Participants in the summit will engage in collaborative strategies, explore innovative practices, and gain actionable insights to effectively align career and technical education (CTE) programs with industry demands. By doing so, they empower students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for success in their future careers.
Kathie O’Brien and Kelly Williams
Kathie O’Brien
Kathie O’Brien has had a rewarding career as a CTE instructor and faculty advisor at various community colleges throughout the northwest where she coordinated technology programs and learning centers in addition to teaching online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses. She is passionate about the benefit of CTE for all students and has been involved in efforts to promote CTE as a pathway to careers and college for many years. Kathie is an educational consultant, professional learning specialist, project manager, and grant project specialist. She led efforts to redesign college courses with goals of increasing enrollments, enhancing student success, increasing retention, and effectively reaching students with diverse knowledge and abilities. In recognition of this effort, the program was awarded the Idaho Postsecondary Exemplary Program Award. Kathie has received numerous honors including induction into the Business Professionals of America Hall of Fame, Distinguished Service Awards, and various Faculty Achievement Awards. Kathie has had the privilege of presenting at several conferences throughout the country. Kathie received her Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Oregon State University, her Master’s in Business Education from Portland State University, and her Ed. Specialist degree in Adult Learning and Organizational Leadership from the University of Idaho.
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams has been sharing her passion for education and technology since the beginning of her career in education. She is passionate about Career and Technical Education and Career Prep for all students. In addition to designing and teaching online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses, she has been very involved with Business Professionals of America at the local, state and national levels. Currently, Kelly works as an education consultant organizing and facilitating numerous career preparation events.
Kelly has collaborated with Michigan Virtual University as the Course Content Specialist in writing an online Entrepreneurship course as well coordinated online professional development for teachers through MVU.
In 2014 Kelly began establishing a national footprint by joining NCCE as a professional learning specialist. Kelly constantly seeks out opportunities to continue learning and is inspired from working with a diverse and continually growing set of skilled educators from across the world. She is a certified Microsoft Educator Expert, Master Trainer, ISTE Certified, Global Minecraft Mentor as well as a Certified Google Trainer. She holds a B.S. in Business Education and a M.Ed. from Central Michigan University.