Stronger than the Market: Building Resilient Career Strategies (04/17/2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Stronger than the Market:

Building Resilient Career Strategies

Join the Colorado Career Development Association for this in-person conference focused on strategies and resources for resilience in the current job market. Participants will then engage in a community-building session to create connections and shared learning, followed by interactive breakout workshops presented by our peers. Lunch will be provided.

*Attendees who are present for the entirety of the event will be eligible for 5 hours of continuing education credits granted by the National Career Development Association (NCDA).

See you there!

Morning Keynote:

Colorado Resources for Career Resilience

Staff from the Colorado Workforce Development Council, part of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, will engage in an interactive presentation with conference participants. Our speakers will talk about the new initiatives from the Governor’s office, CDLE and the Colorado Department of Education providing resources for Colorado residents and partnerships for the schools, workforce centers, counselors and agencies that serve them.

Participants will learn about:

The current the state of the Colorado workforce.
How the “Colorado Blueprint: Quality Career Pathways Framework” helps to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers
Resources and strategies for career practitioners.

Meet our Speakers:

Dr. Thomas Hartman develops and implements career pathways for in-demand industries in Colorado and manages project plans for CWDC initiatives and Career Pathways Tools and Resources. Thomas is passionate about the democratization of education and training opportunities for all Coloradans. He holds a PhD in Education from University of Northern Colorado and is a Certified Project Management Professional.

Danica Pucci, Industry Consultant for CWDC, leads efforts to strengthen industry partnerships and supports industry-informed career pathways and work-based learning opportunities that respond to statewide talent needs. Danica holds a BA in Intercultural Studies from Biola University and an MA in Migration from Sussex.

Zarin Moon, Careerwise Project Coordinator Apprentice for the CWDC, works on career pathway development. Currently a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, Zarin looks forward to seeking a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Community Building Session

During the community-building session, we will reflect on the morning session and apply principles to our own practice. This is a great chance to create connections and share learning with our peers.

Afternoon Sessions:

Title: Deconstructing Dominant Discourses to Construct Career Possibilities

Presenter: Jackie Peila-Shuster, Associate Professor at Colorado State University

In a challenging world, it is imperative for career practitioners to creatively use deconstruction to disrupt dominant discourses so individuals can better construct careers that help them thrive. Information presented will be brought to life through interactive case examples and practice using deconstruction processes that are part of career construction counseling.

Title: Beyond the 9–5: Helping Clients Navigate Fractional, Consulting, and Freelance Work

Presenter: Cydney Hughes, Career Coach + Founder at Colorado Career Academy

Today’s job market is shifting quickly, and many job seekers are finding that the traditional full-time path is no longer the only—or most accessible—option. As fractional roles, consulting engagements, and freelance work become more common, career practitioners must be prepared to help clients understand and navigate these evolving work models. This session will break down the key differences between these paths, address common misconceptions, and explore when they can be a strategic alternative to traditional employment. Participants will leave with practical tools and conversation frameworks to help clients evaluate these options and build more resilient career strategies in an uncertain job market.

Title: Bouncing Back by Stepping In: Lead Your Way

Presenter: Crystal Mikes, Career Coach

This breakout session equips leaders in the field with strategies to lean into their Gallup CliftonStrengths and lead with intention. In today's evolving workforce, supporting job seekers requires resilience, adaptability, hope, and a strengths-based approach. Participants will explore how AI tools can enhance the career development field by supporting more strategic and personalized job search guidance. Leaders and career counselors will leave with practical ideas to empower their teams and better equip job seekers to navigate challenges and move forward with confidence.

Title: Using Gratitude to Stay Resilient on the Job Search

Presenter: Jordan Maness, Career Advising Specialist at CU Boulder Division of Continuing Education

Staying resilient on one's job search is not easy. However, harnessing the super-power of gratitude can be a game-changer (for you and your clients). Learn about the benefits of a gratitude practice and how these benefits positively effect job search outcomes!

Title: Navigating the Tragic Gap between Career Realities and Career Dreams: Contemplative Approaches to Career Coaching

Presenter: Danielle De La Mare, Career wellness coach and facilitator at Self-Compassionate Professor

The tragic gaps that present themselves over the course of our careers can be excruciating at times. Therefore, in an effort to soften the psychological pain that often lives there, I offer three contemplative approaches for group coaching sessions that support individuals in “standing and acting with hope in the tragic gap” (Palmer, 2024, p. 191): feeling a sense of community, trusting in the career journey, and summoning self-compassion.

Title: Resilience Through Career Transitions

Presenter: Evan Kravitz, Director of Career Success Center at Red Rocks Community College

Career transitions, at any age, are daunting. They require resilience and persistence not to waiver when upskilling is a challenge or an industry sends the message that YOU do not belong. Learn tips and hear true narratives that can provide resilience in the toughest of career experiences.

Registration Details:

Early bird deadline is March 31. Afterward, regular pricing will open and be accessible until the day before the event, April 17. Day of pricing will increase and be available until the morning of the event.

Questions about registration? Contact CCDA's Registration Chair, Jenny Jessup, at events@coloradocareerdevelopment.org

Questions about membership? Contact CCDA's Membership Chair, Jessica Francis, at membership@coloradocareerdevelopment.org