The Wired-Side Chat: From the Desk of the CEO - March 2021
We are stepping into Spring!
What better way to do that than by celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day! I join women around the world making an impact on our global education and business community by serving IACET as the first woman and first African American woman Chief Executive Officer. While women continue to break the glass ceiling everywhere, there is still an incredible amount of work to do.
Therefore, International Women's Day sees several exciting and important MISSIONS aimed at:
- raising greater awareness about issues impacting women's equality
- taking a stance to call out inequality while working to forge positive action
- highlighting and applauding where important gains are being made
- celebrating women's achievements and accomplishments
Every single day, I align my work in support of these missions. I join societies and professional organizations that address and raise awareness about issues that impact equality; I serve as a voice for the voiceless by reaching out and coaching women on how to be their own best advocate; and I enthusiastically give accolades and support to my fellow women leaders and cultivate these same values and skill sets in young professional women.
What are you doing to make an impact on women’s equality? Equality period?
At IACET, we have established a climate of collegiality and a culture of inclusion. Through the work of committees, advisory boards, and taskforces, you can make an impact in the continuing education and training industry. These groups are formed to handle issues that are typically short-term and specialized in nature. A few examples of issues that could trigger the formation of a committee, advisory board, or task force are Distance Learning, Membership, an Industry specific Advisory Board, or any other situation that is special or unique. What is involved in serving as a member of one of these stakeholder groups? Let’s take a look:
- Inform IACET of best practices so that we can best serve the CE/T industry
- Work with other professionals across the globe to meet goals and objectives that algin with the IACET Mission and Vision
- Use your skills and abilities to Inform the development of initiatives or guidance
- Contribute to the body of knowledge by collectively writing a white paper
- And most of all work COLLABORATIVELY – you are all volunteer leaders
An effective board committee is aware of their charge and limit of authority. Working together, they establish a reasonable timeline for the completion of the committee’s work. They will also know when their work is complete and when it is an appropriate time to make final recommendations.
Volunteer Leadership through committee, advisory board, or taskforce service is announced on an annual basis. This year we are seeking members to serve in the following stakeholder groups:
- Finance Committee
- Membership Taskforce
- Awards Committee
- Nominations and Elections Committee
- Early Childcare Education Advisory Board
- OSHA/Construction Site Safety Advisory Board
- Community Colleges/Workforce Development Advisory Board
You can learn more about taking that first step into IACET Volunteer Leadership!
I look forward to the engagement!
Best regards,
Casandra D. Blassingame
About the Author
Casandra Blassingame, MEd, is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET). She is a recognized leader in adult and continuing education and has over 20 years of experience in higher education, continuing and professional studies, and workforce development. Prior to joining IACET as CEO, Casandra was the Vice President of Education Services for the American Gear Manufacturers Association where she led the organization’s effort in achieving and maintaining IACET accreditation. She has also served as an IACET commissioner, reviewing dozens of applications, and an IACET Board Member.