FORT WORTH, Texas (Nov. 6, 2014) – The Ninth Annual Ariel Hunter-Chriss African American Professionals Conference next week will focus on “Ignite Your Career, Your Finances, Your Business, Your Life” at Tarrant County College South Campus, 5301 Campus Drive.
The continental breakfast and registration begin at 7:45 a.m., Friday, Nov. 14, with the opening session starting at 8:35 a.m. Fort Worth City Councilmember Gyna Bivens, a non-profit executive, will give the opening presentation. Bivens, a former broadcast journalist is president and executive director of North Texas Leaders and Executives Advocating Diversity (LEAD).
Lillie Biggins, president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, will serve as the keynote speaker at the 11:30 a.m. luncheon. Biggins, a longtime health care veteran, earlier this year was elected chair of the board for D/FW International Airport.
“One of the benefits of the conference is to provide the opportunity for professionals to rise above the fray of our daily lives to reflect on our purpose, to regroup, gain clarity and create momentum,” said South Campus President Peter Jordan.
Named for founder Ariel Hunter-Chriss, Continuing Education Services director at South Campus until her death in 2009, the purpose of the conference is to provide leadership strategies and tools for business professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders to manage career challenges created by diversified and global competition.
Breakout sessions and speakers include: “Understanding Communication Styles: Generational Differences,” by Andrea Jones; “Managing Your Professional,” by Zach Shirley and Gregory Shirley III; “Priorities and Pursuits: 3 Steps to Maximizing Your Wealth Potential,” by Lorene Collier Purcy; and “Social Security: Rethink Your Retirement,” by Grayson Starks.
The conference also provides an opportunity for contributions to be made to a scholarship fund established in Chriss’ honor for children to attend TCC’s annual summer enrichment program, College for Kids. Contributions may be made online: www.tccd.edu/foundation and click on “Give Now” or by mail. A check payable to Tarrant County College Foundation with a notation for the Ariel Hunter-Chriss Scholarship Fund may be mailed to Alex Allred, TCC Foundation, 1500 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX, 76102.
Conference sponsors include American Airlines, Jim Austin Online, Imprimis, Minority Leaders and Citizens Council, Sam’s Club, Unity One Credit Union, and Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County.
Registration for the conference is $99 for professionals and $49 for students. To register or get more information consult www.tccd.edu/AfricanAmericanProfessionals or call the South Campus Continuing Education Services Office at 817-515-4598.