Learn For Life: Free Webinar Series
- Learn For Life
- Upcoming Class Offerings
DePaul University School of Continuing and Professional Studies invites you to free webinars on topics such as career reinvention, health and well-being, finding your purpose, and personal finance. These thought-provoking sessions are designed to motivate, inspire, and prepare participants for future success. Join our expert DePaul University faculty and guests and continue to learn for life!
Upcoming Webinars
See you in September!
The next Learn for Life webinar will be in Fall 2026
<div class="ck-content"><p>Our last Learn for Life webinar of the 2025-2026 academic year took place on Wednesday, May 13th. Check back here at the end of the summer when we announce our first Learn for Life webinar of the 2026-2027 school year!</p></div>
Previous Webinars
Take a look at some of our previous speakers and webinar topics.
Human Fluency in an AI World (May 13th, 2026)
HUMAN FLUENCY IN AN AI WORLD
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes embedded in everyday work, many organizations are discovering a surprising truth: technology isn’t the hardest part of adoption. The real challenges show up in judgment, trust, accountability, decision ownership, and the quality of human conversations that surround AI-enabled work.
This interactive webinar introduces Human Fluency® as a practical lens for navigating work in an AI enabled world. Rather than focusing on tools or technical capability, the session focuses on how people, teams, and leaders must think, decide, and work differently because AI exists.
Participants will explore why AI raises—not reduces—the importance of human judgment, ethical responsibility, and clear decision making. Using real cross industry patterns and live polls, this webinar surfaces where AI initiatives most often stall and what human capabilities determine whether AI actually delivers value.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This webinar is appropriate for:
- Individual contributors working with AI enabled tools.
- Managers leading teams through AI driven change.
- Senior leaders shaping AI expectations, strategy, and culture.
- HR, learning, and transformation professionals supporting adoption.
WHAT WE WILL COVER
- Why AI isn’t the hard part.
- What AI exposes in human systems.
- Common myths that quietly derail AI adoption.
- What changes with AI—and what doesn’t.
- Human skills that rise in value as AI scales.
- Role-based implications.
KEY TAKEAWAY
AI doesn’t replace human judgment—it raises the bar for it. Successful AI adoption depends far less on the sophistication of the technology and far more on how fluent people and organizations are in judgment, responsibility, and meaningful human interaction. In an AI world, Human Fluency® isn’t optional—it’s essential.
PRESENTER
Stephen Carman, PhD is a speaker, trainer, and coach who helps organizations turn strategy into real, lasting behavior change. He works closely with leaders and global teams, in his role with FranklinCovey, to move ideas out of the slide deck and into everyday leadership practice. With a background spanning client success, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness, Stephen brings a practical, human-centered approach to performance. He also teaches leadership and personal effectiveness at DePaul University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies and co-founded Human FLuency®, focused on improving leadership, collaboration, and the quality of human interaction.
Strategies for Collaborative Communications (March 18th, 2026)
THE COST OF SILENCE: STRATEGIES FOR COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATION
Silence in the workplace isn’t neutral—it’s costly. But it’s also incredibly common. The good news is that when people learn to communicate with clarity, courage, and curiosity, everything improves—trust deepens, collaboration strengthens, and conversations become more human and effective.
In this engaging session, communications expert and strategic storyteller Jenny Riddle explores what silence is really costing you and how intentional communication can replace friction with connection. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and practical communication tools, Jenny teaches participants how to speak with purpose, listen with presence, and navigate hard conversations with more confidence and care.
Whether you're leading, collaborating, or simply trying to improve your day-to-day interactions, you’ll leave with practical strategies you can use immediately to communicate more clearly and build stronger relationships at work.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This webinar is appropriate for:
- Professionals who want to feel more confident speaking up.
- Anyone navigating conflict, collaboration, or hybrid communication.
- Leaders and aspiring leaders who want to build trust and strengthen connections.
- Individuals who want to improve listening, clarity, and presence in their interactions.
HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT
By the end of the webinar, you will be able to:
- Recognize the real cost of silence—and how to break the cycle.
- Set clear intentions using the “3 A’s”: Aim, Attitude, and Attention.
- Communicate with clarity and conciseness using tools like the Rule of 3.
- Navigate difficult or high-stakes conversations with greater confidence and care.
PRESENTER
Jenny Riddle is a communications expert, keynote speaker, and storyteller with more than 20 years of experience in teaching, performing, speaking, and consulting. She holds an M.A. in English from DePaul University and has taught college and high school English, speech, and drama. Jenny has been published in Forbes, serves on the Chicago leadership team for Ellevate, and is widely known for bringing great ideas to life through story.
Jenny leads interactive workshops for organizations ranging from small nonprofits to major corporations, and she provides keynote presentations and 1:1 coaching on public speaking, communication, and strategic storytelling. She is known for translating communication theory into practical, real-world tools that are creative, human, and memorable.
Restorative Justice in Action (September 17th, 2025)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN ACTION
Restorative Justice in Action is an unfiltered conversation with Shawnee Williams, one of Illinois’ leading voices for social equity in the cannabis industry. In this session, Shawnee will share her personal journey—from fighting for change at the Capitol, to watching equity promises fall short, to finally stepping up and becoming the change by applying for funding via the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew Program (R3). Join us as she breaks down what it really took to be the change she wanted to see in her community.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This session is for anyone interested in the cannabis industry, equity, social justice, or workforce development. Whether you’re a current or prospective student, aspiring cannabis professional, community organizer, or simply curious about how restorative justice works in real life—this session offers a powerful lens and practical roadmap.
HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT
By the end of the webinar, you will:
- Learn from real-life experience how to build community power through workforce and policy strategies.
- Understand how cannabis legislation connects to racial and economic justice.
- Gain insight into the barriers and opportunities in the industry for justice-impacted individuals.
- Walk away with next steps, practical takeaways, and encouragement to take action—whether you're an advocate, entrepreneur, or student.
PRESENTER
Shawnee Williams, SHRM-CP is a nationally recognized HR strategist, workforce equity advocate, and founder of Illinois Equity Staffing. With years of experience helping cannabis businesses hire inclusively and equitably, Shawnee has been at the frontlines of implementing cannabis social equity in action. Her work spans human resources strategy, grant management, and workforce development. With the 3rd highest scoring R3 Cohort 2 application and program meeting 100% of performance measures, Shawnee brings passion and purpose to every room she enters, while keeping it real.