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MCC Conference Explores New Framework in Training Region’s Workforce to Reduce Disparities for Students of Color

January 27, 2023

National industry expert will lead dialogue on strategies, followed by a panel discussion with local civic and business leaders

WHAT:           As technological advances transform the way businesses operate and how technicians do their job, area educators and employers are focused on keeping industry-driven training and education current, while aiming to mitigate disparities in academic and career outcomes for students of color.

portrait of Montez King, executive director of NIMS

Montez King, executive director of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills

On Feb. 10, Monroe Community College will host a conference, “Intentional DEI and Accountability in Workforce Development and Technical Careers,” featuring Montez King, executive director of the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), followed by a panel discussion with area community leaders on elevating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in partnership with businesses and academia:

  • Simeon Banister, president and CEO, Rochester Area Community Foundation
  • Seanelle Hawkins, Ed.D., president and CEO, Urban League of Rochester
  • Angelica Perez-Delgado, president and CEO, Ibero-American Action League
  • Aqua Porter, executive director, Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative

Both events will examine creating and delivering more inclusive, equitable educational opportunities in a collaborative approach to better serve students and the community.

Prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts is one of MCC’s top five strategic directions for the next five years.

WHERE:        Warshof Conference Center, R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center on MCC’s Brighton Campus, 1000 E. Henrietta Road; parking is provided in lot M1.

WHEN:           Program runs from 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10

DETAILS:       Event agenda:

  • 9 a.m. – Welcome remarks from Dr. Robin Cole Jr., vice president of Economic and Workforce Development and Career Technical Education
  • 9:05 a.m. – Keynote remarks from Montez King
  • 10:15-11:15 a.m. – Breakout group discussions on implementing strategies
  • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Cole Jr.

Bio of keynote speaker:

Montez King oversees the operation of NIMS, a Virginia-based organization responsible for developing national standards and competency-based credentials in manufacturing trades.

Before joining NIMS, he worked in the private sector, including as training and technology manager for Magna International, an automotive parts manufacturer, and as a CNC programming manager for Kenlee Precision Corporation, an advanced manufacturer that serves the aerospace and medical device industries.

In 2017, he was appointed to the President’s Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion, formed by the Secretary of Labor “to identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships, especially in sectors where apprenticeship progress are insufficient.”

King earned a master’s degree in adult education and a bachelor’s in information technology, both from University of Phoenix. In addition, he completed a four-year apprenticeship in machine tool technology at Community College of Baltimore County.

His full bio is available on NIMS’ website.

Media Contact
Hency Yuen-Eng
585-292-3063
hyuen-eng@monroecc.edu