Watch the 2020 Virtual Recording HERE
Cascade Engineering is hosting a one-day professional development conference for young professionals of color in West Michigan on Monday, November 2, 2020. Last year, the conference convened over 200 young professionals of color at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We are happy to have BL²END (Business Leaders Linked to Encourage New Directions), returning again as the Exclusive Young Professionals Partner whose mission directly aligns with the purpose and intent of this conference.
This year has brought us all unique challenges – in our efforts to ensure safe environments for all, and for the first time ever, we will be hosting YPCC as a virtual conference, free of charge to all participants.
Our theme for YPCC 2020 is Leading in Times of Change. Grand Rapids City Manager, Mark Washington, will be one of many key local leaders at this year’s conference, inspiring young professionals with his personal lessons of leading a community through unprecedented health, safety, and justice challenges and divisions. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from additional local leaders focusing on reinforcing personal and financial foundations to meet these challenging times and continue to build professional success in the face of uncertainty.
Use our event tool to keep track of what you learned, important information and takeaways. Also keep track of any contacts or company information you have gathered throughout the day.
Download the YPCC Event Tool here:
2020 Speakers
Lt. Governor Gilchrist:
Video Message.
BL2END Panel:
Preparedness and Sustainability Beyond COVID - BL²END Panel: Erica Soto - President, BL²END; Dr. Andrea Blue - President Elect, BL²END; D.L. McKinney - Vice President Elect, BL²END; Naomi Magallán - Digital Marketing Chair, BL²END; Jessica Lehti - Edward Jones
Rebecca Spann & Janee' Beville:
Managing Mental Health for Professionals of Color: Rebecca Spann, EDS, LPC, NCC - ABOUT U & Janee’ Beville, MA, LPC, NCC - Centennial Park Counseling
Mark Washington:
Being Engaged in Positive Change: Mark Washington - City Manager, City of Grand Rapids
Event Agenda
1:00 - 1:15 |
Welcome to the Virtual Event |
1:15 - 1:30 |
Video message from Lt. Governor Gilchrist |
1:30 - 2:30 |
Preparedness and Sustainability Beyond COVID - BL2END |
2:30 - 3:30 |
Managing Mental Health for Professionals of Color - Rebecca Span & Janee' Beville |
3:30 - 4:30 |
Being Engaged in Positive Change - Mark Washington City Manager |
4:30 - 5:30 |
Learning Dialogue and Wrap-Up / Closing |
Additional Conference Information
Conference Justification LetterIf there is an opportunity for your company to pay your registration fee, we have provided a conference justification letter to present the value of attending the Young Professionals of Color Conference. This is a tool that explains the value you will bring to your company or organization by attending this conference and to justify the cost of your attendance to your organization. This letter does not guarantee your employer will pay your registration fee.
Refund Policy | Transferring Tickets We do not offer refunds. All all ticket sales are final. However, if you're no longer able to attend, we do allow you to transfer the ticket to another individual. If you need to do this, please contact Lisa Barkel at Cascade Engineering as soon as possible via email at lisa.barkel@cascadeng.com.

















