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Aim Hire 2026
Breakout Session
Round 3
3:15 pm – 4:00 pm
Experiential Learning for Career Readiness
Discover scalable approaches to providing students with authentic, hands-on learning experiences that build career readiness through research, innovation, and real-world problem solving.
Location: Kojo Kamau C, Floor 4
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Sheila Cubick has been involved with experiential and inquiry-based education for over 30 years. She has been a Program Coordinator with the Ohio Academy of Science since 2014. In this role she provides program outreach, education, and support to middle and high school teachers, students, and parents along with program design and curriculum development. Since 2013, Sheila has also served as the Environmental Education Council of Ohio (EECO) Region 3 Director providing environmental education outreach to educators, professionals, and citizens in her region. Prior to joining The Ohio Academy of Science, she was an environmental educator with Ohio State University Extension, a research data analyst at Wright State University’s Center for Urban and Public Affairs, and an instructor at Kent State Trumbull and Ohio University. Sheila holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Geography.
Mr. Woytek was appointed to the position of Executive Director by The Ohio Academy of Science (OAS) in 2016 to fulfill its mission as Ohio’s leading organization to advance the understanding and practice of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Michael’s responsibilities include leading, directing, funding, and budgeting all programs while serving OAS members and strategic stakeholders. These activities include professional symposia, publication of The Ohio Journal of Science, and a cadre of pre-college STEM and STEM-based entrepreneurship programs. Prior to joining the OAS, Michael’s career spanned more than 30 years as a financial services professional and entrepreneur. His work history includes commercial lending, investment banking, securities underwriting, trading, and sales as Director for McDonald & Company Securities (Key Bank) and Banc One Capital (JP Morgan Chase). Michael holds a Bachelor of Science from Youngstown State University and an MBA from Cleveland State University.
Building Ohio's Advanced Manufacturing Talent Pipeline
Explore how schools, employers, and workforce partners are expanding advanced manufacturing pathways and preparing students for Ohio's fastest-growing industries.
Location: Kojo Kamau A, Floor 4
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Heather Sherman leads Battelle’s STEMx national network and formerly directed the Ohio STEM Learning Network. Her work supports teachers through programs like Design Challenges, teacher externships, and rural STEM initiatives.
Reconnecting Adult Learners
Learn how statewide initiatives and community partnerships are helping adults return to college, earn valuable credentials, and reconnect with Ohio's workforce.
Location: Gina Knee, Floor 4
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Coretta Pettway is the Deputy Director for the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). In this capacity, she oversees the operations of several workforce programs, including Apprenticeship, Jobs for Veterans State Grant, Wagner-Peyser, and Labor Market Information to name a few.
The office also administers the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act programs and overseas OhioMeansJobs.com, Ohio’s labor exchange system and virtual OhioMeansJob center. Coretta served as the Assistant Deputy Director for OWD and Chief of the Bureau of Labor Market Information during her tenure with ODJFS.
Prior to joining ODJFS, she worked in various roles at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, which is where she began her career as a public servant. Coretta has served on many national committees and boards throughout her tenure as public servant. Current committee and board memberships include the Workforce Information Advisory Council, Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness and the State Advisory Board for the Industries of Ideas project.
Dr. Rice joined the Ohio Department of Higher Education in August 2016 with sixteen years of higher education experience including the development of the State’s higher education strategic plan metrics and the implementation of the degree offerings which includes the support, diversity, and service needs of all students. In her role of Vice Chancellor of Higher Education Workforce Alignment, Dr. Rice serves as Chair of the Ohio Cybersecurity Collaborative (OC3) Education and Workforce Development Committee, oversees several grant programs and initiatives including Choose Ohio First STEM Scholarship and Regional Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS). Dr. Rice also works with the Perkins/Ohio Technical Centers programming across the state and the ODHE collaborative with the Ohio’s TechCred program, the technology focused upskilling opportunity for the education and business communities.
Aligning Aptitude with Opportunity: The Career Exploration Program and ASVAB
Learn how the Career Exploration Program and ASVAB help students identify strengths, explore career options, and make informed postsecondary decisions.
Location: Ema Spencer, Floor 5
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Carl Burnett is a Navy Veteran who, as a civilian, currently supervises the Testing Section with THE Columbus MEPS. THE Columbus Military Entrance Processing Station coordinates the CEP program for most of the State of Ohio. He is a graduate of Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Labor and Human Resources.
Sergeant Major Desiree Layne has dedicated over 25 years of distinguished service to the nation, beginning her career with the California National Guard in 1998. A combat-tested leader and trailblazer, she deployed three times in support of global operations: peacekeeping in Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and as a Female Engagement Team Leader in Afghanistan, where her unit served as the historic first National Guard element to deploy with this specialized capability. SGM Layne is a recent resident graduate of the prestigious U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Workforce Development. As the North Region Sergeant Major for the Ohio Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, she currently guides and mentors the state's future military leaders. Throughout her quarter-century career, SGM Layne has excelled in critical leadership roles, including Company First Sergeant, Readiness NCO, and Recruiting and Retention NCOIC, earning accolades such as State Team Leader of the Year. Beyond her uniform, SGM Layne is a proud military spouse, married to retired First Sergeant Chad Layne. Together, they balance a high-tempo career while raising six children in a household firmly rooted in service, resilience, and purpose.
Manika Williams is a Cincinnati, Ohio native, a Tuskegee University graduate (Education), and a U.S. Air Force veteran who served with distinction as a Protocol and Services Officer with assignments in Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Currently, she serves as the Director of Community Outreach on the Ohio National Guard Adjutant General’s team. Her diverse career spans military protocol, county government, and nonprofit leadership in education. Driven by a deep commitment to civic engagement, Manika was the inspiration for, and a founding member of, the Bexley Minority Parent Alliance (BMPA), established in 2015 to foster a flourishing partnership between families, community organizations, and Bexley City Schools. A passionate champion for inclusive environments, she is a certified facilitator with specialized inclusive leadership credentials from Georgetown and Cornell Universities. Beyond her professional achievements, Manika’s deepest dedication lies in community and family. Active in civic leadership, she serves on the boards of a community school and the Bexley Historical Society, advises for Our Family Culture, and volunteers with the Ohio New African Immigrant Commission. Through her longstanding participation with the Bexley Juneteenth Committee, she unites neighbors and connects with schools in surrounding communities. Guided by a belief in kindness, inclusive leadership, and the transformative power of joy, she works tirelessly to foster a profound sense of belonging and uplift humanity in every community she serves. Above all, her heart remains anchored in her family and raising her two children, whom she has successfully guided in their transition to college.
Youth Apprenticeships: Growing Ohio's Future Workforce
Explore emerging youth apprenticeship models, employer partnerships, and practical strategies for expanding high-quality work-based learning opportunities across Ohio.
Location: Kojo Kamau B, Floor 4
Speaker Biographies & Slides:
Tony Trapp has dedicated more than two decades to Career Technical Education at Upper Valley Career Center (UVCC) in Piqua, Ohio. Since joining UVCC full time in 2002, Tony has served in several roles, including 15 years as an HVAC instructor before transitioning in 2012 to his current role as District Work-Based Learning/Apprenticeship Coordinator. In his current position, Tony focuses on connecting business and industry with UVCC's career-technical programs, instructors, and students. He oversees a comprehensive work-based learning and apprenticeship program that serves nearly 200 students annually, helping students gain meaningful industry experience while they “earn while they learn.” Tony has developed strong, long-standing partnerships with business and industry throughout the region and maintains an active advisory committee representing employers from a six-county area. He works closely with employers, industry mentors, instructors, legislators, parents, and students to create successful school-to-work opportunities and ensure students are prepared for the workforce. His leadership in developing and expanding state-recognized pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities has earned recognition at the local, state, regional, and national levels. In 2017, Tony was one of eight programs nationally selected by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education to highlight best practices in connecting CTE and apprenticeship opportunities. Tony was honored as the 2022 Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Seamless Work-Based Learning Professional of the Year, recognizing his commitment to creating meaningful connections between education and the workforce. Tony is also excited to serve on Region 1 of the Association for Career and Technical Education Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Policy Committee, continuing his commitment to advancing work-based learning and youth apprenticeship opportunities. His mission remains simple: connect students with industry, provide meaningful opportunities to learn and grow, and help build the skilled workforce our communities need.
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