March 2026

Volume 6, Issue 3

From the Desk of the President...

Greetings, MAWD Family!

Who here is ready for spring? I know I am—I’m ready for the cold weather to go away, for some sunnier days, and no worry about snow or icy conditions. Quick reminder for those who need it, but in preparation for Spring, don’t forget about Daylight Savings, which begins March 8.

Some quick notes as we move into this quarter. Your Board has been hard a work putting the final touches in place for this year’s MAWD conference. First, the agenda has been finalized as is now online! Some great features for this year’s agenda include inclusion of the NAWDP core competencies for those who need to track professional development learning hours for their CWDP renewal. The agenda also features four key learning tracks in the areas of client services, employer engagement, professional development, and technology. This will help attendees identify which sessions align with their interests more quickly. Second, we have some great social networking, AKA FUN, planned for those who will be with us. I won’t spoil it here in text, go check out the agenda to find out more! Third, we are incorporating two pre-conference sessions before the MAWD conference, providing members with even more professional development opportunities. Our pre-conference sessions include business engagement services with our national workforce partners, NAWDP, and Bridges out of Poverty. We are very excited to offer these sessions to you all – even if you can’t make the full conference, perhaps a half day pre-conference session is an option.

I recently had the privilege of sharing advice for new DHEWD staff on a Department all-staff call. My advice is not limited to DHEWD and applies to all workforce professionals—I’d like to share it with you, as well. Paraphrasing here, but I encourage you all to take your learning and professional development growth into your own hands. Dive into the applicable policies, federal regulations, state and/or local plans, TEGLs, TENs and any other guidance that’s applicable to your position to improve your knowledge and understanding. Doing so is going to help you learn how to do your current job better, it is going to make things make more sense, and it is going to help tie the why behind what you do and make it easier to carry out your day-to-day duties. Let’s be real for a moment, the workforce system is complex, and guidance seems to be updated regularly—so equip yourself to the best of your abilities! With that, I strongly encourage you all to consider serving on the MAWD Board if you are able. We have quite a few positions that will be up for election in the new membership year. I will continue to share that serving on the MAWD Board, in the various roles that I have over the years, has had a tremendous effect on my professional development. So, if you do anything today, head over to our website and check out the positions that are open and get your name on the ballot!

Thank you for all you do to serve here in Missouri. Together we are truly equipping tomorrow’s workforce today! See you in April!

Donna Sheets

President, Missouri Association of Workforce Development

REGISTER for MAWD 2026 TODAY!

AWARD NOMINATIONS EXTENDED!

Send nominations by March 13, 2026

Agenda Available

Our Conference agenda is available and now includes the CWDP competencies from National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. Check it out, and plan your sessions today!

Agenda

This year, MAWD has TWO Pre-Conference Sessions!

A reminder to businesses and other workforce partners:

You can support MAWD by becoming an Exhibitor or Sponsor! More information is available on the MAWD Conference event page. Or you can reach out to us to discuss even more ways to invest in Missouri's workforce professionals.

NAWDP Board of Directors State Election

MAWD Member Running for State Seat

Starting March 2, members of National Association for Workforce Development can vote for State Directors. Missouri has several candidates running to serve.

One of the candidates is MAWD's own Dana Keller. Dana currently serves as an At-Large Board Member. She is a lifetime MAWD Member and has previously held several MAWD board positions, including President.

A word from the candidate:

Vote for Dana Keller, CWDP

I’m honored to share this short video as I seek election to serve as Missouri’s State Director on the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals Board of Directors.

Missouri’s workforce system reflects a unique mix of rural, regional, and employer-driven needs, and throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with local partners across the state to strengthen services for jobseekers, businesses, and communities. Those experiences shape my commitment to ensuring Missouri’s perspectives are well represented in national conversations.

Serving on the NAWDP Board has been a privilege, and I’m eager to continue supporting the association’s mission while elevating the voices and best practices of Missouri’s workforce professionals.