Amplifying Advocacy: Career Development in a Disrupted World of Work

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm Eastern Time

Presented free as part of the Global Career Month (continuing education credit available)

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*if you are not an NCDA member or do not have an NCDA record, please create an account to register for this event at no charge.

How can career development professionals move beyond acknowledging disruption to shaping solutions?

Join us for a FREE virtual event on November 19, during North America Career Week, to explore the path forward - how we can activate engagement, adapt with creative resilience and advocate more powerfully - together.

The North American collaboration between NCDA, CCDF and CERIC will bring together a dynamic panel of leaders to discuss taking action on today's pressing challenges - from youth and long-term unemployment to service cuts, rising living costs and the impacts of AI on work.

What to Expect to Gain:

• Mobilizing Advocacy: Strategies, tools and ideas to amplify your voice and those of the people and communities most affected.
• Real-World Examples: Hear what's being done to drive change - and what you can take away for your own practice.
• Sector Leadership: How career development itself is part of the solution, advocating both for the people we serve and for the profession as a whole.
• Inspiration and Action: A celebration of the agency we all have to adapt in the face of turbulence and uncertainty.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and act. Registration is required.

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Speaker Biographies

*times listed are Eastern

Amplifying Advocacy: Career Development in a Disrupted World of Work

Moderator: Candy Ho, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Dr. Candy Ho is an international award-winning career development educator and scholar whose expertise is recognized globally through keynotes, consulting, and other engagements. Her insights have been featured in prestigious media outlets including BNN Bloomberg, The Globe and Mail, Financial Post, Canadian Business, National Post, and CTV News. Originally from Hong Kong, she currently serves as Chancellor’s Research Chair at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), while also teaching in KPU’s Educational Studies department and in Douglas College's Career Development Practitioner Program. Candy is Past Chair of CERIC, a Canadian charitable organization that advances education and research in career counselling and career development, in order to increase the economic and social well-being of Canadians.

Janet Morris-Reade, ASPECT, BC
Janet Morris-Reade is the CEO of ASPECT BC, where she champions community-based workforce development in British Columbia and across Canada. With more than 25 years in non-profit leadership and a Master of Arts in Community Development from the University of Victoria, she is passionate about raising the profile and influence of career development as a driving force for Canada’s economic and social well-being. Janet works closely with governments and partners to advance responsive policies and funding, always bringing community-based perspectives to the national conversation. 

Sharon Givens, Visions Counseling and Career Center
Dr. Sharon Givens is a multifaceted professional, serving as a researcher, licensed psychotherapist, career counselor, professional trainer, and academician. She is the CEO and Director of Visions Counseling and Career Center, LLC (VCCC), a leading private practice in Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC, that offers career counseling, coaching, mental health counseling, and psychological testing. Additionally, Sharon is the sole proprietor of Training Visions, an international firm specializing in customized training in career development, diversity, and mentoring. 
 
As a Master Trainer with the National Career Development Association, Sharon is renowned for her work on global and domestic projects. She has developed training curricula and facilitated programs for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, school districts, and higher education institutions in Singapore, West Africa, India, Saudi Arabia, and across the United States. Sharon has also served on the NCDA Board of Directors, including a term as President from 2021-2022 and the Trustee for Private Practice, Business/Industry & Agencies constituency. She was also the chairperson of the NCDA's Training and Education Council. During her tenure, she contributed significantly to the Facilitating Career Development program and other NCDA initiatives. 
 
A prolific writer and speaker, Dr. Givens has authored and contributed to numerous publications on mental health, workforce wellness, and career development. She is also the host of the podcast “Between Sessions with Dr. Sharon”, where she offers expert insights and practical strategies to support mental wellness and career satisfaction. 

Sharon's contribution to the career development field began with the creation of college and career readiness centers in rural public schools. She expanded her work which led to her role as a counselor educator, teaching career development courses to pre-service counselors. Today, she continues to provide career development support to higher education institutions, corporations and individual clients. 

Shelby McIntyre, Pasadena City College
Shelby McIntyre is a Career Counselor & Instructor at Pasadena City College and member of the National Career Development Association (NCDA) Government Relations Committee. She is proud to work within the CA Community College system - the largest system of higher education in the U.S., which accepts the top 100% of students and champions equity. Her previous leadership roles include President of California CDA and Co-Chair of NCDA GR Committee. She earned her M.S. Counseling, College Counseling & Student Services from CSU Northridge, and a B.A. in Cinema Studies, minors in Creative Writing & Music, from the University of Oregon. Her professional passions include social justice & collective liberation, systemic awareness & advocacy, civic engagement, work-based learning, and student leadership.  

Tristram Hooley, Professor and Researcher

Wendy Cukier, Diversity Institute, Future Skills Centre, Women Entrepreneurship Hub
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Founder and Academic Director of the Diversity Institute and Academic Research Director of the Future Skills Centre. The Diversity Institute has 80 full time research staff, 10 hubs across Canada and 300 partners, undertaking research and evidence based programs to advance growth, sustainability, innovation and inclusion. She has published more than 200 articles and received many academic, industry and community awards for her work. She holds an MA, MBA (Toronto), a PhD in Information Systems (Schulich, York) and two honorary doctorates (Concordia, Laval).

Continuing Education 

One Continuing Education hour is available for this event. The cost of 1 continuing education hour is $25 for members and non-members. You can choose the CE option when finalizing your registration. All CEs will be posted to your NCDA record and CE Transcript available to download at your convenience following the event.

NCDA's Credentialing Commission has approved this as a Career Practitioner Event (CPI) according to the Continuing Education Manual.

What is a Career Practitioner Institute?

Looking for more ways to celebrate Career Development?

Plan to join colleagues in the MENA Region to celebrate National Career Development Week, November 14-21, 2025.  Go to www.cdweek.me for more information or view the Mena week flyer.