The learning lab will be facilitated by Tracey Carey, Director of Midwest Urban Strategies, who will guide the discussion and help connect perspectives from across the grant management experience.
Together, participants will explore how risk shows up across the grant lifecycle, from early start-up through implementation and monitoring, and how organizations can strengthen internal systems that support both compliance and strong program outcomes.
Participants will hear from professionals who have worked in multiple aspects of federal grants management.
Felicia Fountain, Program and Operations Manager at CALCO Consulting Group and former federal workforce leader, will open the conversation with a look at how federal agencies think about risk and what federal project officers are typically paying attention to as grants move from award to implementation.
Paulette Francois, Chief Operating Officer at CALCO Consulting Group and former Maryland Assistant Secretary for Workforce Development, will then explore the programmatic side of the equation, discuss how organizations can strengthen operational systems that support effective service delivery.
Finally, Elizabeth Tyson-Jankowski, Government and Nonprofit Services Manager at Andrea & Orendorff, will tackle a topic that often causes the most stress for grantees: fiscal compliance and financial oversight.
Rather than presenting a lecture, this learning lab is designed as a space for shared learning and honest discussion. Participants will have the opportunity to explore common challenges, exchange experiences, and hear practical perspectives from professionals who have worked inside government, state workforce systems, nonprofit organizations, and federal grant oversight.
The goal is simple: we want to bring people together, spark ideas, and help organizations feel more confident navigating the complex (and sometimes quite messy!) realities of federal grant management.
Whether your organization is launching a new initiative, managing an existing award, or simply looking to strengthen internal systems, this session offers an opportunity to connect with peers, ask questions, and share insights.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself thinking “We got the grant. Now what?” this conversation is for you.
Join us on April 22 for a lively discussion about managing risk, strengthening capacity, and supporting successful programs across the federal grant lifecycle.
