This panel will discuss:

• Global trends that are currently impacting the workforce
• The impact of current policies on the workforce and on marginalized groups
• The role of intercultural competence in the job market
• The ways AI is reshaping job roles and recruitment processes
• Skills that will be in demand in the future labor market

Date / Time: Thu Feb 27/Fri Feb 28, 2025

Fees: Cost for residents of high-income countries: $20 for members, $30 for non-members, $15 students; Cost for residents of other countries: $10 for members, $15 for non-members, $7.50 students

Dr. Darla Deardorff, UNESCO Chair through Stellenbosch University, Founder, World Council on Intercultural & Global Competency, UNESCO, and Professor Duke University, has over 30 years of experience in international education. Dr. Deardorff has taught at various prestigious institutions globally and is a noted expert in intercultural competence, having published over 80 chapters and 14 books. As a sought-after speaker, she addresses policies affecting the labor market and intercultural competence development, influencing education practices worldwide. Her dedication to fostering understanding across cultures makes her a vital resource for career practitioners.

Dr. Didem Ekici, is an educator, researcher, peacebuilder and author with 20 years of teaching experience. She teaches at the University of San Francisco, Golden Gate University and College of Alameda where she also serves as the department chair of the ESOL and World Languages Department. She is currently serving in the leadership teams of the World Council on Intercultural and Global Competence and the peacebuilding organization, Pax Populi. She actively contributes to peacebuilding initiatives both in research and practice, including her academic publications and a recent UNESCO consultation on intercultural competencies for peacebuilding. Dr. Ekici is also committed to equitable practices as the Guided Pathways Faculty Coordinator and works with refugees and immigrants in higher education. Her research focuses on peacebuilding, intercultural competence, equitable practices in higher education, and virtual exchange. 

Ms. Fran Baxter is the Executive Team Leader at the World Council on Intercultural & Global Competency, UNESCO. With a passion for building intercultural competence, she enhances understanding and values diversity across various groups. An experienced intercultural educator, Dr. Baxter has consulted with community, education, and government organizations to create transformative learning experiences globally. She holds a Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education, is certified in the Intercultural Development Inventory, and is a qualified trainer for the Global Competence Certificate. Previously, she served as CEO of AFS Intercultural Programs Australia. Driven by her love of learning, Fran immerses herself in diverse cultures, fostering connections that enrich her personal and professional life. https://ajyd.org.au/en/people/fran-baxter

Dr. Spencer G. Niles is a professor of counselor education and co-director of the THRIVE Research and Intervention Center. He served as Dean of the School of Education at William & Mary from 2013 to 2020, where he was recognized as one of the most influential deans in the U.S. A Fulbright Scholar and former department head at Penn State, he has authored 155 publications and delivered over 170 presentations. Dr. Niles is the current Editor for Counselor Education & Supervision and has received numerous awards, including the American Counseling Association's Extended Research Award. He is a Fellow of both the American Counseling Association and the National Career Development Association, with extensive international consulting experience.

Dr. Sujata Ives, APCDA Program Committee Co-Chair, is the National Career Development Association’s 2023 Diversity Initiative Award recipient! She is Past-President of the Maryland Career Development Association and Community Coordinator of the World Council on Global and Intercultural Competency. Dr. Ives passionately supports global diversity issues concerning interculturalism, ethics, and equity that stem from her participation in NCDA’s Leadership Academy. After twenty-five years of professional experience in education, health, and private practice; eighteen global military dependent moves on three different continents; a myriad of publications and international presentations, Dr. Ives works to promote cultural humility and one -ism: Humanism.

In attending this webinar, APCDA Professional Members will be updated on these skills in the APCDA Career Service Competencies:

6. Labor Market Information

        6a. Find, understand and apply credible, reliable labor market information that is free of bias

        6b. Use labor market information to assist clients in career planning and job search strategies

Read here for more information about APCDA Career Service Competencies.

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