By Pam Crittendon Johnson
Improving job interviewing skills, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance communication skills and developing a growth mindset were among the topics covered during the recent Doris S. Lewis Professional Development Seminar. The interactive event was sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.® Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter.
“The Doris S. Lewis Professional Development Seminar is more than a workshop — it’s an opportunity to invest in yourself, your career and your future,” said Judy Martin, president of Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter.
“I’m looking to learn more about leadership,” said Tiffany Tenork, a new entrepreneur who recently opened her own health care clinic. “It’s always great to network with other professional women.” Tenork was among the 100-plus registered seminar attendees.
Valerie Saulsberry Edmonds, CEO of Masterful You Coaching Inc., was the keynote speaker. Edmonds has published several books that reflect her passion for uplifting women striving to thrive in their life and work. She discussed various tools needed to advance in a corporate environment — tools such as acquiring mentors and sponsors.
Tiffany Brown, a corporate human resources professional, was encouraged by Edmonds’ presentation. “I currently have a mentor who is providing excellent guidance for me, and he’s a potential sponsor. I feel like I’m already doing the things the speaker talked about, so it’s very reaffirming.”
Speaker Sherri Brooks, chief learning officer at Baptist Memorial Health Care, discussed “Decoding Unwritten Rules in the Corporate Environment.”
The seminar also included workshops on resume writing, enhancing your LinkedIn presence and how to use generative AI. Individual coaching was also available.
“We wanted to provide as much information as possible to help anyone advance professionally, no matter what level they are in their career,” said Veronica Jackson-Ratliff, chairman of the Doris S. Lewis Professional Development Seminar Committee.
