Title:  Breaking Down Communication Before There Is A Breakdown in Communication

Description:  

Join us for a panel discussion on communication in the workplace! From George Floyd in June 2020 to the current conflict between Israel and Palestine to the upcoming presidential election, real world events are impacting everyday conversations in the workplace and employers and human resource professionals are not always well equipped to address these conversation. During the panel discussion, we will how to address difficult conversations in the workplace in a professional and respectful manner as well as how to address potential liability associated with workplace communications. 

Sponsor: Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC (https://www.woodsrogers.com/)

Speaker:  Meagan Starks, Director of Hampton Roads Programs at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

Bio:  

Meagan Starks is the Director of Hampton Roads Programs at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), an organization that works with schools, businesses, and communities to achieve success through inclusion. In her role, Meagan designs, coordinates, and facilitates programs and events on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Hampton Roads (to include the Virginia Peninsula and Tidewater regions). Prior to joining VCIC, Meagan spent over 17 years teaching K-12 Spanish in both public and private institutions. She worked closely with school administrators to promote a culture of belonging and understanding amongst faculty and students. She also has a deep-rooted connection to the special needs community; with a passion for promoting Autism acceptance and connecting families with community resources. Outside of her professional role, she is an active member of a local roller derby league. Meagan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Old Dominion University, a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University.

Speaker:  R. Patrick Bolling, Principal at Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black PLC (https://www.woodsrogers.com/)

Bio:  

Patrick Bolling is an experienced labor attorney who advises management across the nation on difficult personnel matters. Professionals across the nation depend on Patrick to help them resolve personnel matters of every variety. Patrick is experienced in the negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, discipline, discharge and grievance processing, and arbitrating labor disputes. He routinely defends management in state and federal employment lawsuits, conducts preventative management training, and speaks at industry conventions on a variety of labor and employment topics.

Speaker:  Brendan O'Hallarn, Ph.D., Senior Lecturer and Director of Strategic Communication Major at Old Dominion University (https://www.odu.edu/directory/brendan-ohallarn)

Bio:  

Brendan O'Hallarn is a senior lecturer and program director for Strategic Communication in Old Dominion University's Department of Communication & Theatre Arts. A former journalist in his native Canada, Brendan specializes in sport communication teaching and research, along with professional and scholarly experience in the areas of media relations, crisis communication, and strategic communication campaigns.

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