April 14 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

April 14 2026 Luncheon - In Person Only

Dayton

"Mastering Workplace Politics," with Andi Zavakos

Schedule:

• 11:15 to 11:30am – in person registration
• 11:30am – 12noon – in person lunch
• 12:00 – Speaker presentation

Session Description: As we progress in our careers, one of our strongest desires is to have more influence over what happens at work. You may be an amazing performer, but having technical expertise and a strong work ethic can only take you so far. To influence decision-making in your organization, it is essential that you understand the increasing role that workplace politics play as you ascend the career ladder. EVERY organization is political, and a failure to recognize that and to operate successfully within political environments can make a difference for each of us. In this high-energy, interactive session, you’ll assess your current political skill, explore various workplace politics scenarios, and create an action plan for your future career.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Andrea "Andy" Zavakos is a seasoned human resources executive, educator, and consultant with a diverse career spanning military service, corporate leadership, and higher education. She began her professional journey in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician and trainer while earning her B.A. in Psychology from Chaminade University in Honolulu. After her honorable discharge, she completed an M.B.A. in Total Quality Management from Dowling College while working full-time in HR at Swingline Staplers in New York. Andy returned to the Dayton region in 1992 and held leadership roles in both small businesses and large corporations before joining the University of Dayton in 2013 as the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources. She holds a Ph.D. from Antioch University and maintains dual certifications as a Global and Senior Professional in Human Resources (GPHR, SPHR) through HRCI. Since 2015, Andy has also served as a professor at the University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration, teaching courses in strategy, organizational behavior, cross-cultural management, and global business. In addition to her academic and administrative work, she runs a boutique HR consulting practice, supporting select clients with strategic and operational HR solutions.

Credits: This program is being submitted for approval of recertification credits by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and for SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC).

Note:

By registering for this event, I authorize and permit MVHRA to use, reproduce, and/or publish photographs that may include me, with or without identification. I understand and agree that photos with me in them may be used in various media without compensation to me. I waive any damages or claims and release MVHRA from any and all liability arising from its use of photos of me.