Career Conference 2026
Conference Agenda
A full day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Talley Student Union, Room 4101. Times and sessions below run back-to-back, with networking and breaks woven throughout the day.
Morning
9:00 – 9:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Yun Chuu, Asian Focus — a welcome to announce sponsors and partners and to set the tone for the day ahead.
9:10 – 9:45 AM
The Future of Work: Navigating Career Transitions in the Age of AI
Dr. Huiling Ding, NC State University — the future of work and where AI roots are taking hold, plus navigating transitions in development.
9:45 – 10:25 AM
The Triangle Job Market: Where Opportunities Are Emerging
Kristine Sloan, Executive Director, Leadership Triangle — a look at the region's job growth and where new opportunities are surfacing.
10:25 – 10:40 AM
Networking Break
Coffee and connection — a chance to meet fellow attendees and speakers.
10:40 – 11:20 AM
What Employers Are Looking for Today
Marybeth Caulfield, Lenovo (Talent Acquisition) — the qualities and standards employers are hiring for now and into tomorrow.
11:20 AM – 12:00 PM
AI Is Not Optional: How to Work, Learn, and Grow in the AI Era
Iris Yim, Sparkle Insights & Hao Dinh, Grow by Design — a practical session on working, learning and growing alongside AI.
Midday
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
A midday break to recharge and continue conversations over a meal.
1:00 – 1:35 PM
From Campus to Corporate: How to Stand Out in Today's Job Market
Naveen Chapa, Cisco — how to stand out and make the leap from school to the workforce in today's market.
1:35 – 2:15 PM
Career Reinvention and Leadership in Times of Change
Ronda Bowman, L&D Consultant / Coach / Speaker — reinventing your career and leading well through cultural and professional change.
2:15 – 2:30 PM
Break
A short afternoon reset before the final two sessions.
Afternoon
2:30 – 3:10 PM
Entrepreneurship and Creative Careers
PreShus & Andrea, Sutchilee Productions — building entrepreneurial and creative careers, with perspectives on the arts in the AI era.
3:10 – 3:50 PM
Panel Discussion: Navigating Careers in the AI Era
A closing panel on skills for a future workforce, how AI is changing hiring, and strategies for career pivots.
3:50 – 4:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Asian Focus Team — final reflections and thanks to close the day.
Now you know the plan.
Get to know the people behind each session, or revisit what last year's attendees took home.