2024 Professional Development Conference Summary

The ICSEW 2024 Professional Development Conference was held October 8 and 9 virtually, followed by two in-person events in Tacoma and Spokane on October 10. Hundreds of state employees gathered online to listen to inspiring speakers, participate in breakout sessions, and support local artists who shared their music.  

FROM THE CHAIR 

On behalf of the ICSEW Conference subcommittee, I’d like to extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2024 ICSEW Conference. Our outstanding team of ICSEW members, who dedicated the past year to organizing this event, have shown incredible commitment and passion. Additionally, we are immensely grateful for the invaluable input from our BRG partners, whose insights enriched our planning process. Our state agencies' tremendous support again this year was essential in bringing this event to life, and their collaboration is deeply appreciated. Thank you all for your remarkable efforts in making this conference a memorable success! 

Sincerely,
Connie Becker 

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS  

Nineteen state agencies provided financial support for our conference. Their generous contributions enabled ICSEW to cover all conference expenses and offer the conference to participants FREE OF CHARGE for the third year in a row.  

We would also like to thank the Washington State Women’s Commission, Washington State Office of Equity, Office of Administrative Hearings, and Department of Enterprise Services for their in-kind support with the planning and execution of the conference.  

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS 

If you missed the conference, a presentation, or would like to replay a presentation, we are making the conference recordings available on our YouTube channel until November 20. Here is a list of presenters and their topics: 

Cami Feek, Commissioner, Employment Security Department, shared her professional journey from a non-permanent position in a state agency’s mailroom to being appointed to her current position by Governor Inslee. 

Amandeep Puri, Commander, Office of Culture and Engagement, Washington State Patrol talked about women change-makers through a socio-cultural and historical perspective. She took us on a journey of the women’s movement - struggles, accomplishments, and resilience of the early women visionaries to the challenges faced by women today. 

Julie Pham, PhD, CEO of CuriosityBrand, and Maleah Jackson, Makari Consulting, discussed the difference between “disrespect” and “lack of respect,” the “7 forms of respect” and challenged us to look at respect differently.  

Jess Clayton used her own traumatic life journey to teach us how to leverage our personal story to overcome adversities and roadblocks, understand how to strategically bring diversity, equity, access, accessibility, inclusion and belonging into your state service role. 

Rae Simpson, PhD, Health Services Quality Director, Washington State Department of Corrections walked us through her PhD research into the impact of compassion fatigue, perceived levels of solial support, burnout, and bullying had on department nursing staff.  

Elizabeth Power introduced five key skills that will increase our sturdiness against personal and professional drama.  

Raedene Copeland, PhD, Achieve Brand Consulting, shared strategies to improve business relations and performance through effective communication tactics.  

Ayanna Coleman, EDI Director, Employment Security Department, joined by a panel of women leaders from Washington State agencies and business partners discussed leadership development, mentorship, barriers, challenges, and resilience from the perspective of women of color.   

IN-PERSON EVENTS 

This year, we were able to host two in-person events on October 10. Special thanks go to the Office of Administrative Hearings for providing the meeting space in their Tacoma and Spokane offices. 

MUSIC 

Throughout the conference, participants were treated to music from wonderful artists. Use this link to revisit their performances. You may find new favorites to follow and see in person!