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Erica Orange is Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of The Future Hunters, one of the world’s leading futurist consulting firms. She analyzes emerging sociocultural, technological, economic, geopolitical and environmental trends – and identifies the strategic implications (the “So what?”) of those trends for several of the most influential Fortune 500 companies, trade associations and public sector clients. Erica’s ability to spot patterns, think critically, and translate that into actionable strategies is what has made her an asset to clients for over 15 years.
Erica speaks to a wide range of global audiences about the macro trends that are shaping and impacting today’s landscape. She has spoken at TEDx and keynoted over 200 conferences around the world, including across Europe, Latin America and Asia. She has authored numerous industry white papers, and has been featured in news outlets including Forbes, NPR, Time, Inc, Wired, Bloomberg, and CBS This Morning. In 2020, she was named by Forbes as one of the world’s 50 Top Female Futurists.
Erica’s Presentations:
We are excited to announce this year’s Tuesday keynote, Ken Dirkin!
Ken is the senior director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, who has been working hard to provide a path to the future for students and educators since 1998.
With “AI focus” in mind, Ken will bring us an inspiring AI presentation that will leave you excited for the future in using AI as a tool to improve teaching, learning, and career preparedness.
Join us on Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 9-10:30 a.m. for his keynote! In addition, Michigan Virtual staff members will be presenting 3 break out sessions dedicated to AI on Tuesday!
Dr. Brian L. Pyles is the State Director for the Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) in the Michigan Department of Education. As Director, Dr. Pyles’ primary role is to provide state leadership for secondary and postsecondary CTE programs. In this capacity, he closely with other Office Directors, the MDE Leadership Team, as well as other state agencies, representing CTE in developing and implementing policy decisions that impact CTE programs in Michigan. Dr. Pyles actively works with the CTE State Director’s Association,Advance CTE, providing input at the national level regarding policy implementation and impact of decisions made.
Dr. Pyles’ passion for CTE began with his experience as a CTE student in the Agriscience Program at the Oakland Schools Technical Campus in Clarkston, Michigan. His background includes 25 years in the Michigan Public School system serving as a marketing teacher, DECA Advisor, Business Department Chair at Niles Senior High School, and as a regional CTE director in Shiawassee and Berrien Counties. Through his ability to collaborate, he led the development of the Berrien County Early Middle College and the Genesee County Career and Technical Education Early Middle College. An active leader, he also served as President for the Michigan Association for Career and Technical Education (MI-ACTE) and the Michigan Marketing Educators.
Dr. Pyles has a Bachelors Degree of Business Education from Eastern Michigan University, and an MA and PhD in Education Leadership from Western Michigan University. His dissertation research “A Study of Career Preparation Activities Used in Michigan’s High Schools” reflects his commitment to CTE learning opportunities for students.
