This session focuses on growth, transformation and accomplishment in the things that matter to people and organizations.

The goals of this session are; First, to provide useful steps for navigating issues with limiting potential. Second to ensure measurable growth regardless of inhibiting challenges (personal & professional). Third, to inspire the promotion of a tangible positive culture regardless of differences in a group or organization. Finally, we will explore “stretching” in the context of challenges as a mechanism for distinction and growth.

Cecilia Idika-Kalu (PhD), is the Co-founder & Director of Cornerstone Global, where she offers workforce development and sustainability services. Her personal development focus includes training and executive coaching. For seven years, she focused on building a thriving consulting firm for business development, leadership, strategy, and management training. She is an experienced professional who has positively impacted leaders and employees in government agencies, international organizations, and nonprofits over her years of experience. In her quest for personal growth, she moved to Massachusetts, where she earned her PhD in Global Studies from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She is a Boston Civic Action Policy Fellow, a Senior Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP) and certified in Nonprofit Leadership & Management by the University of Notre Dame.

Cecilia is a registered consultant for organs of the United Nations (UN). She conducted policy-relevant research on equitable recovery for the regional & community outreach of the Federal Reserve Bank, Boston and offered Lunch & Learn presentations on the Lowell City of Learning platform. Cecilia teaches courses in Human Security covering climate & environmental justice and International Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston’s McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies. She contributes by advising nonprofits and school boards. She holds an MBA and MPA, with a focus on Human Services. The common theme in her body of work is the study of people’s needs and organizational vulnerabilities. At Cornerstone Global, she offers training, executive coaching, and bespoke consultancy to co- create goal achievement for organizations.