From Barriers to Workforce: Connecting Talent Through Immersive Technology
**Registration closes 7/3/26**
To Register: From Barriers to Workforce: Connecting Talent Through Immersive Technology
Tuesday, July 7th | 11:50 AM - 1:00 PM
Presented: Avalon Events Center OR Virtual
Speaker: Karen Berntson
Program Summary
Discover how Bismarck State College’s XR for VR (Extended Reality for Vocational Rehabilitation) initiative is using immersive technology to connect North Dakotans with disabilities to high-demand careers and help employers access an often-overlooked talent pool. Through virtual reality experiences, assistive technology, and collaborative partnerships, the project is strengthening pathways to Competitive Integrated Employment while addressing workforce shortages. Attendees will gain insight into how XR is transforming career awareness, training, and hiring practices—and how organizations can engage as partners, access resources, and support inclusive workforce development across North Dakota.
Takeaways
1. Understand how XR for VR uses immersive and assistive technologies to increase career access and awareness for individuals with disabilities.
2. Identify strategies for connecting employers to an untapped talent pipeline through inclusive hiring and workforce partnerships.
3. Understand who the three key partner organizations are and know who to contact to engage and move forward as an employer, collaborator or promoter of the XR for VR project.
4. Recognize opportunities for organizations to engage with XR for VR as partners, including serving as filming sites or workforce collaborators.
About the Speaker
Karen Berntson is the Chief Operating Officer at CareerViewXR, where she leads operations, workforce partnerships, and immersive career exploration initiatives connecting education and industry. Prior to joining CareerViewXR, she worked at Microsoft in employee and community engagement and served as Director of Junior Achievement of North Dakota. Karen holds degrees in Business Administration & Finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead and an MBA from the University of Sioux Falls. She is also a graduate of United Way’s 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program. Karen is passionate about scalable, sustainable approaches to workforce development that align education, industry, and community needs.
Menu
Hamburgers + Brats, Potato Salad, PB Bars
Recertification Credits
This presentation is pending approval for:
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1.0 SHRM Credit
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1.0 HRCI Credit
Access to this session is limited to individuals who have completed registration. Virtual credentials are not to be shared or forwarded.
Attendance will be monitored. FMHRA reserves the right to invoice any unregistered participant who joins the session without prior registration.
