Join us for a high-impact learning and networking experience as we explore the future of talent development and professional growth. This event brings together industry leaders and academic experts to bridge the gap between education and the evolving corporate landscape.

The Conversation

We are diving deep into the modern workplace through three critical lenses:

• The Transition: Navigating the leap from academic theory to professional practice.

• The Path of Entrepreneurship vs. Corporate America: Weighing the structured stability and scale of a corporate career against the autonomy, agility, and high-stakes ownership of building your own venture. Which path truly drives your definition of success?

• The Blueprint: How organizations scale talent—from frontline roles to executive leadership—while adapting to a rapidly shifting global economy.

Featured Keynote Speakers

Joshua Edward Byrd, an Atlanta native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, brings over 20 years of expertise in criminal justice, security, and leadership to his role as Director of Career Services and Program Chair at American InterContinental University. He has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and trained law enforcement executives nationwide. A published author and recognized security expert featured on CBS and NPR; Joshua also serves as a board member for the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and was recently honored as a Georgia State University 40 under 40 recipient.

Jill H. Pearson, representing The Judge Group, is a collaborative L&D leader with over 20 years of experience designing leadership solutions that drive measurable behavior change. Her background spans service, hospitality, finance, and pharma, blending corporate expertise with hands-on experience as a former small-business owner. Recognized for award-winning learning programs, she specializes in leading large L&D operations and developing innovative strategies that foster cultures of continuous learning and operational excellence.

Expert Panelists

Amed Vaquer Fernandez is a veteran corporate Subject Matter Expert and strategic leader with extensive experience spearheading complex organizational transformations. Known for bridging the gap between high-level strategy and frontline execution, he has a distinguished career managing large-scale projects and driving operational excellence. Beyond the corporate suite, Amed is a dedicated advocate for digital equity and workforce readiness, frequently contributing to initiatives that bridge the digital divide and support community access to technology.

Deanna Williams, President & CEO of Family Dynamics and Founder of Peace to Parents, is a multifaceted entrepreneur dedicated to supporting families through systemic and personal crises. With over 15 years of experience, she bridges professional expertise with lived experience to advocate for families at risk. Deanna specializes in identifying the "hidden barriers" to success—such as housing and financial instability—challenging organizations to move beyond surface-level responses to foster more empathetic and intentional support systems.

Event Highlights

• Complimentary Professional Headshots: Arrive early! A professional photographer will be on-site to provide free headshots to help you update your professional brand.

• In-Person Networking: Connect with talent development professionals, educators, and career navigators from across the Greater Atlanta area.

• Actionable Insights: Leave with practical strategies to foster growth within your organization and your career.

Who Should Attend

• Emerging Leaders and Young Professionals

• Career Changers exploring growth pathways

• L&D Practitioners and Talent Leaders

• Students and early-career talent development professionals

• Anyone passionate about developing people with intention

Agenda:

5:30 PM - Registration & Branding: Free Headshots begin; networking and refreshments

6:15 PM - Opening Remarks: Welcome by AIU/ATD; Setting the "Human First" stage.

6:25 PM - Interview I: The Impact: Amed & Deanna - Corporate SME and Entrepreneurship

7:00 PM - Interview II: The Strategy: Joshua & Jill - Career Navigation and L&D Leadership

7:35 PM - Combined Town Hall Q&A: All four speakers on stage for audience interaction

7:55 PM - Closing & Call to Action: Final headshot reminders and wrap-up

Sponsored by:

We’re proud to have The Judge Group supporting this experience as an event sponsor. Judge Learning Solutions partners with organizations to design leadership, learning, and performance experiences that drive real behavior change. Their approach focuses on practical, scalable development that leaders can apply immediately—aligning closely with this session’s focus on talent mobility and learning in the flow of work.

Corporate Host Team: