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Presenting Sponsor:

June 19, 201920 Monroe Live

Attendee Check-in

Welcome

Positive Communication and the Workplace: It Starts with You Dr. David Weinandy

Interpreting Dress Codes sponsored by A.K. Rikk’s

Navigating Networking Events sponsored by Haworth, Spectrum Health, LMCU

Networking Break snacks sponsored by Meijer

Young Professional Panel: Real Talk on Adulting sponsored by MSU Career Services Network

Closing

Company representatives will be here until 5:30 for additional networking.Keep the connections going at the post-event happy hour at GP Sports.

Agenda

Sponsors

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1:00

1:15

2:30

2:45

3:00

3:50

4:50

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Presenting Sponsor:

Session Sponsors:

Venue Map

Networking Break 3:00 – 3:50

Restrooms are on the second floor

Snacks available on the main floor at the back of the venue and you may take them back to your seats.

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Amway

LMCU

Haworth

Spectrum Health

OST

Steelcase

Gentex

SpartanNash

All-Phase Electrical

Lighthouse Group

TGW Systems Inc.

Ranir

National Heritage Academies

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Dave Weinandy

Dr. David Weinandy is a Professor at Aquinas College where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Communication and Management. During the five years he oversaw AQ Campus Life, David was awarded The Outstanding Faculty Member three times by the Aquinas College Student Senate and Alumni Association. Prior to teaching, David worked in Student Affairs at Bowling Green and Kent State Universities in Ohio.

David has a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Counseling, a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel, and a Ph.D. in Interpersonal Communication. His expertise in the communication discipline include: health communication, public speaking training, and interpersonal relationship development.

David has conducted hundreds of seminars and workshops on topics such as public presentation, listening skill development, positive interpersonal relationships, conflict management, motivation, and customer service. David also serves as a personal communication coach for high-profile individuals, including several women who have gone on to be Miss America.

Perhaps most importantly, David is very involved in the West Michigan community as a volunteer and board member for numerous organizations including Community Circle Theatre, where he received the Norma Brink Service Award, the Bowling Green State University Alumni Association, Spectrum Health, The Van Andel Institute Purple Community, Lake Michigan Academy, and the Ms. Wheelchair America, Miss Michigan and Miss Michigan Outstanding Teen Scholarship Programs. David has been acknowledged with Aquinas College’s Distinguished Service Award for his community service work.

His other honors include Educator of the Year by the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Association and Outstanding Alumni Service Award from Bowling Green State University.

Speaker Bios

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Morgan Wallace

Morgan is a Personal Stylist for AK Rikk’s. She was born in Grand Rapids and has worked in retail for the past 14 years. After attending the University of Columbia to study Fashion Business, she moved back to Grand Rapids. Upon her return, her first stop was AK Rikk’s where she found her dream job as a Personal Stylist. Morgan loves helping people find their perfect look for every occasion.

Tyler Smith

Tyler is the Digital Merchandise Manager for AK Rikk’s. Raised in South Haven, MI, he attended college in Los Angeles for cinematography. Tyler has always been interested in the fashion industry and after moving home discovered A.K. Rikk’s, where he found the opportunity to meld his photography degree with his passion for styling, first as Ecommerce Stylist and now as the Digital Merchandise Manager.

Rachel Bartels

As the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan, Rachel leads the organization’s strategy, operations, and membership development. She helps educate employers and prospective candidates about the region. Rachel started with the organization as Program Manager in 2013, running the marketing, communication, and internship program.

Prior to joining Hello West Michigan, Rachel handled the marketing for Aquinas College Career and Counseling Services and worked at Celebration! Cinema as a marketing intern. She was named Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 in 2018. Rachel is an alumna of Aquinas College.

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Helen Yang

Helen is a Beauty Research Investigator at Amway. She is a rare blend of scientist and effective storyteller who is passionate about communicating science in a consumer-friendly manner. She earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and English Language & Literature from Columbia University. Before moving to the Big Apple, Helen lived in Shanghai, China and Youngstown, Ohio.

Today, Helen converges her passions for science and writing at Amway. She plays a key role in product development for Amway’s Artistry™ skincare line by researching cosmetic ingredients and crafting coherent stories for beauty products. Helen communicates product science to over 150 international counterparts and thrives on multi-cultural collaboration.

Ashley René Lee

Ashley René Lee is Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing for Grand Rapids Community Foundation. As a member of the leadership team she oversees all strategic communications and works to ensure organizational messaging is delivered through an equity lens.

Ashley previously led communications at Michigan State University and the national headquarters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an international public service

organization. She has also worked as a communications consultant for non-profits and as a freelance writer for several publications, including Essence Magazine and The Grand Rapids Press. Ashley received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. In 2010, she was recognized by Who’s Who in Black Washington, D.C. as a Woman of Excellence Under 40. In 2016, she was a finalist for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce: 10 Over the Next 10 Award. When not working or volunteering, Ashley enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, shopping, decorating, blogging, and spending time with friends and family.

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Panelist Bios

Dan Kopas

Dan Kopas is the Digital Content Manager at Davenport University and is responsible for managing the University’s website and social media channels. Prior to Davenport, Dan interned for local organizations like Hello West Michigan and Meijer. Most recently, he worked as the Marketing Manager for a video production company in Atlanta, GA, where he was responsible for managing all aspects of marketing and human resources.

With a rooted love for wildlife, Dan serves as a Board Member for Global Conservation Corps, a non-profit working to save endangered wildlife throughout the world.

Rafael Martinez

Rafael is a Business Research Analyst at The Right Place, the economic developer for West Michigan. Prior to joining The Right Place, he owned a financial consulting business and worked as an Operations Officer for the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. Rafael is a Grand Rapids native. He is passionate about working within the Latino community and sometimes takes on too many commitments outside of work.

Marvis Herring

Marvis Herring is an Emmy-nominated multimedia journalist at WOOD TV8, a local news leader in West Michigan. Breaking news coverage, major investigations and tear-stealing feature stories are always produced with Marvis’ eye for detail and integrity. Prior to WOOD TV8, Central Illinois was home and he worked as a reporter, anchor, lifestyle TV host, and producer. While studying at Grand Valley State University, Marvis

earned a first place Michigan Association of Broadcasting award. His first job was at WWTV in Cadillac, MI where he was a news producer.

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How Dave Stays Positive • Create interpersonal happiness

• Do a positive inventory

• Follow the 8/8/8 rule

• Celebrate Dave Day

• Build a love list

• Laugh at Dave

Ways to Become Happier • Spend time with you o For some, recharging means spending time away from others. This

could be in a museum, nature, library, etc. Give yourself permission to just be quiet—mentally, verbally, physically—and think. Focus on what is troubling you, and then on counting your blessings.

• Develop your spirituality o According to David Meyers, people who describe themselves

as religious have better coping skills during times of stress. For some, religion provides hope, community, the bigger picture, love and acceptance, and a joy for the soul.

• Laugh o At yourself or the situation. Perhaps most critically, know what

or who makes you laugh and surround yourself with that.

• Realize why you are doing what you’re doing o If it is out of a feeling of obligation, just stop and say “no.”

It’s OK. Take control.

Positive Communication & the Workplace: It Starts with You

• Be here now

• Grant grace

• Just say no

• Call hogs!

• Smile

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• Aromatherapy o Choose your favorite smell and live in it. Rosemary has been shown to

increase alertness and lower anxiety. Lavender can increase brain relaxation.

• Sing o Everyone can do it. Music activates the portions of the brain that

can create pleasure in the same way food and sex do.

• Love the people you want to love o Decide which people and relationships are most important to you and

cherish them. Never feel obligated to be in a relationship or friendship.

• Do nothing o And don’t apologize for it. So many of us have become so driven

that we are not able to ride any longer. Enjoy a guilty pleasure.

• Do something o If you live an active life, you may not have to follow a strict exercise routine.

Move all day.

• Pets o They simply make us happy.

• Have a cheap thrill o “Free” activities can create freedom from the stress and guilt associated

with some pleasures. Enjoy free days at museums and parks, walk the beach, go window shopping, eat fresh fruit, go to a movie by yourself, clean your closet and donate, taste rather than gobble your food, have a day with no lists, write a letter, read a book, look through your yearbooks, etc.

• Help someone o Volunteer or just help the people who are closest in your life.

Take the focus off of you.

• Clean o A cluttered, messy space causes the same in the mind. Purging is

productive. Play your favorite music when you do it. If it all looks overwhelming, focus on one place or task at a time.

David Weinandy, PhDAquinas College

616-632-2058weinadav@aquinas.edu

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Some of our favorite brands we carry: • Alice & Olivia

• Billy Reid

• Brunello Cucinelli

• Canada Goose

• Common Projects

• Chloe

• Eidos

• Ermenegildo Zegna

• Golden Goose

• L’Agence

• Isaia

• John Varvatos

Interpreting Dress Codes

• L.B.M. 1911

• Maison Kitsune

• Rag and Bone

• Peter Millar

• Stone Island

• To Boot New York

• Tory Burch

• Theory

• Tom Ford

• Veronica Beard

• Valentino

A.K. Rikk’s is a luxury clothing store in Grand Rapids, MI, home to nearly 100 men’s and women’s designer brands. We curate our merchandise with a sharp eye for contemporary fashion and bring craftsmanship from around the world back to your closet. We are proud to employ some of the most talented and knowledgeable Personal Stylists who have a commitment to learning about our customers, anticipating their needs, and styling them for any occasion. At it’s core, A.K. Rikk’s is about the people. Values such as “Family Like Atmosphere, Pursue and Share Knowledge, and Embrace and Drive Change” are practiced by the staff and can be seen in all of our relationships. We believe everyone is an architect of their own lives and we choose to serve and make a difference in our community by creating exceptional experiences that ignore ceilings and push boundaries.

Intern Connect Mixer at A.K. Rikk'sMix, Mingle, and receive 20% off one itemJune, 26 at 5:30RSVP at hellowestmichigan.com/internconnect

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Men’s LookMen entering the business world should consider investing in a neutral color suit (black, navy, or gray). This allows you to get a variety of looks with one main investment. For a presentation, impress the room by styling the suit professionally with a button up shirt and pair of dress shoes. For a vendor or lunch meeting, feel free to wear a short sleeve polo shirt with a pair of slides for a more casual dress shoe. You’ll be professional, but even more comfortable and approachable. For a day at the desk, consider a short-sleeve t-shirt with just the dress pants and a tennis shoe. In each look, the sport coat can be added to dress up the look in a pinch.

Women’s LookFor women, consider investing in a classic wrap dress. A pattern or print will give your look a little punch and show your sense of style. For a presentation, add a blazer and matching pump to emphasize your professionalism and strength. When meeting with a vendor, feel free to lose the blazer but add a neutral bootie for a slightly more casual look and sense of style. Finally, for a day at the desk, open the dress up like a long cardigan or kimono. Underneath, pair a t-shirt, dark jeans (no rips or holes), and a pair of sneakers. This allows you appropriate coverage for the office while also giving you the ease to move around and get work done.

THE AMWAY STORY – We are a multi-billion dollar pioneer

in the direct-selling industry, offering more than three

million people an opportunity to become entrepreneurs in

100-plus countries and territories. Established in 1959,

with the belief that all people should have a chance

to reach their greatest potential, Amway now employs

17,000-plus people worldwide.

START YOUR POTENTIAL

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THE AMWAY STORY – We are a multi-billion dollar pioneer

in the direct-selling industry, offering more than three

million people an opportunity to become entrepreneurs in

100-plus countries and territories. Established in 1959,

with the belief that all people should have a chance

to reach their greatest potential, Amway now employs

17,000-plus people worldwide.

START YOUR POTENTIAL

Learn More About Amway's

Internship Program

Do you have passion, curiosity, and a commitment to making things better? So does Amway. We seek strong, bright students from colleges and universities across the globe for a hands-on, career-shaping internship experience.

Quick Facts • An average of 100 interns annually across three locations

• 15+ functions and majors represented

• 12 weeks of summer FUN

• Opportunity to convert to full-time

• Program consists of college freshman through juniors and students seeking their Master’s or PhD

Areas of Opportunity • Global Marketing – Brand Marketing and Strategy,

Corporate Communications, and Market Research

• Global Supply Solutions – Supply Chain Planning, Project Management, and Procurement

• Manufacturing - Process Engineers

• Research and Development

• Information Technology

• Finance

• Global Sales

Perks to Personalize Your Internship Experience • Your day. Dress your way.

• Flexible work schedule

• Onsite fitness facility

• Opportunities to give back

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About Us

Started in 2014, West Michigan Intern Connect is designed to teach area interns about West Michigan’s lifestyle and abundant economic opportunity. This event is the largest gathering of regional interns. The fun continues through the summer with our enewsletter, The Intern Inform. This event is powered by Hello West Michigan.

Graduating by December 2019 and in town for Thanksgiving? Network with recruiters at ReThink West Michigan on November 27.

Hello West Michigan is a talent attraction organization promoting West Michigan as a great place to live and work. We focus on attracting people to the region, educating people on the West Michigan lifestyle, and connecting people to jobs and resources.

Resources for Interns and Young Professionals: • Looking for a job?

Drop your resume at www.hellowestmichigan.com/resume

• Search for jobs on our Featured Job List

• Research companies you want to work for from our Member List

• Build your network with our list of local networking groups

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Notes