Benton County event will focus on responsibility and accountability in the workplace

VINTON, Iowa (January 20, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College is offering an opportunity for professionals to grow their confidence, strengthen relationships, and achieve more positive outcomes through an engaging new workshop, Empowered for Success: The Power of Responsibility and Accountability. The session will take place Wednesday, February 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kirkwood Benton County Center, located at 111 W. 3rd St. in Vinton.

The interactive workshop will help participants explore what responsibility and accountability truly mean – and how embracing these principles can lead to greater job satisfaction, stronger teams, and personal growth. Attendees will learn practical strategies for strengthening these essential skills, with actionable tools designed to help both individuals and organizations thrive.

The session will be led by Brenda Meeker, owner and president of Elevate Consulting, LLC, who brings years of experience in learning and development, human resources, and organizational consulting. Meeker is passionate about helping others achieve their personal and professional goals through intentional growth and ownership of their roles.

“In today’s rapidly changing work environment, personal accountability and responsibility are essential skills that directly impact team success and organizational culture,” said Kirkwood Director of Corporate Training Quinn Pettifer. “This workshop gives participants a chance to reflect, grow, and strengthen those foundational skills in a supportive and engaging setting. We’re excited to provide learning opportunities that empower individuals while meeting the evolving needs of our regional workforce.”

In addition to the workshop, attendees will have access to Kirkwood’s Skills 2027 Report, which shares insights gathered from area businesses about the future workforce needs across the college’s seven-county service area. The report provides valuable context for understanding emerging regional employment trends, what local employers are looking for and how Kirkwood can partner with employers to solve the workforce challenges in the region.

Registration is open now. For additional information or to register, contact Kirkwood Corporate Training at corporatetraining@kirkwood.edu or call 319-398-5623.

*****EVENT*****

What: Empowered for Success: The Power of Responsibility and Accountability Workshop

Where: Kirkwood’s Benton County Center, 111 W. 3rd St. in Vinton

When: February 25 from 1–4 p.m.

To register: Email corporatetraining@kirkwood.edu or call 319-398-5623

Kirkwood Continuing Education notes nearly 30,000 annual enrollments in classes ranging from industry certification to career development to personal enrichment. Over the last 20 years, the number of new jobs created through Kirkwood’s Continuing Education & Training Services has exceeded 14,000.