2026 "Power of You" Soft Skills Event

Rebecca Collett • April 1, 2026

Eighty students walked away with practical tools they can use right away.

The Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its largest Soft Skills Workshop to date, welcoming 80 students from across Dorchester County for a day dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders. This milestone reflects a growing recognition among educators and employers alike: technical ability alone is not enough: soft skills are essential for long-term success in both career and life.

Equipping Students with Real-World Skills

Throughout the program, students engaged in focused sessions designed to build practical, transferable skills. Key topics included:

Communication Skills – with an emphasis on interviewing and professional presence
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking – including conflict resolution strategies
Stress & Time Management – with a forward-looking lens on the role of AI
Leadership & Teamwork – developing confidence, accountability, and collaboration

These sessions provided students with actionable tools they can immediately apply in academic, professional, and personal settings.

A Powerful Keynote on Purpose and Resilience

The program was anchored by keynote speaker Teresa Vaughn, a seasoned Human Resources executive whose career spans globally recognized organizations including Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

Drawing from both professional achievements and deeply personal experiences, Teresa delivered a message centered on resilience, purpose, and perseverance. Her story, highlighted by leadership at scale and a return to her career following personal hardship—resonated strongly with students. Her message was clear: success is not defined by a perfect path, but by courage and character along the way.

Industry Leaders Bridging the Gap

Students also benefited from interactive workshops led by respected professionals across industries:

Larry Collett shared insights on how artificial intelligence is shaping the workplace, while emphasizing ethical, strategic application of emerging technologies.

Latrese Smith focused on workplace professionalism, communication, and the foundational behaviors that set individuals apart.

Marc Cotone (photographed on the left) provided practical leadership lessons drawn from entrepreneurship and team development.

Nick DiFilippo offered a recruiter’s perspective on what employers are truly seeking in today’s candidates.

Together, these sessions created a dynamic learning environment where students could connect classroom knowledge to real-world expectations.

Strong Partnerships Driving Impact

This program would not be possible without the collaboration of our participating schools:

Woodland High School

Summerville High Schoo

Ashley Ridge High School

Fort Dorchester High School

We are grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation.

Investing in the Future Workforce

The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to the business leaders who generously gave their time to invest in these students, as well as to our sponsors whose support ensures the continued growth of this critical workforce development initiative.

With record attendance and increasing demand, this program is poised for continued expansion. The message is clear: when we equip students with strong soft skills, we strengthen the future of our workforce and our community as a whole.

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