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Guests

Maria Nevai

Maria Nevai is responsible for launch and oversight of two statewide talent enhancement programs, Michigan Shifting Gears and Global Michigan. Her areas of focus include strategic program development, collaboration, and facilitation with partners and stakeholders.        

Past work experience includes ‘solar industry key account manager’ at MEDC, business development manager at Lansing Community College, pharmaceutical sales at GlaxoSmithKline, and real estate sales.

Maria’s keys to success are: business development through a needs-based approach; strategic partnership development and collaboration; and attention to outstanding customer service.

Former graduate of Lansing Catholic Central, Lansing Community College and Michigan State University (B.S. in Physiology), and is currently a member of Global Michigan initiative’s steering committee.

Panelists

Lisa Wiley-Parker

With over a decade of experience in the recruiting and staffing industry, Lisa Wiley Parker is now focusing on providing direct support to job seekers looking to navigate this challenging economy. Through a Job Seeker Round Table she's organized on Meetup.com and networking groups for unemployed professionals she voluntarily facilitates at Capital Area Michigan Works, those looking for work have an ally in their quest to secure employment. Lisa is also an active blogger on job search strategies. You can find her work at www.RecruiterUncensored.com.

Cindy Brown

Executive Director of Hello West Michigan

Cindy Brown serves as the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan. Hello West Michigan is an employer-driven and non-profit membership organization, serving as an advocate for talent and provides downstream support for them and their families as they settle into their new lives in West Michigan. 

From September 2008 until August 2011, Cindy served as Project Manager for the West Michigan Internship Initiative.  Under Ms. Brown’s direction, the Employers’ Internship Toolkit was developed to assist the region’s employers who wish to develop and/or enhance their organizations’ internship program. Ms. Brown facilitated Employers’ Internship Training Sessions to share tips and best practices on how to structure a successful internship program.

Prior to this opportunity she had a lengthy career at Enterprise Rent-A-Car where her responsibilities included the development and implementation of a summer internship program, including the recruitment of college students to participate in the program. She has over 21 years of leadership experience in employee development and coaching, recruiting, sales and brand management, and training and facilitation.

Cindy was recently elected President for the Michigan Career Educator & Employer Alliance (MCEEA). She was selected for the 2011 Don Hunt Service Award which honors her for significant contributions in promoting and sustaining quality internship and cooperative education programs in the state of Michigan. She serves on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Talent Partner Group. Cindy is a member of the Ottawa County Workforce Development Board and Area Community Services Employment and Training Council for Kent/Allegan Counties and serves on the advisory board of West Michigan’s Top 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.  She also serves on the board of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure West Michigan Affiliate. Ms. Brown received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Aquinas College.