University of Washington Human Resources

8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. | Check-In & Breakfast

Please arrive between 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. to check in, receive your materials, and enjoy a variety of breakfast options.

8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | Mindfulness Activity

Start your retreat with Certified Leadership Embodiment Coach, Catherine Bachy, as she leads a morning meditation to help center your mind, manage outlying stress, and be fully present for the day ahead.

9:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. | Welcome

Associate Vice President Ujima Sands celebrates the retreat’s 20th anniversary, plants the seeds for a dynamic day of growth and connection, and presents some  development-oriented giveaways.

9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. | 20th Anniversary Panel

Learn from others’ experience through this moderated panel featuring UW employees sharing their insights about their careers and the changing
workplace. The panel will be moderated by long-time POD instructor and University Consulting Alliance member Joseph Pauley of Applied Leadership Teams.

Our featured panelists:

• Lee Davis, EDI Training & Curriculum Lead, UW Medicine Office of Healthcare Equity
• Frankie Fowler, Fiscal Specialist, School of Social Work
• Elsa Kassa, Director, System Credentialing, School of Medicine
• Norm Kwasinski, Grounds Supervisor, UW Facilities

10:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | BREAK

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Workshops (you’ll choose one)

◼ Steering Your Professional Path with Jason Kalivas and Lee Riley

Though your boss may oversee your job, you control your career. Using self-empowerment in the public-service sector as a guide, facilitators Jason Kalivas and Lee Riley will delve into strategies for developing confidence, effectively advocating for your needs, setting
achievable goals, and taking the lead in your career. Engage in thought-provoking discussions that balance the art of the possible with realistic expectations, and learn to navigate the intricacies of public-service employment while staying true to your career aspirations. This workshop is more than a learning experience — it’s a stepping stone to owning and celebrating your role in your professional narrative.

◼ Personal Productivity and Restorative Practices with Jeff Leinaweaver and Ujima Sands

In the first hour of this double-header, engage with facilitator Jeff Leinaweaver to assess where your work and life feel overwhelming, learn about the purpose and methodology behind personal productivity systems, and explore how these systems can help with easing anxiety and focusing on your most essential priorities. In the second hour, decompress and reassess with facilitator Ujima Sands. Move
beyond the usual ways we attempt to avoid or overcome burnout and discover practices that can restore your energy and balance and equip you to be your better self each day. At the end of these two complementary one-hour sessions, you can expect to feel focused and refreshed.

◼ Work-Life Fulfillment: Designing a Life of Meaning and
Congruence with Rosemary Simmons

Does work-life balance feel like a dream that you never get to live? In this engaging workshop, strategically shift from the idea of work-life balance goals and priorities to creating meaning and congruence in all aspects of your work and life. Facilitator Rosemary Simmons will guide you through an intentional process to design your personalized work-life plan based on what is meaningful and fulfilling to you. As you incorporate your professional and personal strengths and values into your plan, you’ll also acquire skills and strategies to enhance your ability to thrive at work and in life.

12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. | LUNCH

Enjoy a buffet-style lunch with hot entrees, a selection of salads and sides, and delicious desserts. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are included as part of the buffet; please indicate any special dietary restrictions when you register.

1:15 p.m. to 2:25 p.m. | Flex Stations

New this year! Choose your own adventure with a variety of drop-in activities, micro-learning presentations and networking opportunities. We’ll provide a handy guide to help you navigate stations and plan how to invest your time.

• Connect with others through speed networking or conversations over games.
• Attend micro-presentations on everything from resume tactics to exploring ChatGPT and AI prompt engineering.
• Engage in guided mindfulness activities and movement exercises to recharge and refresh.
• Invest in your future development by learning about coaching and mentoring opportunities,
• Browse a curated list of books and resources you can check-out from the UW Libraries.
• Spend time reflecting in the Mindfulness Practice Room, a dedicated quiet space with activities and guidance to relax the body and mind, center, and help reduce stress.

2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | BREAK

2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Workshops (you’ll choose one)

These workshops are repeated from the morning, so you’ll be able to attend two out of three of these development-oriented workshops.

We are hosting the retreat at the DoubleTree Suites at Southcenter, which has free parking and is close to both I5 and I-405. Alternatively, you can use the hotel’s free airport shuttle (see below), which is accessible via a short walk from the SeaTac/Airport light rail station.

Contact Transportation Services for help planning your transportation for the day.

Shuttle information

On Thursday, May 2, scheduled airport pickups will begin at roughly 7:15 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and airport drop-offs are scheduled at roughly 4:15 p.m., 4:45 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 5:45 p.m. Additional shuttles throughout the day are available by request.

Please see hotel shuttle instructions below:

Our complimentary Sea-Tac Airport Shuttle Service runs 24-hours a day. For pickups outside of the scheduled times, or for a shuttle ETA, guests should call us at 206-575-8220 when they arrive at the waiting areas at Island # 1 or Island # 3 only. This is located one floor above baggage claim, cross over the sky bridge to the parking lot, and go down one floor to floor # 3. Then call us from the island. Important note: Be sure to get on the smaller back Mercedes Sprinter with a cookie decal on the side for the DoubleTree at Southcenter and not the large buses for the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport location. Return shuttles scheduled with front desk.

Please note that space is limited (roughly ten guests per shuttle), and this may result in delays upon arrival.

Guests arriving before the 8:00 a.m. retreat check-in time are welcome to settle in the Atrium. CHA Café is open from 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Registration for this event closed on April 28, 2024.