Career Transitions Center upcoming events

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (04/08/2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

CTC staff will walk you through our holistic, personalized approach to career transition—combining weekly one-on-one coaching, practical skill-building workshops, access to an AI-powered career development platform, peer support, and our alumni network. You’ll learn how we support people at every stage of change, from job loss and career reinvention to re-entering the workforce with clarity and confidence.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

Moving Through Change with Confidence - PUBLIC (04/09/2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Led by Blanche Roberts, Certified Resilience Coach

Change is constant for all of us, yet it can cause anxiety, doubt and insecurity. This workshop will address the types of change we experience, particularly in our professional lives, and how to move through this change with confidence and a sense of direction.

Workshop Learning Objectives

a) What is change, really?

b) Help you understand YOUR relationship with change

c) Provide attendees with a useful model for responding to change

d) Offer practical ways to move through change with confidence

What Clients Say:

"This is an excellent program! I learned how not to be afraid of change and how change can move you forward toward new opportunities for growth."

"A new level of awareness was created for me."

"Coping with change has always been difficult for me--especially as it relates to job searches. The workshop was taught with an underlying sensitivity, which helped me " feel" better about my career transition journey."

"Blanche's experience and demeanor shine through."

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (04/13/2026)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker' Series: Session 1-Networking Through Your Joys- PUBLIC WORKSHOP (04/15/2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Session 1: Networking Through Your Joys

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview: In the first of this five-part workshop series on networking, you will learn how using your joys to keep your network healthy results in practices that are not only sustainable but fun.

Spend one hour in this workshop and walk away with some actions you can implement immediately!

All sessions are held Wednesdays, 5:30 -6:30pm CT

Session 2: Wednesday, Apr. 22 - Meet More People Through Your Joys

Session 3: Wednesday, Apr. 29 - Getting to Know More People Through Your Joys

Session 4: Wednesday, May 6- Connecting with People Through Your Joys

Session 5: Wednesday, May 13 - Ask Your Network for Help

About the Presenter:

Colleen’s expertise is organizational change management. She works with leaders who appreciate the value of anticipating and preparing for the impact a business change will have on their customers and employees. She has seen the benefits of good change management on business outcomes and culture.

Colleen is a huge advocate of networking and makes networking part of her every day. Being open to others, getting to know them, working to understand their point of view and learning from them is what she does.

To learn more about Colleen, visit http://www.colleenmcfarland.us

CliftonStrengths GROUP Intensive -PUBLIC Workshop (04/17/2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Led by Bliss Hansen, CTC Instructor

DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND PAY is MONDAY, APRIL 13 by 4pm CT.

DEADLINE TO TAKE ASSESSMENT IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15.

Workshop Description:

People who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged in their work and three times more likely to say they have an excellent quality of life. - Gallup

The CTC CliftonStrengths Virtual Workshop Intensive is built around StrengthsFinder 2.0 book. Rooted in more than 40 years of research, this assessment has helped millions discover and develop their natural talents.

The VIRTUAL Intensive includes break-out sessions, a working lunch, and private access to the facilitator in real time, and other engaging tools and features.

The CliftonStrengths Workshop Intensive includes:

· Access to online CliftonStrengths assessment

· Interactive, 4-hour group Zoom workshop

As part of this experience, you will:

· Identify and understand your Top Five Strengths

· Develop strategies to maximum your strengths on your resume, LinkedIn profile and value statement (verbal introduction)

· Create success stories to support your strengths

The Intensive provides a unique opportunity for CTC clients to move through discovery to intentional planning and action. Don’t waste any more time with a scattershot approach to your search. Participants will use the “power of the group” to illuminate their strengths and how they work with others.

Workshop is limited to 4 participants.

Clients who have registered and paid for the workshop will receive instructions on how to access and complete the CliftonStrengths assessment the Monday prior to the workshop. Clients must complete the assessment by the stated deadline so they can download it and email it to the facilitator so she may review it. The facilitator does not have access to the online version.

Client feedback:

"Bliss is in the right career! Her five strengths were spot on. She was excellent at listening and summarizing back to us."

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (04/20/2026)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

Contract Confidence: Build Your Business, Protect Your Peace - PUBLIC WORKSHOP (04/21/2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Led by: Ranya Verson

Leadership Coach and CTC Alumna

Perfect for: Freelancers, consultants, creatives, and emerging entrepreneurs ready to level up their client relationships and protect their bottom line.

Description:

Whether you're signing your first freelance agreement or scaling a portfolio of clients, contracts can feel like a maze of legal jargon, payment delays, and scope creep. This interactive workshop — led by strategic leadership coach and organizational advisor Ranya Verson, M.Ed. — helps solopreneurs and entrepreneurs decode contracts, set boundaries, and build systems that protect your time, energy, and income.

Ranya blends deep empathy with practical strategy, drawing from years of experience guiding founders, executives, and creatives through the messy middle of client relationships, vendor setups, and emotional curveballs. You’ll walk away with tools to:

Understand contract archetypes and spot red flags before you sign
Map your payment ecosystem and choose systems that work for you
Review legal language with confidence (IP rights, NDAs)
Manage client relationships, communication breakdowns, and “hurry up and wait” delays
Build a book of business with repeat clients, referrals, and professional reputation

This isn’t just a legal checklist — it’s a mindset shift. You’ll leave with a toolkit of templates, scripts, and strategies to run your business like a leader, not just a service provider.

Please complete a brief, anonymous, pre-workshop survey. Click here for survey.

How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker' Series: Session 2- Meet More People Through Your Joys - PUBLIC (04/22/2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Session 2: Meet More People Through Your Joys

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview:

In the second of this five-part workshop series on networking, you will learn how you can meet people through activities and events that you enjoy in order to keep your building your network.

It is not necessary to have attended previous sessions to benefit from this workshop. All are welcome!

Spend one hour in this workshop and walk away with some actions you can implement immediately!

All sessions are held Wednesdays, 5:30 -6:30pm CT

Session 3: Wednesday, Apr. 29 - Getting to Know More People Through Your Joys

Session 4: Wednesday, May 6- Connecting with People Through Your Joys

Session 5: Wednesday, May 13 - Ask Your Network for Help

About the Presenter:

To learn more about Colleen, visit http://www.colleenmcfarland.us

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (04/27/2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

Networking with Purpose and Confidence- PUBLIC (04/27/2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Led by Dale Lasky, CTC Career Coach

Program Description:

Networking with Purpose and Confidence is a 90-minute, interactive workshop that helps participants master strategic networking. We’ll explore the purpose of networking and provide practical strategies for how, when, and where to network, turning ordinary conversations into career-enhancing connections. Designed for anyone from recent graduates to mid-career professionals transitioning, this session combines academic research, hands-on practice, and actionable strategies to deliver tremendous return on investment (ROI) for personal and professional growth.

A comprehensive workbook accompanies this workshop. Access the Networking Workbook here.

About the Instructor:

After 25+ years as a business education teacher (and being named the 2009 Illinois Teacher of the Year), Dale made the leap from classroom to corporate, bringing with him a playbook built on connection, compassion, and curiosity. Think of him as a veteran coach with the heart of a teacher, someone who knows how to read a room, spark growth, and inspire action. Dale doesn’t just deliver information, he delivers transformation using “how to” secrets of positive habit formation. He’s known for creating warm, energizing learning environments where people feel safe to grow, supported to lead, and motivated to improve. His sessions are interactive, strengths-based, and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor to keep people engaged (and awake after lunch). Whether it’s a team of new hires or senior leaders, Dale adapts his style to meet people where they are and help them get where they need to go. He likes to say that he develops people, not robots.

'How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker' Series: Session 3- Getting To Know More People Through Your Joys - PUBLIC (04/29/2026)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Session 3: Getting To Know More People Through Your Joys

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview:

In the third of this five-part workshop series on networking, you will learn how you can meet more people through a new approach to networking.

It is not necessary to have attended previous sessions to benefit from this workshop. All are welcome!

Spend one hour in this workshop and walk away with some actions you can implement immediately!

All sessions are held Wednesdays, 5:30 -6:30pm CT

Session 4: Wednesday, May 6- Connecting with People Through Your Joys

Session 5: Wednesday, May 13 - Ask Your Network for Help

About the Presenter:

To learn more about Colleen, visit http://www.colleenmcfarland.us

'How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker' Series: Session 4 - Connecting With People Through Your Joys - PUBLIC (05/06/2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Session 4: Connecting With People Through Your Joys

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview:

In the fourth of this five-part workshop series on networking, you will learn how you can connect more people through a new approach to networking.

It is not necessary to have attended previous sessions to benefit from this workshop. All are welcome!

Spend one hour in this workshop and walk away with some actions you can implement immediately!

All sessions are held Wednesdays, 5:30 -6:30pm CT

Session 5: Wednesday, May 13 - Ask Your Network for Help

About the Presenter:

To learn more about Colleen, visit http://www.colleenmcfarland.us

VOLUNTEER AT PASSPORT TO TASTE 2026 (05/07/2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 19:30:00 GMT

We need your help! Volunteers attend the event free of charge!

2:30 pm - Loading supplies from CTC offices at 600 W. Jackson Blvd. to take to Little Toasted at 300 S. Riverside Plaza.
3:30 to 5:30pm - Setting up the silent auction and wine draw at Little Toasted
5:30pm to 7:30pm - Fundraiser takes place
7:30 to 8:30pm - Pack up and return supplies to CTC offices

Between 5:30 and 7:30pm:

Greet Guests
Monitor Silent Auction Tables
Work at the Wine Draw Table
Assist with checkout
Pack up the supplies and take back to CTC offices

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE OUR VOLUNTEER FORM

We will schedule a volunteer training via Zoom in late April.

Thank you, Anita, Hope and Jennifer

Passport To Taste Fundraiser 2026 (05/07/2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Passport to Taste is the Career Transitions Center's annual fundraiser. Please join us as we celebrate!

The event will feature enticing small bites paired with wine, and beer. We will offer a silent auction and wine draw. The event venue offers guests both indoor and outdoor space.

We will open our silent auction for online bidding a week in advance. It will feature local experiences and exotic trips, such as South African Safaris, Ziplining, Wine Tastings and more!

Online Auction Opens April 29, 2026

Contact: Anita Jenke, Executive Director at 708-785-1938 or ajenke@ctcchicago.org

Corporate Sponsorship Level	Donation	No. Tickets	List on Website	List on Event Signage
Platinum	$2,500	6	Yes	Yes
Gold	$1,500	4	Yes	Yes
Silver	$750	2	Yes	Yes
Individual	$100	1	No	No
Alumni	$75	1	No	No
Volunteer Coaches	$0	1	No	No

Checks can be mailed to:

Career Transitions Center

600 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 100

Chicago, IL 60661

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (05/11/2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

'How Wrigley Field Made Me a Better Networker' Series: Session 5 - Ask Your Network For Help - PUBLIC (05/13/2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Session 5: Ask Your Network For Help

Led by: Colleen McFarland, Author of Get GenZ into the Game

Overview:

In the final session of this five-part workshop series on networking, you will learn how to ask your network to support your job search.

It is not necessary to have attended previous sessions to benefit from this workshop. All are welcome!

Spend one hour in this workshop and walk away with some actions you can implement immediately!

About the Presenter:

To learn more about Colleen, visit http://www.colleenmcfarland.us

The Worry Workshop: Moving from a Place of Misery to Inspired Action - PUBLIC WORKSHOP (05/14/2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Led by: Blanche Roberts, Certified Resilience Coach

WARNING: This workshop is not about helping you worry more, nor to get you to stop worrying.

Description:

We all worry from time to time and there seems to be more things to worry about each day. Are you experiencing more stress, anxiety, or overwhelmed due to worry? Does worry interfere with your desire to get things done?

Would you like to change how you relate to worry and even use it to be more resilient?

In this workshop, you will update your WORRY know-how to:

Understand what's really going on when you worry.
Learn the latest worry science and wisdom.
Access practical techniques and tools to help disrupt and reduce worrisome thoughts.
Discover why some "conventional" ways of dealing with worry may not work for you.

About the Presenter:

Blanche Roberts is a former CTC coach and served as the Program & Coaching Director from 2019-2022. She is a Consulting specialist with deep experience in coaching, training, consultative sales, sales management, client relationship management, customer service, process improvement and project management. Blanche is also a Certified Resilience Coach and has brought her training to CTC clients in the form of The Worry workshop, Moving through Change with Confidence, Building Resilience, and Managing Stress using the HeartMath system.

CliftonStrengths GROUP Intensive -PUBLIC Workshop (05/15/2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Led by Bliss Hansen, CTC Instructor

DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND PAY is MONDAY, MAY 11 by 4pm CT.

DEADLINE TO TAKE ASSESSMENT IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 13.

Workshop Description:

People who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged in their work and three times more likely to say they have an excellent quality of life. - Gallup

The VIRTUAL Intensive includes break-out sessions, a working lunch, and private access to the facilitator in real time, and other engaging tools and features.

The CliftonStrengths Workshop Intensive includes:

· Access to online CliftonStrengths assessment

· Interactive, 4-hour group Zoom workshop

As part of this experience, you will:

· Identify and understand your Top Five Strengths

· Develop strategies to maximum your strengths on your resume, LinkedIn profile and value statement (verbal introduction)

· Create success stories to support your strengths

Workshop is limited to 4 participants.

Client feedback:

"Bliss is in the right career! Her five strengths were spot on. She was excellent at listening and summarizing back to us."

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (05/18/2026)

Mon, 18 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

Onboarding for Success: Prepare, Connect, and Thrive in Your New Role -PUBLIC (05/19/2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Facilitated by by Lauren Marder, CTC Coach

Set yourself up for success—starting now! Whether you're still navigating your job search or already in your new role, this interactive workshop will equip you with the mindset, strategies, and tools to engage with confidence.

You’ll learn how to:

Understand expectations and clarify your role
Build trust and relationships with colleagues and managers
Prioritize early wins and avoid common missteps

You’ll leave with a personalized action plan and practical resources to help you integrate, contribute, and grow from day one.

About the Instructor:

Lauren Marder is an accomplished Talent Management and Development professional with a demonstrated history of improving performance through organizational development solutions and leadership coaching. She has extensive experience partnering with stakeholders to achieve business success, creating strategy, designing and developing solutions using systems and design thinking, and implementing them with change management and continuous improvement. Lauren coaches neurodivergent individuals for career success, both on the job and during job transition. She also consults with companies to implement practices that value and support a neurodiverse workforce. Lauren holds an MA in Business Education, HR Management & Organization Development from the University of Minnesota and is a Co-Active Coach through the Coaches Training Institute.

Networking with Purpose and Confidence- PUBLIC (05/21/2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Led by Dale Lasky, CTC Career Coach

Program Description:

A comprehensive workbook accompanies this workshop. Access the Networking Workbook here.

About the Instructor:

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (05/27/2026)

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (06/01/2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

CliftonStrengths GROUP Intensive -PUBLIC Workshop (06/05/2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Led by Bliss Hansen, CTC Instructor

DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND PAY is MONDAY, JUNE 1 by 4pm CT.

DEADLINE TO TAKE ASSESSMENT IS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

Workshop Description:

People who use their strengths every day are six times more likely to be engaged in their work and three times more likely to say they have an excellent quality of life. - Gallup

The VIRTUAL Intensive includes break-out sessions, a working lunch, and private access to the facilitator in real time, and other engaging tools and features.

The CliftonStrengths Workshop Intensive includes:

· Access to online CliftonStrengths assessment

· Interactive, 4-hour group Zoom workshop

As part of this experience, you will:

· Identify and understand your Top Five Strengths

· Develop strategies to maximum your strengths on your resume, LinkedIn profile and value statement (verbal introduction)

· Create success stories to support your strengths

Workshop is limited to 4 participants.

Client feedback:

"Bliss is in the right career! Her five strengths were spot on. She was excellent at listening and summarizing back to us."

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (06/08/2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (06/15/2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (06/24/2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.

An Introduction to CTC Services - Reserve Your Spot (06/29/2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join us for a one-hour introduction to the Career Transitions Center (CTC) and discover how we help can help you move toward work that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.

This session is ideal for professionals who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply ready for something more.

We’re excited to meet you, hear your story, and explore what’s next in your career journey.