Speakers announced for MI Hidden Talent workshop

Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein recently announced final details for the 3rd annual MI Hidden Talent workshop including Prudential Vice President Kam Wong as the keynote speaker for the event.

The free workshop designed for employers and business professionals is being held on Monday, April 30, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

Wong is the vice president and corporate counsel of employment and labor law at Prudential Insurance Company of America. She specializes in creating tactics to endorse diversity and inclusion in hiring, retention and promotion. She has developed and presented workshops for employers, business leaders and employees on inclusive practices in the workplace.

"Prudential is one of the national leaders in inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace, and Kam's efforts have been a big part of the company's success in this area," Calley said. "We look forward to learning about Kam's work and Prudential's efforts in being intentional about inclusion of people with disabilities so that Michigan companies can put Prudential's best practices into action."

The workshop will also spotlight Michigan-based Meijer and Cisco who have been very intentional about hiring Michiganders with disabilities. The new 'Inclusion Spotlight' segments will feature Meijer Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Marketing Mike Graham and Cisco Systems Engineer Chris Riling.

"We have many Michigan companies that are leaders in creating more inclusive workplaces, and we are excited to feature both Meijer and Cisco's work during this year's workshop," Bernstein said. "Their successes will be an inspiration and a roadmap for companies looking to hire people with disabilities."

The workshop, which is presented by the DTE Energy Foundation is also sponsored by Meijer, AT&T Michigan and Consumers Energy. Breakout sessions will feature training on accommodations, interviewing best practices and strategies to help close the skills gap.

The MI Hidden Talent initiative was started by Calley and Bernstein in 2015 to showcase the opportunities and advantages of hiring people of all abilities who are capable and willing to work in order to cultivate a more inclusive workforce and fill worker shortages.

Space is limited, so businesses interested are encouraged to register soon. Attendance is limited to businesses actively looking to hire people with disabilities.

To register or for additional information about the workshop, visit www.mihiddentalent.com.

Published: Thu, Apr 26, 2018