ATD Fort Worth/Mid-Cities upcoming events

Career Development SIG: Lara Azcona - Career Change That Actually Works: Why the Old Job‑Search Math Fails (and What to Do Instead) (04/27/2026)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Career Change That Actually Works:

Why the Old Job‑Search Math Fails (and What to Do Instead)

Featuring Lara Azcona

Career Development SIG

April 27, 2026 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM CT | Virtual attendance only

Free for Chapter Members, $10 for Guests

Session Description

Most career‑change advice still assumes a traditional, linear job search where you stay in the same field—and that math breaks down fast when you are changing roles, industries, or both. In this kickoff session, you’ll learn why “just apply to more jobs” stops working, what’s really happening on the recruiter’s side of the desk, and how mid‑career professionals can stop competing in the wrong pile.

We will introduce the BETTER Transformations framework and show how mindset, clarity, branding, networking, and visibility fit together across a full career change—not just a résumé tweak. You will leave with a realistic view of the hidden job market, two different paths for planning your transition (Fast‑Start vs. In‑the‑Fire), and a simple decision roadmap for where to focus next over the rest of the series.

About the Speaker

Lara Azcona - Career-Change Strategist

Lara Azcona, MBA, is a career‑change strategist and ATD Certified Coach who helps serious professionals move into new roles and industries faster and with far less guesswork. She has coached and reviewed résumés and LinkedIn profiles for hundreds of job seekers, served on the Career Solutions leadership and résumé review teams, and led multiple career‑transition programs for ATD chapters.

Through her company, Better Transformations, she uses structured packages that blend job‑target clarity, résumé and LinkedIn strategy, networking practice, and long‑term visibility planning so clients have a clear roadmap instead of trial‑and‑error applications. She brings the same evidence‑based tools she uses in large‑scale organizational change into individual careers, turning overwhelming transitions into a step‑by‑step process professionals can trust.

Connect with Lara on LinkedIn or at bettertransformations.com.

Meeting Agenda

5:25 pm - Log In

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm CT - Speaker Presentation + Q&A

All online reservations are OPEN the day of the meeting.

Invite your friends by sharing this link on social media.

Connect with us

How can this session help enhance your professional development?

This session will provide actionable insights from the Capability Model, showing you how to develop key skills and strategies, such as:

Personal: Lifelong Learning; Emotional Intelligence & Decision Making

Professional: Career & Leadership Development; Evaluating Impact

Organizational: Talent Strategy & Management

May 2026 ATD FW/MC Chapter Meeting: Dr. Porter - Belonging By Design (05/07/2026)

Thu, 07 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Belonging By Design

Featuring Dr. Porter

May 7, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM (CT) | Virtual Only

Session Description

Most organizations say they value belonging while struggling to make it real day-to-day.

This session explores what it actually takes to move from intention to experience. Through practical frameworks and real-world examples, we’ll examine how policies, onboarding, and daily interactions either strengthen or quietly erode trust, clarity, and connection.

If you’ve ever wondered why strong values don’t always translate into consistent culture, this conversation will offer clear, actionable ways to design environments where people feel seen, supported, and able to contribute fully.

About the Speaker

Dr. Derek Porter

Dr. Derek Porter is a consultant and facilitator who helps organizations reduce burnout by redesigning workflow and systems. His work focuses on increasing capacity, reducing cognitive load, and restoring agency. Derek partners with schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to build environments where people can sustain excellence and engagement.

Through practical frameworks and his Belonging By Design Leadership Toolkit, Derek equips teams with strategies they can implement immediately, clarifying priorities, improving onboarding experiences, and translating values like belonging and inclusion into daily practice. He is known for turning complex challenges into actionable systems that strengthen culture.

At home, Derek is a painter, spoken word artist, husband, and dad of two - bringing authenticity and a warm smile to every space.

Connect with Dr. Porter on LinkedIn or at his webpage.

Meeting Agenda

5:50 pm - Virtual Attendees Arrive

6:00 pm - Meeting Begins

6:15 pm - Keynote Presentation Begins

7:15 pm - Final Announcements

7:30 pm - Meeting Concludes

Virtual reservations are OPEN the day of the meeting.

Invite your friends by sharing this link on social media.

Connect with us

How can this session help enhance your professional development?

This session will provide actionable insights from the Capability Model, showing you how to develop key skills and strategies, such as:

Personal: Cultural Awareness & Inclusion; Communication; Emotional Intelligence & Decision Making

Professional: Coaching; Evaluating Impact

Organizational: Organization Development & Culture; Change Management

Power Hour: Munch and Mingle with Zohra Samji-Bell (05/11/2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Power Hour:

Munch and Mingle

Join Zohra Samji-Bell

at Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant

850 Airport Fwy, Hurst, TX 76054

May 11, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM CT

Free for entry | Dinner available for purchase

Session Description

Join Past President Zohra Samji-Bell for a casual and engaging networking lunch where great conversations meet delicious food! This event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and expand your network in a relaxed setting. Whether you're looking to build new relationships, catch up with colleagues, or explore potential collaborations, this is the place to do it – all while enjoying a delicious meal.

Come as you are, bring your appetite for good food and great connections, and leave with fresh insights and new contacts to help you thrive professionally. Don't miss out on this chance to network and nourish your career!

Invite your friends by sharing this link on social media.

Connect with us

How can this session help enhance your professional development?

This session will provide actionable insights from the Capability Model, showing you how to develop key skills and strategies, such as:

Personal: Collaboration & Leadership, Communication

Professional: Career & Leadership Development, Coaching

Organizational: Organization Development & Culture, Talent Strategy & Management