Please attend our next Lunch and Learn session:

The topic of discussion: Seeing Talent in All Abilities

Location:  Online (More Information Below)  

Date: December 2^nd, 2020

Time:  12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Facilitator: Katie Mirkovich, Tani Biale, Lance Proctor

Background:

In Washington state we know inclusion works for business because we walk the walk ourselves. Our state competes and wins not in spite of inclusion, but because of it. And we have the data to prove that for state businesses, inclusion is a strategic differentiator providing a significant competitive advantage. During this Lunch and learn we will cover the business need for hiring people with disabilities as well as programs that can assist you in meeting that business need.

Facilitators:

 Joslyn Nelson

Joslyn Nelson is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Disability Program Specialist at Washington State Health Care Authority. She is an alumni of Evergreen State College where she obtained her BA in Political Science and U.S. History. Currently Joslyn serves as the Chair to the Disability Inclusion Network Businesses Resource. Joslyn joined DIN due to her unique personal background and perspectives on people with disabilities.

Katie Mirkovich, M.A., CRC

Katie Mirkovich has over fifteen years of experience in the field of state vocational rehabilitation (VR). Currently, she serves as the Supported Employment Program Manager/Supported Employment in State Government for the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.She provides guidance, consultation, and training to state vocational rehabilitation professionals on the requirements, methods, and best practices for delivering Supported Employment services to DVR customers with most significant disabilities. 

Tani Biale

Tani Biale currently works with the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation conducting diversity trainings and assisting businesses with their recruitment needs. She has over a decade of experience in facilitation, teaching and curriculum design.

Lance Proctor

Lance Proctor is an 18-year Department of Revenue employee, with a multifaceted role as a senior recruiter, trainer and lean facilitator. Lance is the 2019 recipient of the Department of Revenue’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion award.  His mission is to support the Department of Revenue and the State of Washington as an employer of choice, embracing diversity and helping cultivate a respectful, inclusive culture for all.

Meeting Information

  Tani Biale

Tani Biale currently works with the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation conducting diversity trainings and assisting businesses with their recruitment needs. She has over a decade of experience in facilitation, teaching and curriculum design. Some highlights include:

• Subject Matter Expert focus group facilitation to develop curriculum for the Boeing Company.
• Facilitated value stream mapping workshops using 3- 5 day rapid Kaizen events for Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
• Designed and delivered communication and conflict resolution skills training for Professional Mediation Certification classes held at Thurston   County Dispute Resolution Center.

Katie Mirkovich, M.A., CRC

Katie Mirkovich has over fifteen years of experience in the field of state vocational rehabilitation (VR). Currently, she serves as the Supported Employment Program Manager/Supported Employment in State Government for Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.  Previously, Katie has served in positions related to the field of VR services as a Governor’s Executive Fellow, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Community Programs Manager. Ms. Mirkovich has an undergraduate degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Social Work and a graduate degree from Western Washington University in Rehabilitation Counseling. She holds a CRC from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. She provides guidance, consultation, and training to state vocational rehabilitation professionals on the requirements, methods, and best practices for delivering Supported Employment services to DVR customers with most significant disabilities.  She serves as the subject matter expert administering DVR’s Section 511 requirements of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act of 2014.  As the Supported Employment in State Government (SESG) Program Coordinator, she markets the SESG Program to state agencies, assists with establishing SESG positions, and promoting the recruitment and retention of individuals with developmental and significant disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria for SESG Program.

Link to Video - Lunch and Learn Link