Micro Enterprise Specialist at Hope Network
Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area
- Current
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- Micro Enterprise Specialist at Hope Network
- Past
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- Owner / Independent Consultant at Career Development Services
- Owner at Ron's Sharpening Service (Sole Proprietorship)
- MiConnections Coordinator of Kent County at Ionia Intermediate School District
- Employment Training Specialist at Grand Rapids Public Schools
- Education
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- Aquinas College
- Cornerstone University
- Connections
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22
connections
- Industry
- Primary/Secondary Education
- Websites
Ron Irvine’s Summary
Since 1981, just after I graduated from college, I have been working with people that have significant barriers in life; mostly disabilities. My career has had a 27 year focus on bringing those at the fringes of society back in the community . . . leveling the playing field, creating equal access to opportunities, discovering hidden talents and strengths and using them to overcome barriers; coming alongside people so they can reach their full potential. The specific areas of focus are community development, career development, and small business development. Through my Master of Management Degree, I've had the opportunity for design, startup, and development of three programs.
Ron Irvine’s Specialties:
~ Experienced in workforce, career, and entrepreneurial development
~ Experience in federal and local grant writing process
~ Developed and facilitated steering committees and community councils
~ Facilitated cross-sector collaborative decision-making
~ Mapping and coordinating community resources
~ Implemented strategic planning processes
~ Group facilitation skills
~ Vigilant customer focus
~ Strategic systems thinker
~ Flexible and adaptive
~ Entrepreneurial thinking and skills
Ron Irvine’s Experience
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Micro Enterprise Specialist
Hope Network
(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)
September 2008 — Present (11 months)
I coordinate a countywide micro enterprise program for people with development disabilities. This is collaborative initiative funded by community mental health dollars through Network 180. This is a partnership of six organizations.
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Owner / Independent Consultant
Career Development Services
(Non-Profit; Myself Only; Professional Training & Coaching industry)
April 2006 — June 2008 (2 years 3 months)
Providing services in career development, youth development, leadership development, and case management to at-risk youth and youth with disabilities. Contracting services to educational institutions, community organization, and government agencies.
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Owner
Ron's Sharpening Service (Sole Proprietorship)
(Sole Proprietorship; Myself Only; Consumer Services industry)
March 1994 — 2008 (14 years)
Currently still providing sharpening services to organizations and individuals. Sharpening almost anything with an edge.
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MiConnections Coordinator of Kent County
Ionia Intermediate School District
(Educational Institution; 51-200 employees; Primary/Secondary Education industry)
January 2004 — September 2006 (2 years 9 months)
Kent County coordinator piloting the statewide MiConnections project; a systems change, collaborative initiative to improve outcomes for youth with disabilities using research-based effective practices.
Developed and implemented strategic planning process county-wide.
Coordinated and facilitated Local Steering Council representing students, parents, education, government agencies, and community-based organizations.
Piloted program in 10 schools. -
Employment Training Specialist
Grand Rapids Public Schools
(Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Primary/Secondary Education industry)
April 1984 — December 2003 (19 years 9 months)
Facilitated career development for youth with disabilities through connecting students to hands-on opportunities for self-assessment, career awareness, career research, career planning, service learning, and part-time jobs.
Ron Irvine’s Education
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Aquinas College
Master of Management , Management of diverse organizations , 1998 — 2000
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Cornerstone University
BA , Religion / Greek , 1976 — 1980
Ron Irvine’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
