MoCDA news and updates

1. MoCDA Newsletter
Winter 2017
What's New in MoCDA?
Board Members Working Behind the Scenes
It has been a busy couple of months for MoCDA. As we gear up
for the spring, we wanted to give some insight as to how we
make all these great opportunities happen. Mainly, this is due to
our outstanding board members and their commitment to
MoCDA and career development. For those new to the
organization or just needing a refresher, MoCDA relies on
members to volunteer as leaders to further the mission of
MoCDA.
This year we have a wonderful group of members that are
tirelessly working behind the scenes to bring new and exciting
activities to our entire membership, across the state of Missouri
and beyond. Further in the newsletter you will find further
details about these new events.
However, before we get to all the great upcoming events, we
would like to take this space to thank the following for their
continued efforts for MoCDA.
President, Ivy Hutchison
President-Elect, Molly Wilensky
Past President, Chandra Piper
Secretary, Polly Matteson
Treasurer, Jenny Schnipper
Communications Chair, Amanda Russell
This issue:
Behind the Scenes
Fall 2016 Events
Webinar
MoCDA Conference
Proposals
MoCDA Spring
Conference
Call for
Nominations
New Members
Contact Us

2. Membership Chair, Catherine Nkonge
Professional Development Chair, Kay-lynne Taylor
Connections Chair, Marcie Schumert
Fall 2016 Events
Career Counseling in Uncertain Times
On December 7, 2016, MoCDA successfully hosted a
networking and professional development event in the
St. Louis area. We were able to gather 7 members from
the area to attend this event.
The topic discussed was "Career Counseling in Uncertain
Times" and Dr. Brian Hutchison from University of
Missouri-St. Louis facilitated. Members attending this
event were challenged to think about their experiences
working with marginalized populations or individuals
with uncertain futures. Additionally, the group discussed
the topic of college fit and reviewed a college values
sort to identify areas in which students seeking higher
education may encounter issues.
Thanks to the efforts of Ivy Hutchison, MoCDA
President, our organization was awarded a $500 grant from NCDA to provide breakfast at
this event and future conferences.
NCDA Poetry & Poster Contest
This year MoCDA was actively involved in the annual NCDA Poetry and Poster Contest. To
promote Career Development Month in November, MoCDA collected 26 submissions for
the annual contest. This year's theme was The Joy of Working: Positive Approached to
Work, Career and Life. After reviewing the submissions our Membership Committee
nominated 3 finalist that were sent to the national level. We wish our finalist best of luck!
Webinar and Networking Event in February
Identity Intersections and Inclusion in Counseling: Increasing our
Competencies
Continuing our efforts to provide professional development and networking opportunities
to our members, MoCDA will be hosting a webinar and networking event in February. In
addition to MoCDA members, non-members are also encouraged to attend this event.

3. Feel free to bring a colleague!
As we increase our cultural competencies in our profession it is important to understand
the intersection of identity of our clients and colleagues. The premise of this webinar
stems from a recent article in NCDA Career Developments magazine titled, "Diversity,
Inclusion, and Equity & Career Development". Christian Chan, one of the co-authors of
this article, will present his insights and findings on this topic. Mr. Chan is a doctoral
candidate in Counseling with The George Washington University. One of his focus of
interest is on intersectionality of cultural and social identity.
This event will be held on Monday, February 13 from 8:40 AM until 9:40 AM at the St.
Louis Galleria in St. Louis, Missouri.
A light breakfast will be provided and again members and non-members are welcome.
We will be sending an email invitation to all members. Please respond if you are
interested in attending.
MoCDA Spring 2017 Conference Proposals
Making Connections: Partners in Progress
Spring is right around the corner and so is the MoCDA Spring Conference!
This year we are coordinating another exciting opportunity to connect with career
development professionals across the state of Missouri. With the continuation of this
year's theme of Making Connections, we are designing this conference to focus on various
ways to create meaningful partnerships. However, we cannot do it alone!
Therefore, we need your help!
If you or someone you know has interest in sharing their knowledge or experience in
making connections, please submit a conference proposal.
Proposals can be completed online at https://goo.gl/forms/eevOOxZkHbJc2fBo1 and the
deadline for proposals is Sunday, Feburary 19, 2017.
MoCDA Spring 2017 Conference Schedule
Making Connections: Partners in Progress
Speaking of the Spring Conference, we wanted to again provide everyone with details
regarding this conference.

4. When: Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Time: Approximately 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (detailed schedule TBD)
Location: Columbia College - Columbia, Missouri
We are welcome to announce that Dr. Sharon Givens from Visions Counseling and Career
Center, LLC will be providing our keynote address. Dr. Givens will discuss how mental
health impacts career development.
We will be sending an email invitation to all members with further details.
Call for Nominations
Consider Role as MoCDA Leader
It is time for MoCDA elections! We invite you consider how a role as a MoCDA leader fits
with your professional development plans. Our organization leaders say that getting
involved in MoCDA has helped them to learn, network, and get more than expected out
of MoCDA membership. Leadership exposes you to new ideas, practices, and
professionals – and it’s fun! Our organization relies on you, our members, to contribute
your valuable talent and time to make us great. Time commitment averages 2-6 hours per
month, depending on the position.
Per the organization’s by-laws, elections will be held each year during the month of March
with all ballots being submitted by April 1. A call for nominations with instructions for
submission will be sent in January each year. Elected offices include that of Secretary,
Treasurer, and President-Elect. The term of officers is from May 1 through April 30 each
year.
We are currently welcoming nominations for the roles of:
• Secretary (serves a two-year term on the Executive Board)
• President-Elect (serves a three-year term on the Executive Board; one year as
President-Elect/Vice President, one year a President, and one year as Past-
President whose primary role is consultation)
• Professional Development Chair (2 year term on the Leadership Board)
For position descriptions, please visit the Get Involved section of our website: http://mo-
cda.org/get-involved. If you have questions and would like to learn more about
volunteering with MoCDA, contact info@mo-cda.org.
Please submit nominations to Chandra Piper, Past-President and Chair of the Elections
Committee, by Friday, February 24, 2017.
If you are nominating yourself (which I encourage you to do!), please include a resume
and short candidate statement (for election ballot).

5. You are also welcome to nominate an individual by emailing me name, email address, and
the position you feel he/she would be best for and I will contact this individual to identify
interest.
On behalf of the MoCDA Executive Board,
Chandra Piper
Past-President, Missouri Career Development Association
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME
MoCDA Welcomes:
Kellian Hanks
Thank you to all the new and continuing members of MoCDA. We appreciate your
membership!
CONTACT US
Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for updates on career
development events and opportunities.
Feel free to contact any MoCDA board member with your feedback, questions, or to get
more involved with the organization.
Ivy Hutchison, President (hutchisonivy@rsdmo.org)
Molly Wilensky, President-Elect (wilenskym@umkc.edu)
Polly Matteson, Secretary (pollym@truman.edu)
Jenny Hahn Schnipper, Treasurer (jschnipper@stchas.edu)
Missouri Career Development Association. All rights reserved.