Keynote Speakers
John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas
Keynote Presenter
April 10, 2017
8:30-10:00 am
John-Paul has been recognized at the local, state and national level for his work with youth for underserved and underrepresented communities. Currently State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader for Iowa State Extension and Outreach, John-Paul has held several public offices including State Director of Equity and Civil Rights at the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (WA State Department of Education), four terms as Iowa Latino Affairs Commissioner before being appointed by then Governor to lead the Division of Latino Affairs. In previous roles he has served as the Executive Director at the Latino Community Fund, and was the Public Policy Lead and Product Development Manager at the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul, MN, where he oversaw an eight-state multimillion-dollar portfolio designed to build assets, reduce poverty and improve the lives of rural youth, families and communities. Previous academic appointment include National Training and Technical Assistance Director at the National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice, the Executive Director of the Institute for the Support of Latino/a Families and Communities, and a co-founder of the Disproportionate Minority Confinement/contact Research Center, all at the University of Iowa. John-Paul has thought graduate courses in areas such as Discrimination, Diversity and Oppression, Latino Immigration to the United States, multicultural education and family/community development at the University of Iowa, the Iowa Highway Patrol Academy, the National Academy of Sciences, etc. John-Paul has a B.A. in Sociology / International Relations / Multiculturalism from Saint Mary University, a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa, and completed his course work towards a doctorate in cultural competence education and training at the same institution. As young adult, he worked in meatpacking in Kansas to put himself through school, and it was there he began his work in the United States as an advocate, community organizer and educator for youth.
Jones Loflin
The Speaker with Two Last Names
Our speaker today may have two last names, but his name is first on the list of many of today's leading organizations and associations as they seek to achieve excellence. His gift of communication combined with his wit and enthusiasm make for dynamic programs that are illuminating and unforgettable. He addresses change, work/life balance and a host of other critical issues.
Drawing on skills honed as an educator, business owner, and as a speaker for over 19 years, Jones has created and conducted training programs for groups ranging from international corporations and trade associations to governmental agencies and educational institutions. His past clients include Federal Express, Mattel, US Airways, American Farm Bureau, Bridgestone, Hilton Hotels and the United States Navy.
Jones is the author or co-author of three books. Getting The Blue Ribbon is an engaging book about how to achieve better results in times of change. Juggling Elephants is a witty and profound parable about how to deal with too much to do. The book is available in the US and 14 foreign countries. His newest book, Getting to It, is being called an essential field guide to accomplish your what is most important to you and your organization.
Jones is President of Helping Others Prepare for Excellence, a business meeting the training and development needs of individuals and organizations. He resides in North Carolina with his wonderful wife and their two perfect daughters.
