Opening Keynote

Leveraging Emotional Intelligence to Foster a More Human Centered Leadership

Luis Moreno

Learn more about Emotional Intelligence and how it can be leveraged in the workplace to improve relationship building, communication, trust, and results by fostering leaders and teams that are more human, equitable and inclusive. Using interactive discussions we will learn how to apply Emotional Intelligence in everyday situations in the workplace to enhance your leadership and improve organizational results.

Opening Keynote

Cultivating Inclusivity: Transforming Volunteer Experiences through Micro-affirmations

Charlotte Jones

In a world where diverse voices are increasingly vital to community progress, understanding the nuances of microaggressions and the power of micro-affirmations is crucial for volunteer leaders. Equipped with tools and perspectives, this vital session enables leaders to cultivate environments where all volunteers feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

By mastering these concepts, volunteer leaders will not only enhance their own personal growth but will also elevate the experiences of the volunteers they guide. Fostering inclusive and supportive volunteer environments leads to stronger community impact. Engage in interactive discussions, analyze real-world scenarios, and participate in reflective exercises designed to deepen your understanding of microaggressions and micro-affirmations and plan how to integrate these concepts into your volunteer programs.

Closing Keynote

The Empathy Exams are Not Graded on a Curve: Maintaining Engagement and Compassion in Service

Jeremy Norton

This presentation will offer insight and perspective into street-level engagement with a range of people. As an emergency responder, Jeremy engages with many civilians in MAVA's service population, but in a different manner than the volunteers do.

His two-plus decades responding to a vast range of crises and emergencies have given him a nuanced and broad perspective on human behavior, and the conditions and factors that shape people's lives and choices. Reframing "normal" and adjusting expectations allows better connections between workers and clients. The hard realities of human nature and systemic challenges test our resolve and good intentions.