Nebraska Career and Technical Education Conference

Brooks Harper

“IF YOU COULD WRITE YOUR OWN JOB DESCRIPTION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?”

This was a life changing question for Brooks. Years before he became an Author and one of the most sought after Career Speakers in the country, he worked in Customer Service, Sales, and Management with four publicly traded companies. He made a great living while gaining valuable experience, yet his career lacked fulfillment. Every Sunday afternoon he would get a sick feeling in his chest. It was anxiety from dreading work on Monday. Brooks set out on a journey to turn his passion for helping others into a paycheck. He went on so many interviews it became, for him, an extreme sport! Then he was asked a simple but soul searching question: If you could write your own job description, what would it be?

FAST FORWARD TO TODAY!

Brooks has spoken on hundreds of K-12, college and corporate campuses nation-wide to more than 500,000 students, educators, parents and employees. He has turned his passion for helping others achieve gainful employment into his paycheck helping career seekers develop and convey their competitive advantages.

Brooks firmly believes “EVERY DAY IS AN INTERVIEW”™ and an opportunity to “TURN LEARNING INTO EARNING”™

He offers student, educator and corporate programs using a combination of entertainment, education, and hilarious stories to engage audiences, leaving them enlightened and inspired. His sense of humor and relevant illustrations capture audiences while motivating and challenging listeners to action.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS AND AT-RISK YOUTH ADVOCATE

Brooks is no stranger to adversity. When he was nine years old his dad did what he calls a “Houdini.” He left him, his two brothers and mother without notice.  He was a Free Lunch, Hand-me-Down Clothes wearing, College Access Student!   Brooks found solace and support in programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs and TRiO and is a strong advocate for them today, speaking on their campuses across the country. Brooks currently serves on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands and is a member of their Alumni Hall of Fame.

https://www.brooksharper.com/ 

Quentin Sanders

Oklahoma CareerTech
Equity/Diversity Specialist

Quentin J. Sanders joined the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (ODCTE) in October 2016 as an Equity/Diversity Specialist. He received a Ph.D. in Cell Biology & Genetics from Cornell University and a J.D. from the Northwestern University School of Law. Dr. Sanders has prior biology teaching experience at both the secondary and higher education levels. In July 2018, Dr. Sanders was designated as an ODCTE coordinator for Carl Perkins non-traditional programs.

Immediately prior to joining ODCTE, he was an attorney for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Dallas, TX and Oklahoma City, OK. Dr. Sanders represented SSA in federal court in the areas of employment discrimination law and disability law during his tenure in Dallas. He served as an attorney manager in Oklahoma City.