DEAMcon22: San Diego Conference Recap

April 20 – 22, 2022 • San Diego, CA

The DirectEmployers Association Annual Meeting & Conference (DEAMcon22) reunited HR compliance and talent acquisition professionals for the first in-person DEAMcon since 2019. Held at Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, near San Diego, the conference offered three days of learning and connection. Sessions explored OFCCP and EEOC developments, recruitment technology, community partnerships, and practical approaches to disability inclusion and neurodiversity in the workplace.

Keynotes from Maysoon Zayid, Torin Ellis, and Scott Lesnick brought perspectives on inclusion and leadership, while the Califor-neon Nights celebration, Demo Hall conversations, and Underwriter Reception gave attendees opportunities to reconnect with peers and partners.

Explore the photos, video highlights, presentations, and daily recaps below to revisit the experience.

Program

Presenters

Presenter titles and affiliations reflect the time of the conference.

Keynote Speakers

• Torin Ellis, Diversity Strategist, t ellis brand
• Scott Lesnick, Global Keynote Speaker, Author, Successful Business Solutions LLC
• Maysoon Zayid, Actress, Comedian, and Disability Advocate

Featured Speakers

• Keith Sonderling, Commissioner, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Jenny Yang, Director, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
• Sean Ratliff, District Director – San Diego, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

Member Speakers

• Bradley Cooper, Director, Information Technology, SASR Workforce Solutions
• Colette Cottman, Inclusion & Diversity Manager, TEKsystems
• Shondra Deloach-Perea, Vice President, Field Services, Call Centers, & Technology Operations, IGT
• Tony Devereaux, Director of Recruitment and Placement Services, SASR Workforce Solutions
• Lauren Kolodrubetz, Executive Director: Marketplace Diversity Solutions, TEKsystems
• Dani Laven, Manager, Talent Acquisition Operations & Employer Brand, PetSmart
• Novonda Lilly, Director of TempForce and Executive Search, Vanderbilt Health
• John Lullen, Manager, Marketplace Diversity Solutions, TEKsystems
• Megan McCall, Head of Talent Acquisition, Vanderbilt Health
• Jacqueline McKinney, Talent Acquisition Partner for Campus Programs, IGT
• Kristin Moore, Director, Human Resources, SASR Workforce Solutions
• Brian Pier, Director, Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.
• Michelle Randall-Berry, Senior Director, Talent Acquisition, IGT
• Tina Schmitt, Director, TA, Kennedy Krieger Institute
• Teresa Truong, Manager, Marketplace Diversity Solutions, TEKsystems
• Ashley Valenzuela-Ruesgen, Director of Human Resources, Hensel Phelps Construction Co
• Paul White, Director, Talent Acquisition, Kindred at Home

Guest Speakers

• Susanne Bruyère, Director and Professor of Disability Studies, K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability
• Josh Christianson, Project Director, Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA)
• Cara Crotty, Equity Partner, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
• Patti Cuthill, Vice President of People & Culture, NextLevel
• William Dowling, Executive Director, Olympic Workforce Development Council
• Janet Fiore, CEO, The Sierra Group, Inc.
• John C. Fox, Consulting Partner, Fox, Wang & Morgan P.C. Employment Law Firm
• Christy Gonzales, Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium Manager, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
• La Toya Hodge, Head of Marketing and Partnerships, Americas, Cappfinity
• Judy Julius, Owner/Primary Consultant, EEO Consulting, LLC
• Haley Moss, Attorney, Artist, Author & Disability Advocate
• Dr. Stephen Mueller, Head of Consulting, Cappfinity
• Michael Murray, Chief Relationship Officer, GT Independence
• Matthew Saleh, Lecturer and Research Associate, Cornell University
• Kathie Stenzel, MIS Coordinator, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
• Jay J. Wang, Partner, Fox, Wang & Morgan P.C.

Staff Speakers

• Steven Apostolidis, Senior Sales Engineer, Recruit Rooster
• Candee Chambers, Executive Director, DirectEmployers Association
• Mikey Meagher, Strategic Partnership & Alliances Specialist, DirectEmployers Association
• Shannon Offord, VP of Strategic Partnerships & Alliances, DirectEmployers Association
• Jennifer Polcer, VP of Learning & Development, DirectEmployers Association
• Tyler Poling, Sr. Director, Technical Solutions, RocketBuild

Underwriters

Thank you to our DEAMcon22 underwriters for supporting three days of learning, connection, and collaboration in San Diego.

Venue

DEAMcon22 took place at Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, just north of San Diego. Overlooking Batiquitos Lagoon, the resort provided a scenic setting for three days of learning, networking, and reconnecting with peers.