, Actionable Insights

Throughout the day, breakout sessions brought North Carolina’s career development challenges and solutions to life. Across a variety of sessions, speakers shared creative ways to engage students and clients, from targeted communication strategies to hands-on approaches that build confidence and career readiness. Presenters also explored how AI and labor market insights can inform career decision-making, while highlighting the power of collaboration across the broader career ecosystem. Participants learned how to expand opportunities for underserved students, support men pursuing education careers, and help women navigate later-life career transitions. These discussions highlighted how North Carolina career professionals are using innovative, community-driven approaches to foster resilience, promote equity, and support long-term success in today’s rapidly changing workforce.  Read the presentation descriptions and view the shared material for more information.

Lunch & Mentoring

During a lunch presentation, participants explored career opportunities and challenges facing Gen Z students and clients, with a focus on practical strategies for building resilience. Later, peer mentoring circles brought small cohorts together to engage in mentor guided conversations and exchange insights. This mentoring offering built upon a successful event held during National Career Month, where senior NCCDA members were paired with graduate students and emerging professionals for peer group discussions.

Closing & Awards

The conference concluded with a summary of NCCDA’s activities, followed by the much-anticipated awards ceremony honoring this year’s recipients: Cindy Haeck, Amy Willard, and Ramchandra Athavale.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see, this year’s conference celebrated North Carolina’s commitment to career resilience, local innovation, and equity. Attendees left inspired, equipped with actionable strategies, and connected to a vibrant network of peers and mentors shaping the state’s career development landscape.

Questions? Contact us at NCCDAmembers@gmail.com.