DT | WGU Missouri Presents: "Leading for Innovation: Using Design Thinking as a Catalyst for Innovation" - 2:00 p.m.

2:00 - 4:30 - Formal Program
4:30 - 5:30 - Reception with Wine and Appetizers

Innovation is built upon great ideas.  This session will provide an overview of a highly regarded model for innovation.  Design Thinking is a formal method for practical, creative resolution of problems and creation of solutions, with the intent of an improved future result. Based on work at Stanford University, this session will explore the concept of Design Thinking as a method of creative action. Experience a shortened Design Thinking process as part of your learning.  As a result you will be able to immediately implement strategies in your work environment.  Design Thinking is a fast approach to idea development and modification in a budget friendly collection of information in order to avoid costly business mistakes.

Dr. Angie Besendorfer — 
Currently Chancellor for WGU Missouri, Dr. Angie Besendorfer has been in the education field for over 20 years.  She is known as an innovator and a visionary leader.  Angie has degrees from Missouri Southern State  University, Central Missouri State University and a doctorate from the University of Missouri.  She has served students, families and the community in the role of elementary teacher, professional development consultant, elementary principal, special services director and superintendent.  During her career she has received several awards ranging from being named a Most Influential Woman by the Tri-State Business Journal to the prestigious National Milken Educator Award.  Most recently, Angie was instrumental in the recovery and rebuilding efforts of Joplin Schools after an EF-5 tornado hit 10 schools.  Through this process, Joplin Schools has been highlighted for innovative education models and school facilities designed for the future of education.  Dr. Besendorfer is widely recognized as a change agent in education.
 
Karlie Besendorfer —
Karlie Besendorfer is a senior at UMKC pursuing a degree in business administration, emphasizing in innovation management. She graduated from the mall in Joplin’s temporary high school in 2014.  She is active in her sorority, Chi Omega, and in her professional business fraternity, alpha kappa psi. Karlie was one of two students chosen to be trained along with staff for design thinking at Joplin High School. She has participated in a study abroad.  Her original goal was to become a surgeon and she was accepted to the 6 year medical school at UMKC.  Since then she has decided her passion is leadership so she is soon going to be seeking a job in the healthcare field.  Karlie is excited about her future.  
 
Klista Rader — 
Klista Rader is the founder of 21 Vision, and provides innovation coaching and support in technology integration and instructional design. Her purpose is to provide ongoing support, structure, & training for professionals to innovate in the 21st century. Prior to founding 21 Vision, Klista served in the role of Director of Information and Implementation Technology, technology integration specialist, classroom teacher, and adjunct professor.
 
Using instructional design practices, Klista regularly partners with teams to design learning modules and participate in creative problem solving. Klista has had an impact on multiple organizations through her experience in developing administrative and leadership teams aimed to change traditional practices in order to meet the demanding needs of the twenty-first century.

Klista holds a master’s degree in instructional technology from Northwest Missouri State University and is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Kentucky. She has been trained by Stanford’s school in Design Thinking, and holds certification from Intel and Google.