Facilitator: Dr. Diana Heeb Bivona
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Biography: Dr. Diana Heeb Bivona is the Director of Continuing Education & Business Solutions at LLCC, where she leads workforce development efforts, builds employer partnerships, and designs training programs that help organizations adapt and grow. She brings more than 15 years of private-sector and SME consulting experience along with 17 years of teaching business, entrepreneurship, and organizational leadership in higher education, giving her a unique blend of industry insight and academic depth. Diana holds a B.A. from Drake University, an M.B.A. from the New York Institute of Technology, and a D.B.A. from North Central University, and her work spans everything from artificial intelligence to operational efficiency to leadership development. |
Classes by this facilitator
AI at Work: Practical Tools for Productivity
AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday work, from writing and research to meeting support, data review, and content creation. This hands-on workshop helps non-technical professionals understand what AI can do, where it adds value, and how to use it more effectively on the job. Participants will explore practical workplace applications, try common AI tools, and examine key issues such as accuracy, bias, privacy, and responsible use. They will leave with a clearer understanding of AI, greater confidence in using it, and actionable ideas for improving productivity in their own work.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026, LLCC-Litchfield Room L101
Friday, August 28, 2026, LLCC-Medical District Room 118
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, LLCC-Taylorville Room 1113
Thursday, September 3, 2026, LLCC-Jacksonville Room 1136
Friday, August 28, 2026, LLCC-Medical District Room 118
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, LLCC-Taylorville Room 1113
Thursday, September 3, 2026, LLCC-Jacksonville Room 1136
AI-Enhanced Decision Making: Critical Thinking for Today's Workplace
Artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate productivity, but it doesn't replace sound judgment. This workshop helps professionals sharpen their critical thinking skills while working with AI tools. Participants will learn how to question outputs, spot potential bias, and combine human expertise with AI insights to make smarter, more ethical decisions. Participants are strongly encouraged to register early-at least one week before the class start date-to secure a seat, as many classes fill quickly. Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment, and early registration can make the difference.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, LLCC-Litchfield Room A100
Designing Career-Connected Projects: Bringing Real-World Learning to Every Classroom (6-12)
Prepare students for life beyond the classroom. This full-day, hands-on workshop helps grades 6-12 educators transform existing lessons into authentic, career-connected projects that build both academic mastery and essential employability skills. Participants will explore how to integrate the Illinois PaCE and Essential Employability Skills frameworks, develop rubrics that measure collaboration and professionalism, and create meaningful assessments that mirror real workplace expectations. By the end of the day, educators will leave with a ready-to-implement project and the tools to make learning more engaging, relevant, and future-focused. CPDUs: 4.5 hours
Monday, May 4, 2026, LLCC-Medical District Room 202
Entrepreneurship Foundations: From Idea to Operation
Build the skills, confidence, and practical knowledge needed to start, or strengthen, your own business.This comprehensive, online, self-paced course is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners who want a clear, end-to-end understanding of how a business actually works. Participants explore the full entrepreneurial lifecycle, from idea validation and business planning to financial fundamentals, marketing strategy, operations, and legal considerations. The course emphasizes real-world application helping learners make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and move forward with clarity.Optional Credential Path: For those who want formal recognition of their skills, the course is aligned with national U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification standards. Learners who wish to pursue certification may choose to sit for the national exam after completing the course. One certification exam voucher is included.
August 31, 2026 to December 6, 2026, Online
Prompting for Better AI Results
Designed for professionals with some prior experience using AI tools, this hands-on workshop focuses on how to write stronger prompts and get better results from workplace AI. Participants learn practical strategies for improving clarity, refining outputs, and using structured prompting techniques to support writing, analysis, and problem-solving. Through guided practice and real-world examples, they build skills that help make AI output more useful, reliable, and relevant on the job.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026, LLCC-Medical District Room 118
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, LLCC-Taylorville Room 1113
Friday, October 16, 2026, LLCC-Jacksonville Room 1136
Friday, October 30, 2026, LLCC-Litchfield Room L101
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, LLCC-Taylorville Room 1113
Friday, October 16, 2026, LLCC-Jacksonville Room 1136
Friday, October 30, 2026, LLCC-Litchfield Room L101
Reducing Workplace Friction Across Generations
Generational differences often surface in communication, feedback, technology use, and workplace expectations. When left unaddressed, those differences can create friction-but when handled well, they can strengthen collaboration and team performance. This interactive workshop gives participants practical tools to work more effectively across generations. Through discussion, scenarios, and applied activities, participants will identify common tension points, challenge assumptions, and practice strategies that improve communication, trust, and collaboration. The session emphasizes real-world approaches participants can use immediately to build stronger teams and more effective working relationships.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, LLCC-Medical District Room 203
Small Business Finance: From Numbers to Strategy
Learn how to confidently read and use your financial statements to make smarter business decisions. This self-paced online course gives you 8 weeks of access from the time you start. You'll gain practical skills to interpret your Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements-and turn that data into strategy. Ideal for small business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to better manage cash flow, control costs, and plan for growth.
September 14, 2026 to November 8, 2026, Online
Supervision Essentials: Managing People & Performance
This self-paced 8-week course equips current and aspiring supervisors with essential skills for effectively managing employees and teams. Participants will learn practical strategies for hiring, performance management, motivation, engagement, conflict resolution, and workplace safety.
September 14, 2026 to November 8, 2026, Online
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