In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), join us for an engaging panel discussion webinar promoting practices, policies and awareness to ensure that employment opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, abilities or circumstances.

Hear from community leaders on the tactics being utilized to foster a diverse workforce and panelists will share first-hand experiences and outlook on what the future of inclusivity has in store.

When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024   |   9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Where: Zoom

Moderator:

• Chris Duffy, Goff Public

Panelists:

• Julie Strommen, Training and Organizational Development Manager, Andersen Corporation
• Eric Black, President and CEO, MDI
• Meredith Kujala, Program Coordinator, Advocating Change Together

Register

About the Panelists

Julie Strommen, Training and Organizational Development Manager, Andersen Corporation

Julie Strommen is the Sr Manager for Talent Development & Organizational Learning at Andersen Corporation. Julie’s team builds and scales high volume onboarding and technical skills-building systems across U.S. and Canada manufacturing and logistics locations.  Julie and her team are activators and advocates for the full employee experience and have successfully launched award-winning programs for employees that include English @ Work, GED, language navigator roles, emerging frontline leadership development programs, as well as scaled technology for both employees and leaders in support of the growing Deaf and hard of hearing workforce across Andersen.

Eric Black, President and CEO, MDI

Eric has been President & CEO of Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) since 2021, leading a $43 million organization that provides inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities. With over 23 years of leadership in commercial and manufacturing, he oversees MDI’s focus on corrugated plastic packaging, production services, and medical device assembly across five Minnesota locations. Before joining MDI, Eric held key roles at Cargill and Univar Solutions, impacting global marketing and manufacturing strategies in 18 countries. His goal is to positively affect 2,500 individuals with disabilities by 2025 through growth and community partnerships. Eric holds a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from the University of Missouri-S&T and an MBA from St. Ambrose University. He resides in Eden Prairie, MN, with his wife, Tawanna Black, and their children, Traviata and Christian.

Meredith Kujala, Program Coordinator, Advocating Change Together

Meredith J. Kujala is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, with a strong focus on promoting inclusion and understanding within educational environments. As a parent of a child with unique needs, Meredith draws from her personal experiences to champion the importance of community support and effective communication. She has collaborated with various organizations to raise awareness about the challenges faced by families and to develop strategies that empower individuals with disabilities. Her work emphasizes the belief that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, deserve equal opportunities and respect. Through her passion and commitment, Meredith inspires others to recognize the value of diversity and the potential for growth within inclusive communities.

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