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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- Independent Consultant at Career Development Services
- Owner at Ron's Sharpening Service
- MiConnections Coordinator of Kent County at Ionia Intermediate School District
- Youth Treatment Specialist at Wedgwood Christian Youth and Family Services
- Employment Training Specialist at Grand Rapids Public Schools
- Evening Supervisor at Degage Ministries
- Senior Child Care Counselor at Bethany Christian Services (Residential Treatment Homes)
- Education
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- Aquinas School of Graduate
- Aquinas College
- Cornerstone University
- Cornerstone University
- Connections
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48
connections
- Industry
- Non-Profit Organization Management
- 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; Non-Profit Organization Management industry)
September 2008 — Present (1 year 3 months)
Coordinate training, technical assistance, development of supports, and program development for aspiring entrepreneurs with developmental disabilities that are in CMH funded services in Kent County. The program works with people as they move through the micro enterprise development process including feasibility study, market research, writing a business plan, and accessing a micro loan. Primary focus is to build capacity to provide micro enterprise development services throughout CMH services: skill building, supported employment, alternative day services, and community living support.
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Independent Consultant
Career Development Services
(Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; Professional Training & Coaching industry)
April 2006 — September 2008 (2 years 6 months)
Career Development Services
(Realizing Potential, Developing Capacity in Community and Individuals); Providing services in career development, leadership development, and case management to people with a wide variety of challenges (economic and disability).
Worked in 12 Kent County Regular and Alternative Schools -
Owner
Ron's Sharpening Service
(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
(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. -
Youth Treatment Specialist
Wedgwood Christian Youth and Family Services
(Primary/Secondary Education industry)
January 1999 — November 2004 (5 years 11 months)
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Employment Training Specialist
Grand Rapids Public Schools
(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.
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Evening Supervisor
Degage Ministries
(Primary/Secondary Education industry)
January 1995 — December 1999 (5 years )
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Senior Child Care Counselor
Bethany Christian Services (Residential Treatment Homes)
(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)
September 1981 — September 1988 (7 years 1 month)
Ron Irvine’s Education
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Aquinas School of Graduate
Master of Management; Master's level , 2006
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Aquinas College
Master of Management , Management of diverse organizations , 1998 — 2000
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Cornerstone University
Bachelor's of Arts , 1981
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Cornerstone University
BA , Religion / Greek , 1976 — 1980
Additional Information
Ron Irvine’s Websites:
Ron Irvine’s Interests:
Social Justice, Community Development and Organizing, Career Development, Microenterprise / Small Business Development, Organizational Change and Development, Group Process, Social Networking for career, organizational, and community development
Ron Irvine’s Groups:
Kent County MiConnections Steering Council (Facilitator),
Kent County Micro Enterprise Committee (Facilitator), Kent Community Transition Council (Participant and chair for 4 yrs), Michigan Transition Services Association (Participant), Michigan Transition Outcomes Project (Participant), MiConnections Statewide Steering Council (Participant), Grand Rapids Public Schools Service Learning Team, GRPS Career Pathways Design Team, Experience Exchange, Michigan Organizing Project, Delta Strategy, Restorers (Community Organizing), Oakdale Neighbors (Community Organizing)
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Facebook.com -
LinkedUp Grand Rapids -
Global Career Development Facilitator - NCDA -
Career Development Facilitators
Ron Irvine’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- job inquiries
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
