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Federal Training Institute


FTI Agenda

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Time
Activity
Room
9:00 - 10:00 am
FTI Opening Ceremony

Federal Employees, Officers and Dignitaries will participate in the grand opening ceremony of the FTI which highlights the significance of this organization in advancing continued education of federal professionals.

Speaker:

Al Gallegos

President, National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives

Carmen Garcia

Deputy HR Director & Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Dr. Javier E. Inclán

Assistant Inspector General for Management and Chief Information Officer, National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General

Marianne Malizia

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Force Resilience, and the Chief Diversity Officer for the Department of the Air Force

Lilian Sotolongo Dorka

Senior Advisor for Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Melody Gonzales

Executive Director of the White House Hispanic Initiative, Department of Education
Neopolitan 1
11:00 - 12:00 pm
Maintaining an Inclusive Culture by Promoting DEI in the Workplace

This panel will delve into the practical strategies and best practices to maintain an inclusive workplace environment that embraces DEI. Led by seasoned professionals who are committed to building inclusive cultures that drive innovation, collaboration, and employee engagement, this workshop is a must-attend for federal professionals. ECQ competencies covered: Leading People-leveraging Diversity/Business Acumen-Human Capital Management/Building Coalitions-Partnering, Influencing

Speakers:

Cynthia Dunn

Director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Internal Revenue Service

Dr. James McDonald

Senior Executive Senior Advisor for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Dr. Marirosa Molina

Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 1
11:00 - 12:00 pm
Senior Executive Service (SES) Overview

The successful delivery of our Nation’s Federal Government services relies on a healthy and vibrant Senior Executive (SES) corps. Come and learn first-hand about the SES and why considering joining the SES could be one of the most exciting career-moves you’ve ever made. Get a brief history of this unique system and the "why" it was established. Understand the differences between the SES Corps and its composition/culture/benefits/challenges. Learn from a former or current SES about the challenges and career strategies. Come and ask your “burning” questions from someone who has successfully mentored dozens of candidates into the SES. ECQ competencies covered: Leading Change/Leading People/Results Driven/Business Acumen/Building Coaltions

Speakers:

Marguerite Garrison

Deputy Inspector General for Administrative Investigations, U.S. Department of Defense

Hong V. Miller

Army Futures Command, Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Department of Defense

Dr. Lyle J. Hogue

Director, Army Strategic Outreach and Partnerships, U.S. Army

Alejandra Hernandez

Senior Federal Investigator, U.S. Department of Defense
Neopolitan 2
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Executive Core Competencies - ECQs

What are they? How do you gain them and write/speak about them? What factors are selection and OPM boards really looking for and how you do show you have what they are seeking? This presentation provides you with guidance when preparing your ECQs in a way that will help you stand out from a crowded field of candidates. This will begin with detailed guidance on what a package should contain. You’ll hear from current or former Senior Executives who have served on numerous selection panels and dozens of QRB sessions to depart with practical knowledge that you can apply immediately.

Speakers:

Suzanne R. Torres

Chief, Programs and Management Division, Human Capital, U.S. Army Futures Command, U.S. Department of Defense

Dr. Javier E. Inclán

Assistant Inspector General for Management and Chief Information Officer, National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General

Dr. Beatriz Cuartas

Senior Advisor for Workforce Engagement at the Office of Energy Justice & Equity, U.S. Department of Energy

Camille Weber

Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 1
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Trust In the Workplace

Trust is the foundation of all leadership and work environment. This presentation will examine trust from the concepts of the “Thin Book of Trust” by Charles Feldman and DePuy HR Associates with many years of consulting/working with agencies during times of crisis and change. Learn what constitutes trusting teams and authentic leadership. ECQ competencies covered: Leading People-Team Building-Conflict Resolution

Speakers:

Dr. Lyle J. Hogue

Director, Army Strategic Outreach and Partnerships, U.S. Army

Dr. Lisa R. Ramirez

Director, Office of the Secretary, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Dr. James McDonald

Senior Executive Senior Advisor for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Melissa Lasanta-Edwards

Community Involvement Coordinator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 2
3:15 - 4:45 pm
Emotional Intelligence and the Clear Connection of ECQs

Conflict is uncomfortable and unpleasant. It is all around us and we cannot avoid it, regardless of how much colleagues might disagree with each other, they still need to coexist. In cases where such occurs leaders must master techniques to keep conflict from spiraling out of control. During this panel, participants will learn how to maximize their cognitive effort and move toward eliminating conflict, figure out how to resolve differences, and get the work done.

Speakers:

Blanca Sanchez

Director, Civilian Human Resources, Diversity & Leadership Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard

Dr. Lisa R. Ramirez

Director, Office of the Secretary, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Dr. Victoria Dixon

Director of, Equity and Inclusion EEO/EO Programs at Army Futures Command, U.S. Army, Department of Defense

Nydia Yanira Reyes-Morales

Environmental Protection Specialist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 1
3:15 - 4:45 pm
Executive Interview Strategies

This presentation provides you guidance when getting ready for the interview process. You’ll hear from a former or current SES who has served on multiple SES panels. Learn what to expect and how to orient your responses to your maximum advantage. You’ll learn more about how to share stories about yourself and defend why you are ready to be a member of the SES. ECQ competencies covered: Leading Change/Leading People/Results Driven/Business Acumen/Building Coaltions

Speakers:

Marguerite Garrison

Deputy Inspector General for Administrative Investigations, U.S. Department of Defense

Hong V. Miller

Army Futures Command, Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Department of Defense

Dr. Corinna Balderramos Robinson

National Leadership Development Director, National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives

Alejandra Hernandez

Senior Federal Investigator, U.S. Department of Defense
Neopolitan 2

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Time
Activity
Room
9:15 - 10:30 am
Resilience at time of stress and uncertainty

How are you managing during these uncertain times? Join us for an interactive overview of personal resilience concepts, strategies, and tools to help manage stress. TGhis is an opportunity to share some of the concerns and challenges we are all facing and learn how we can strengthen both personal and team resilience. Take a Personal Resilience Inventory and follow a Daily Resilience Countdown. Learn ways to Rest Your Brain and build your resilience during times of stress and uncertainty.

Speakers:

Cynthia Dunn

Director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Internal Revenue Service

Blanca Sanchez

Director, Civilian Human Resources, Diversity & Leadership Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard

Dr. Beatriz Cuartas

Senior Advisor for Workforce Engagement at the Office of Energy Justice & Equity, U.S. Department of Energy

Melissa Lasanta-Edwards

Community Involvement Coordinator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 1
9:15 - 10:30 am
Senior Executive Service Overview

The successful delivery of our Nation’s Federal Government services relies on a healthy and vibrant Senior Executive (SES) corps. Come and learn first-hand about the SES and why considering joining the SES could be one of the most exciting career-moves you’ve ever made. Get a brief history of this unique system and the "why" it was established. Understand the differences between the SES Corps and its composition/culture/benefits/challenges. Learn from a former or current SES about the challenges and career strategies. Come and ask your “burning” questions from someone who has successfully mentored dozens of candidates into the SES. ECQ competencies covered: Leading Change/Leading People/Results Driven/Business Acumen/Building Coaltions

Speakers:

Suzanne R. Torres

Chief, Programs and Management Division, Human Capital, U.S. Army Futures Command, U.S. Department of Defense

Marguerite Garrison

Deputy Inspector General for Administrative Investigations, U.S. Department of Defense

Hong V. Miller

Army Futures Command, Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Department of Defense

Sandra Rivera

Communications Branch Manager and Hispanic Employment Program Council Chair, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 2
10:45 - 12:00 am
Trust In the Workplace

Trust is the foundation of all leadership and work environments. This presentation will examine trust from the concepts of the “Thin Book of Trust” by Charles Feldman and DePuy HR Associates with many years of consulting/working with agencies during times of crisis and change. Learn what constitutes trusting teams and authentic leadership. ECQ competencies covered - Leading People-Team Building-Conflict Resolution

Speakers:

Blanca Sanchez

Director, Civilian Human Resources, Diversity & Leadership Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard

Dr. Lisa R. Ramirez

Director, Office of the Secretary, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Olga Cano

Architect and Environmental Engineer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 1
10:45 - 12:00 am
Executive Core Competencies - ECQs

What are they? How do you gain them and write/speak about them? What factors are selection and OPM boards really looking for and how you do show you have what they are seeking? This presentation provides you with guidance when preparing your ECQs in a way that will help you stand out from a crowded field of candidates. This will begin with detailed guidance on what a package should contain. You’ll hear from current or former Senior Executives who have served on numerous selection panels and dozens of QRB sessions to depart with practical knowledge that you can apply immediately.

Speakers:

Hong V. Miller

Army Futures Command, Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Department of Defense

Blanca Sanchez

Director, Civilian Human Resources, Diversity & Leadership Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard

Dr. Lisa R. Ramirez

Director, Office of the Secretary, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Dr. Marirosa Molina

Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 2
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Emotional Intelligence and the Clear Connection of ECQs

How does Emotional Intelligence contribute to leadership and to career success? Explore the concepts and relationships to the competencies, and the ways to evaluate your current use of EI and using it for the ECQ development. ECQ competencies covered: Leading People-Team Building-Leveraging Diversity /Results Driven-Accountability-Decisiveness/Leading Change-Flexibility-Resilience/Building Coalitions-Political Savvy-Influencing

Speakers:

Dr. Beatriz Cuartas

Senior Advisor for Workforce Engagement at the Office of Energy Justice & Equity, U.S. Department of Energy

Dr. James McDonald

Senior Executive Senior Advisor for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Olga Cano

Architect and Environmental Engineer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 1
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Speed Mentoring Session

You will have an opportunity to meet a group of SES members who will rotate among your tables to answer your questions and provide wisdom and insights into how to reach your career goals.

Speakers:

Hong V. Miller

Army Futures Command, Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S. Department of Defense

Dr. Victoria Dixon

Director of, Equity and Inclusion EEO/EO Programs at Army Futures Command, U.S. Army, Department of Defense

Cynthia Dunn

Director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Internal Revenue Service

Marguerite Garrison

Deputy Inspector General for Administrative Investigations, U.S. Department of Defense

Dr. Lisa R. Ramirez

Director, Office of the Secretary, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Blanca Sanchez

Director, Civilian Human Resources, Diversity & Leadership Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard

Dr. Lyle J. Hogue

Director, Army Strategic Outreach and Partnerships, U.S. Army

Dr. Javier E. Inclán

Assistant Inspector General for Management and Chief Information Officer, National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General

Suzanne R. Torres

Chief, Programs and Management Division, Human Capital, U.S. Army Futures Command, U.S. Department of Defense

Marianne Malizia

Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Force Resilience, and the Chief Diversity Officer for the Department of the Air Force

Pamela I. Blechinger

Director, The Research and Analysis Center Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Army Futures Command (AFC)

Dr. Marirosa Molina

Office of Research and Development, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 2
3:15 - 4:45 pm
Executive Interview Strategies

This presentation provides you guidance when getting ready for the interview process. You’ll hear from a former or current SES who has served on multiple SES panels. Learn what to expect and how to orient your responses to your maximum advantage. You’ll learn more about how to share stories about yourself and defend why you are ready to be a member of the SES. ECQ competencies covered: Leading Change/Leading People/Results Driven/Business Acumen/Building Coaltions

Speakers:

Dr. Javier E. Inclán

Assistant Inspector General for Management and Chief Information Officer, National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General

Dr. Beatriz Cuartas

Senior Advisor for Workforce Engagement at the Office of Energy Justice & Equity, U.S. Department of Energy

Blanca Sanchez

Director, Civilian Human Resources, Diversity & Leadership Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard

Pamela I. Blechinger

Director, The Research and Analysis Center Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Army Futures Command (AFC)

Sandra Rivera

Communications Branch Manager and Hispanic Employment Program Council Chair, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 1
3:15 - 4:45 am
Establishing or Refining USAJOBS & LinkedIn Profiles

This workshop will provide the opportunity for participants to establish or refine profiles “on the spot” with experts that can help guide you during the process. Both profiles are necessary to maximize success when applying for most Federal government positions. ECQ competencies covered: Building Coalitions

Speakers:

Dr. Corinna Balderramos Robinson

National Leadership Development Director, National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives

Dr. James McDonald

Senior Executive Senior Advisor for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Alejandra Hernandez

Senior Federal Investigator, U.S. Department of Defense

Camille Weber

Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Neopolitan 2

Friday, June 28, 2024

Time
Activity
Room
9:00 - 10:15 pm
The Importance of Mentorship & Professional Networks

This panel brings together Senior Executive and Senior Government Official mentors and aspiring Federal professionals. The discussion will focus on the transformative power of mentoring and building networks. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, gain insights into leadership experiences, and receive personalized guidance from seasoned mentors. Attendees will learn about the invaluable role of mentoring and networking for career development, leadership growth, and fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing within the federal sector. ECQ competencies covered: Leading Change/Leading People/Building Coalitions

Speakers:

Cynthia Dunn

Director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Internal Revenue Service

Dr. Javier E. Inclán

Assistant Inspector General for Management and Chief Information Officer, National Science Foundation Office of Inspector General

Amneris Caba

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Program Manager, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Neopolitan 1
9:00 - 10:15 pm
Emotional Intelligence and the Clear Connection of the ECQs

How does Emotional Intelligence contribute to leadership and to career success? Explore the concepts and relationships to the competencies, and the ways to evaluate your current use of EI and using it for the ECQ development. ECQ competencies covered: Leading People-Team Building-Leveraging Diversity /Results Driven-Accountability-Decisiveness/Leading Change-Flexibility-Resilience/Building Coalitions-Political Savvy-Influencing

Speakers:

Dr. Lisa R. Ramirez

Director, Office of the Secretary, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Blanca Sanchez

Director, Civilian Human Resources, Diversity & Leadership Directorate, U.S. Coast Guard

Dr. Victoria Dixon

Director of, Equity and Inclusion EEO/EO Programs at Army Futures Command, U.S. Army, Department of Defense
Neopolitan 2
10:30 - 11:30 am
Joining National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives

Come prepared to learn of the many exciting benefits of being a NAHFE member and to register if you have not done so already. This presentation will include discussion of the detailed connection between each ECQ and the reasons and benefits of joining NAHFE. ECQ competencies covered: Leading Change/Leading People/Results Driven/Business Acumen/Building Coaltions

Speakers:

Al Gallegos

President, National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives

Dr. Beatriz Cuartas

Senior Advisor for Workforce Engagement at the Office of Energy Justice & Equity, U.S. Department of Energy
Neopolitan 1
11:00 - 12:00 pm
FTI Spotlight - FTI Closing Ceremony

Speakers:

Al Gallegos

President, National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives
Neopolitan 1