RCA 2025 4th Quarter Meeting: Career Development Initiatives at VCU

Event Information 

Join us for an engaging exploration into VCU's "Great Place To Work" journey towards becoming one of Richmond's top employers through strategic career development initiatives. Delve into the evolution of career development at VCU HR, examining the pivotal metrics that drove progress, the collaborative project management approach, stakeholder engagement strategies and sustained emphasis on career mapping. Participate in interactive activities to define and understand career development perspectives and engage in case scenario analysis to apply lessons to various organizational structures. The session will conclude with reflections on future directions, including the integration of AI, to further enhance career development practices. Get ready to chart your organization's path to greatness!

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to drive career development at the organizational level to promote a thriving, engaged, and well-retained workforce. Gain the knowledge and skills to do this at any scale, from a large organization to an HR department of one.
• Engage participants in conversations around creating structures to support individual career success.
• Demonstrate ways to include employee voice when building out programs and participating in their own career development.

Speaker Bio

Bobbi Gouffon is the Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Virginia Commonwealth University. She holds a BA in English, Master's of Business Administration (MBA), and is SHRM-SCP and LEAN certified. During her 15 year career in higher education, Bobbi has specialized in many aspects of HR including HR Services, Employee Relations, Performance Management, and Organizational Development. Outside of work, Bobbi's passion is animal rescue and advocacy. She dedicates her free-time running her non-profit animal rescue, Mae’s Mutts. Bobbi lives in Richmond with her husband and daughter.

Beverly Walker is the Program Manager for Career Development with VCU Division of Human Resources. She has been with the university since 2001, serving in various leadership roles across the university, spending her years of service in the Division of Student Affairs and Human Resources. In her current role, she is responsible for leading the efforts of designing and implementing the career development program at the university, promoting the importance of employee development and growth. Beverly has worked in various levels of the education field, teaching and facilitating student and employee engagement, customer service, leadership, and various career development skills. Beverly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and Master of Education in Adult Education and HR Development. Beverly enjoys spending time with her family and friends and engaging in community service.

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