2025 JAG NTS: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

8:30am EDT

Registration Desk

Thursday August 14, 2025 8:30am - 5:00pm EDT

Check in for NTS and pick up your registration packet.

Registration Packet Includes:

Name Badge
JAG Tote Bag
JAG T-shirts
Name Badge Ribbons - Customize your name badge with available ribbons.

Thursday August 14, 2025 8:30am - 5:00pm EDT
Sunset Ballroom Registration Office Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

All Attendees

9:00am EDT

Employer Engagement

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Savoy

Speakers

Ali Fisher

Director of Learning Experiences, JAG-K

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Savoy Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad

9:00am EDT

Leadership and Business Essentials

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

El Dorado

Speakers

Jan Ennis

VP of Operations & Affiliate Relations, JAG

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
El Dorado Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad, Leadership

9:00am EDT

New Manager Training - Cohort A

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Mesquite

Speakers

Trinetta Lipsey

Director of Programs /National Faculty Trainer, Jobs for Arizona's Graduates

Hi JAG FAM! My name is Trinetta Lipsey. I'm excited to be here today to navigate the learning and growth of the JAG managers. My JAG journey has been extensive. I've worn many hats, serving as a specialist, manager, and CSA for JAG in two states. I'm honored to contribute as a JAG... Read More →

Daryle Wright

Program Supervisor/JAG National Faculty, Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Mesquite Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad, Manager

9:00am EDT

New Manager Training - Cohort B

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Laughlin Room 3

Speakers

Derek Morgan

Renee Van Der Werff

JAG National Faculty, Aspire Learning, LLC.

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Laughlin Room 3 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad, Manager

9:00am EDT

New Specialist Training - Cohort A

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Carson City 1

Speakers

Elizabeth Clark

Supervisor, Plainfield Public School District

Shi Pillars

Program Manager, LEADS Advisor & JAG National Facilitator, Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates

I discovered my purpose with JAG 💕

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Carson City 1 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad, Specialist

9:00am EDT

New Specialist Training - Cohort B

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Carson City 2

Speakers

Jenny Powell

National Faculty, Jobs for America's Graduates

Josh Yow

Data Lead/ National Trainer, Jobs for North Carolinas Graduates/ JAG National Trainer

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Carson City 2 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad, Specialist

9:00am EDT

New Specialist Training - Cohort C

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Virginia City 1

Speakers

Ryan Lootens

Christine Shaffer

Associate Director of Professional Development, JAG Indiana

Striving to impact the world, one human at a time.

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Virginia City 1 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad, Specialist

9:00am EDT

New Specialist Training - Cohort D

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Virginia City 3

Speakers

Candice Fedeler

Stephanie Goodman

JAG Specialist, HOT SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Nika Newsome

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Virginia City 3 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad, Specialist

9:00am EDT

Project-Based Learning - Cohort A

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Virginia City 2

Speakers

Cearra A. Jones

Training Specialist, Empowered

Cearra is an accomplished educator and passionate advocate for transforming education. Based in Kansas City, MO, Cearra dedicates her work to training educators on implementing effective instructional strategies that empower students to become better decision-makers. She believes... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Virginia City 2 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad

9:00am EDT

Project-Based Learning - Cohort B

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Virginia City 2

Speakers

Brandi Newry

Training Specialist, Empowered

Brandi, based in Wichita, KS, leads our training and events team. With 15 years of experience as a School Psychologist, she describes her role as bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world. As part of Empowered, she provides teachers with the tools and resources to... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Virginia City 2 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad

9:00am EDT

Trauma-Informed Care

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT

Laughlin Room 1

Speakers

Katie McDonald

Education Consultant, ESSDACK

HopeologistYouth Mental Health Specialist Neuro-informed Consultant/Coach"My passion is helping fellow educators reignite their own love of teaching and learning. My goal is for my participants to feel rejuvenated and armed with fresh ideas to implement. I believe in creating learning... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Laughlin Room 1 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad

10:00am EDT

JAG Swag Pop-up Store

Thursday August 14, 2025 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT

El Dorado Foyer

Stock up on JAG Swag by stopping by the Pop-up Store.

Thursday August 14, 2025 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT
El Dorado Foyer Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

All Attendees

11:00am EDT

Launchpad Closing Brunch (FOR Launchpad/Pre-NTS Attendees ONLY)

Thursday August 14, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

Sunset Ballroom

Join us for a closing brunch at the Launchpad event! Participants will share insights from their cohorts and informally present key takeaways on Employer Engagement, Project-Based Learning, Trauma-Informed Care, and Leadership and Business Essentials. This brunch marks the conclusion of our cohort sessions, but we encourage everyone to stay connected with their trainers and colleagues throughout the workshop portion of the week. Enjoy a relaxed and engaging environment as we celebrate our collective learning and prepare to implement these valuable strategies in our programs.

Please note that this is ONLY for those who attended JAG Launchpad from Monday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 10.

Dress Code: Business Casual

A breakfast buffet will be served in the Sunset Ballroom. All foods will be labeled for dietary needs. If you have questions about specific allergies or dietary needs, please find a hotel banquet staff member, and they will assist you.

Thursday August 14, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Sunset Ballroom Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Launchpad

1:30pm EDT

Opening Session: Artificial Intelligence & The Future of Work

Thursday August 14, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Sunset Ballroom

Awards Announced During this Session:

JAG Disruptor Award
5 of 5 Middle School Program
5 of 5 Multi-Year and Senior Model
6 of 6 Multi-Year/Senior Only Program
6 of 6 Alternative Education Program
6 of 6 Out-of-School Program
6 of 6 Regional Awards
6 of 6 Alternative Education - State
6 of 6 Out-of-School Program - State
6 of 6 Multi-Year/Senior Only - State
6 of 6 Performance Outcomes Award

Dress Code: Business Casual

Speakers

René Cantú

Executive Director, Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates (J4NG)

I am the founding Executive Director of Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates (J4NG), established in 2014. Under my leadership, J4NG grew from six programs, 200 students in 2014, to 63 programs, over 3,200 students and a budget exceeding five million dollars a year in 2023. I have dedicated... Read More →

Janelle Duray

President & CEO, JAG

Janelle Duray has over fifteen years of experience in education and workforce development consulting and nonprofit management. In October 2023, she was named as the second President & CEO of Jobs for America’s Graduates, a national nonprofit that has served 1.6 million youth since... Read More →

Tony Kopetchny

CEO, Parsons TKO

Tony’s focus and expertise are in governance, change management and brand strategy. In addition to deep experience as an outside consultant, he has years of experience working in-house at large policy organizations such as the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Center for Global Development... Read More →

Steven J Smith, SHRM-CP, PHR

Chief Hiring Expert, ApplicantPro

Steve will be the first to tell you that recruiting is marketing. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance at Brigham Young University and started his career in recruiting in Feb 2005. In 2008, he took a risk during a recession to help start a new company with Ryan Kohler, called... Read More →

Austin Small

JAGCA President-elect, JAG

Thursday August 14, 2025 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Sunset Ballroom Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

All Attendees

3:30pm EDT

Coffee Networking Break

Thursday August 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Sunset Ballroom Foyer

Coffee, decaf, and tea will be served.

Thursday August 14, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Sunset Ballroom Foyer Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

All Attendees

3:30pm EDT

Immersion Experience #1: JAG on the Casino Floor with Ceasar’s Entertainment (Pre-registered Participants Only)

Thursday August 14, 2025 3:30pm - 6:15pm EDT

El Dorado Foyer

Get ready to roll the dice on your career prospects with Caesars Entertainment's Workplace Immersion Experience. Join forces with a team of seasoned professionals and step onto the vibrant casino floor in Las Vegas. Shadow bartenders as they mix up signature cocktails, learn the art of dealing from expert croupiers, and even observe the watchful eyes of security personnel. This real-time, role-playing adventure exposes you to a diverse range of exciting career paths, from cashiers handling high-stakes transactions to pit bosses managing the gaming action. Uncover the hidden world of hospitality, discover your hidden talents, and gain invaluable insights into the dynamic operations of a world-renowned entertainment giant. Don't miss this electrifying opportunity to explore exciting career possibilities and see if Lady Luck has a job title waiting for you!

Prepare for the Immersion Experience:

You will know you signed up for this experience because there is a sticker on the back of your name badge with the 4 suites of a card deck.
Please meet in front of the Eldorado Ballroom, 3rd floor of the hotel at 3:30 pm.
Nick Martino from JAG National will meet you in front of Eldorado Ballroom with instructions and will take you down to the casino floor.
Participants will be shadowing bartenders and security personnel, so you will be on your feel. We do recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Sneakers are fine to wear.

Thursday August 14, 2025 3:30pm - 6:15pm EDT
El Dorado Foyer Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Immersion Experience

4:00pm EDT

Artificial Intelligence Risks for Nonprofits/Agencies

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Laughlin Room 3

Artificial intelligence can provide opportunities for stretched organizations to automate routine tasks and direct more staff time to mission-critical work. But AI also presents safety, security, and ethical risks to staff and the people they serve. Learn what you need to consider as you evaluate AI use in your organization.

Speakers

Melanie Lockwood Herman

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Laughlin Room 3 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Leadership

4:00pm EDT

Amplifying JAG's Impact: The Power of Telling the JAG Story

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Virginia City 2

Did you know stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts? Because while facts tell, stories sell. In this workshop, participants will learn how powerful storytelling is the key to building trust, forging emotional connections, and driving action. They will discover how to activate JAG's storytelling strategy through JAG's many heroes, from students to community partners. Fun and effective hands-on exercises will demonstrate practical ways to turn JAG's "what" into "wow." Anyone can become a successful storyteller!

Speakers

Kat downend

Principal/Creative Director, Katalyst Creative Marketing

I'm Kat Downend, a creative director, strategist, and master storyteller. I'm the principal and creative director for Katalyst, a JAG partner ad agency, and I've shaped powerful brand narratives for over 25 years. My work with well-known brands, from Pepsi to Susan G. Komen, has... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Virginia City 2 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Manager, Leadership

4:00pm EDT

Elevating State Management in Headrush

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Mesquite

Explore the intricacies of overseeing state-wide JAG implementation using Headrush as your cornerstone. Delve into the comprehensive management of your state's initiatives, encompassing local events, curriculum planning, training opportunities, and beyond. Learn how to efficiently orchestrate your team of Specialists and harmonize your JAG offerings using the invaluable insights gleaned from Nebraska's wholehearted adoption of Headrush. Elevate your approach to state-wide implementation and optimize your organization's impact with this essential workshop.

Speakers

Becca Bradley

CSA, JAG Nebraska powered by United Way of the Midlands

Becca is committed to embracing positive youth development and truly believes in the strength and ability of young people. She is a proven; innovative leader with extensive expertise as a seasoned young professional working in various non-profit organizations for the past ten years... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Mesquite Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Manager

4:00pm EDT

Moving From Manager to Leader

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Laughlin Room 1

Does your agency have managers that aspire to higher levels of the organization? Are you a manager that wants to develop and sharpen your leadership skills? This workshop will focus on the key differences between managing teams and leading them. It will also provide practical advice that you (or your employees) can apply in their professional growth.

Speakers

Brenda Ford

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Laughlin Room 1 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

New Manager, Leadership

4:00pm EDT

The Cost of Caring

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Virginia City 1

Vicarious trauma affects teachers’ brains in the same way it affects their students. Yet many teachers are never explicitly taught how to help students who have experienced trauma, let alone address the toll it takes on their health and personal lives. We will explore coping strategies for dealing with vicarious trauma. How can we care and not cost our health and life satisfaction in the process?

Speakers

Katie McDonald

Education Consultant, ESSDACK

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Virginia City 1 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

New Manager, Specialist

4:00pm EDT

Building Back America: Creating Career Pathways for Out-of-School Youth with a Social Enterprise Model

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Carson City 2

Join the Coalition for Responsible Community Development to learn about the benefits of the social enterprise model and how we utilize this model to create career pathways for out-of-school youth in our community. In this interactive presentation, CRCD will share our history and experience with establishing a social enterprise, how we have grown the social enterprise over time and how we utilize the social enterprise model to drive economic development efforts and create jobs in the community. We will also share how we are currently utilizing the social enterprise model to align with federal efforts to build back America's infrastructure.

Speakers

Kenta Estrada-Darley

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Carson City 2 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Specialist, Manager

4:00pm EDT

Family First- Everything Else is Second.

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

El Dorado

The culture we create in our classroom can motivate, engage, and excite our learners to come to school. Before anything else, we need to create an environment where students feel safe and have a true sense of belonging. This workshop will take a hands on approach to help specialist become aware of the needs that motivate student behavior. Participants will receive a copy of 16 team building activities to help grow their chapter into a family.

Speakers

Dr. Michele Margavio

JAG Specialist, St. Tammany Parish Public Schools

Dr. Michele Margavio is a motivational speaker, a professional development trainer, and a high school JAG Specialist. She has spent the past thirty years serving as a classroom teacher, an academic dean, a secondary principal, and an adjunct professor. She has been referred to as... Read More →

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
El Dorado Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Specialist

4:00pm EDT

Journey to National Leadership: Insights from JAGCA's President and President-Elect

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Virginia City 3

Join JAGCA President Frida Medrano Ibarra and President-Elect Austin Small-Jones for an inspiring workshop. Hear firsthand about their personal journeys to national leadership and the impact of their roles. Frida and Austin will share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, providing insights into the responsibilities and skills required at the national level. This workshop will equip JAG staff with the knowledge and inspiration to motivate and guide their students toward leadership opportunities within JAG. Don't miss this chance to learn from two of JAGCA's top leaders!

Speakers

Frida Medrano

JAGCA President, JAG

Austin Small

JAGCA President-elect, JAG

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Virginia City 3 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Specialist, Manager

4:00pm EDT

On The Right Foot: Why Middle School Matters!

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Carson City 1

On the Right Foot: Why Middle School JAG matters: In this workshop, attendees will immerse themselves in the world of Middle School JAG. We will examine how the Middle School Model is different from other JAG models by exploring the JAG Model Components and JAG Adavantage.

Speakers

Stephanie Goodman

JAG Specialist, HOT SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ryan Lootens

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Carson City 1 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Specialist

4:00pm EDT

Reality Check for Financial Success, Regions

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Savoy

Whether budgeting is new, or you've been paying bills for years, it pays to have a path mapped out to help achieve your goals. Experience the basics of budgeting, smart financial decision-making and what it's really like to manage family finances. Reality Check is an interactive and engaging way to learn about building and balancing a budget. The goal is to make the assigned decisions during the allotted time and complete the simulation with a budget surplus. Just like real life, there will be some challenges along the way.

Speakers

Nancy Barnes-Ault

Community Relations Officer, Midwest, and North Carolina, Regions Bank

Nancy Barnes-Ault joined Regions in 2013 and heads community relations for the Midwest and North Carolina markets.Prior to joining Regions, Nancy was the Marketing Director for First Bank overseeing Missouri, Illinois, Florida, and California markets.Nancy has a passion for empowering... Read More →

Keren Treme

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Savoy Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Specialist, Manager

4:00pm EDT

Unlock the power of the "Genius"

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Laughlin Room 2

Unveil the transformative power of "The Genius" in this professional development session. Discover boundless classroom resources, gain access to marketing strategies, and forge connections with educators nationwide. Learn how you can connect with like-minded educators from across the nation and tap into a vast network of expertise and support. Explore how "The Genius" fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth within our vibrant community. Reserve your spot now!

Speakers

Bridget Merriman

Affiliate Services Manager, JAG

Thursday August 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Laughlin Room 2 Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel, 3555 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Specialist