Business : Kirkwood to hold Diversity Training

For companies looking to build diversity and economic opportunity, an April 29 program at Kirkwood Community College will offer a host of tools and ideas. The 5th Annual Diversity Recruitment and Retention Summit will be held at the Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The summit gives education, business and governmental personnel speakers, workshops and networking to help find, nurture and keep high-quality employees of all backgrounds. The annual conference is a collaboration of public and private colleges and universities, with invitations extended to employers large and small throughout Iowa. Keynote speaker for the 2010 summit is Jose Soto, vice president of Access, Equity and Diversity at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska. Soto is a 25-year professional in mental health and education, serving as an educator, administrator and consultant in public education and mental health roles. Virgil Gooding will present an afternoon keynote presentation. Gooding is a well-known area writer, researcher, therapist, trainer and public speaker. The summit will also include breakout and small-group sessions and a panel discussion with major presenters at mid-afternoon. A free wine and appetizer networking session will close the day’s events. Breakfast and lunch are also included in the conference cost. Co-sponsors with Kirkwood are the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa, Central College and Loras College. Registration for the 2010 Diversity Recruitment and Retention Summit is available via phone at (319) 398-1022, or online at: www.iowadiversitysummit.com