BIG Returns to In-Person Learning with 43rd Annual National Training Institute
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The prompt for this round of the FEDforum is back to square one. This week, hear from Blacks In Government (BIG).
It was no easy task returning to in person learning for the first time since the pandemic started but we did it! Last month, Blacks In Government (BIG) returned to in grand fashion with our 43rd Annual National Training Institute (NTI) in Cleveland, OH, August 15-18, 2022.
With over 1200 paid registered attendees, over 100 free registrations, over 100 students for our youth oratorical and STEM programs and Future Leaders in America's Government (FLAG) program, over 100 vendors in our Exhibit Hall, and nearly 200 workshop presenters, panelists, guest speakers, and agency officials at the agency forums, we brought close to 2,000 people with us to "the Cle". And, in the words of Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians, the training was "simply magnificent darling"! We honestly could not have asked for more.
“I am Alabama bred, Spelman College fed, and I am honored to be serving as the 15th National President of Blacks In Government!" That was the signature introduction that BIG National President Shirley A. Jones, Esq. used as she presided over the event.
The annual event kicked off with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja as the Opening Plenary Keynote Speaker and proceeded with a week of informative workshops led by government Senior Executive Service (SES) members and subject matter experts as well as timely forum discussions with Cleveland's Mayor Justin Bibb, Cleveland NAACP Executive Director Crystal Bryant, and AFGE National President Dr. Everett Kelly, just to name a few. BIG also welcomed African American Federal Executives Association (AAFEA) National President Tyra Dent and Federally Employed Women (FEW) National President Pamela Richards (not pictured).
Blacks In Government National President Shirley A. Jones , Esq.
AAFEA National President Tyra Dent, OPM Director Kiran Ahuja, and BIG President Shirley Jones.
Students participating in BIG’s FLAG program with BIG leaders.
BIG President Shirley Jones flanked by a few of the Marines who attended the 4 day training.
Throughout the week, BIG also had over 100 students, from junior high to college, participating in the oratorical, STEM, and Future Leaders in America's Government (FLAG) programs. The organization also left a BIG footprint in Cleveland by donating 300 book bags to the local housing authority.
BIG also left a BIG footprint in Cleveland by making a monetary donation and clothing/toiletry donations to the Cleveland Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic through BIG’s Military Veterans Emphasis Program (MVEP). The program also featured sessions for veterans to learn more about their veterans’ benefits.
A BIG thank you to all who supported our return to in-person learning!
The column from Blacks In Government (BIG) is part of the FEDforum, an initiative to unite voices across the federal community. The FEDforum is a space for federal employee groups to share their organizations’ initiatives and activities with the FEDmanager audience.
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