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Monday, October 26
 

7:45am PDT

Registration & Breakfast
Monday October 26, 2026 7:45am - 9:45am PDT

Monday October 26, 2026 7:45am - 9:45am PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

8:45am PDT

Opening Plenary with Keynote Speakers Sangita Kumar and the Belonging Resident Company
Monday October 26, 2026 8:45am - 10:00am PDT

Speakers
avatar for Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting
Sangita Kumar (she/her) is a multifaceted strategist, facilitator, systems builder, movement organizer, and change agent committed to advancing social justice and community empowerment. She brings over 20 years of expertise in designing and leading transformative change across sectors, including... Read More →
TB

The Belonging Resident Company (BRC)

The Belonging Resident Company (BRC)
The Belonging Resident Company (BRC) is a groundbreaking performance ensemble that centers BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ artists, facilitators, and musicians on the mission to make the revolution of belonging irresistible. Through radical imagination, contemporary and hip-hop dance, movement... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 8:45am - 10:00am PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:15am PDT

All Bodies are Good Bodies: Building Weight-Inclusive Spaces to Protect Youth Development and Wellbeing
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Exposure to weight stigma, especially during the delicate time of adolescence, can have lifelong consequences. Youth today navigate relentless messages that their bodies are not “good enough”. This workshop helps youth-serving professionals to create safer, more inclusive spaces that better align with their organizational values and where all young people can thrive. Beginning with the history of weight stigma and its roots in anti-Black racism, participants will learn to identify the ways that youth encounter weight stigma day to day, from casual comments between peers to social media influences, and from health care to the locker room.
Speakers
MS

Maayan Simckes (she/her)

Epidemiologist and Consultant, Wellspring Public Health Strategies
Dr. Maayan Simckes is an epidemiologist with over 15 years of public health experience, including ten in the Pacific Northwest. She earned her PhD and MPH in epidemiology and solves complex health problems through practical, innovative, and collaborative solutions. Dr. Simckes leads... Read More →
RE

Robyn Evans (she/her)

Nurse Practitioner, Adolescent Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital
Robyn Evans ARNP is a bilingual nurse practitioner with over 25 years experience in Adolescent Health with a long-standing focus on the care of marginalized youth. Her clinical practice focuses on decreasing the physiological and psychological effects of eating disorders on children... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:15am PDT

From Compliance to Collaboration: Empowering Families, Students, and Staff Through Intentional Partnership
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Family engagement is often viewed as a compliance requirement—but what if it became a catalyst for equity, belonging, and student success? In this interactive session, the Directors of Equity, Family & Community Partnerships and Multilingual Education & Student Supports will share how cross-departmental collaboration is transforming family engagement in a mid-sized, diverse school district. Through examples from Dual Language Education, Title I Parent and Family Engagement, and Refugee Family Engagement programming, participants will explore strategies for building family leadership, sharing decision-making, and creating family-driven Open to a 1/2 hour slot opportunities that reflect community strengths and needs. Grounded in Dr. Karen Mapp’s Dual Capacity-Building Framework, this session is most relevant for professionals serving K–12 youth and families.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Elena Kelley (she/her/ella)

Dr. Elena Kelley (she/her/ella)

Director of Multilingual Education and Student Supports, Mukilteo School District
Dr. Elena Kelley serves as the Director of Multilingual Education and Student Supports in the Mukilteo School District, where she leads strategic initiatives supporting multilingual learners and historically underserved student populations. With more than 25 years in education, she... Read More →
MW

Mary Williams (she/her/ella)

Director of Equity, Family Engagement, and Community Partnerships, Mukilteo School District
Mary Williams is passionate about creating equitable systems and structures that ensure every learner has access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive. She earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Science with an Early Childhood emphasis and a master's... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Belonging Before Leadership: Creating Communities Where Every Young Person Can Lead
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
What becomes possible when adults and young people share leadership instead of simply sharing space? This interactive workshop explores how meaningful youth-adult partnerships strengthen belonging, engagement, and resilience for young people while helping organizations adapt and grow through change. Drawing from experiences in schools, student leadership programs, and statewide youth initiatives, participants will examine what current research and practice tell us about adolescent development, agency, and connection. Together, we will identify practical strategies for creating environments where youth and adults learn, lead, and make decisions together. Designed for professionals working with middle and high schoolaged youth, this session offers tools that can be adapted across schools, expanded learning programs, and community organizations.
Speakers
GB

Greg Barker (he/him)

Managing Director, WSPEF, Association of Washington Student Leaders/Washington School Principals Education Foundation
Greg Barker serves as Managing Director of the Washington School Principals' Education Foundation (WSPEF), where he works to expand leadership development, student voice, and belonging opportunities for young people across Washington State. He collaborates closely with school leaders... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:15am PDT

Reimagining Resilience: Understanding Trauma & Creating Safer Environments
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
As our communities and education system are more stressed, BELONG Partners
supports the critical need for us to come together and connect in ways that build resilience and
center young peoples’ (and all peoples’) needs. Our time will be spent not only learning about the
impact of trauma on our developing brains and bodies but will also focus on restorative, and
antiracist strategies that create environments for young people to truly thrive.
Speakers
avatar for Aaron Norikane (he/him)

Aaron Norikane (he/him)

Facilitator, BELONG Partners
Aaron Norikane (he/him) has been pushing to transform our education systems (both in schools and in our communities) for young people in the Seattle area for over 30 years. As a facilitator with the BELONG Partners team working with schools and community orgs all over South King County... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Building Knowledge Together: Data Equity from Early Learning to Early Adulthood
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Practitioners are often asked to collect data for funders rather than to build
knowledge for their own practice. This session reframes that relationship, treating every measure
as a mutually cultivated choice about what matters. We trace those choices across four phases of
the cycle of inquiry, each grounded in a current program: a community co-designed wage pilot for
engagement and co-design, a holistic measurement effort for data collection, a postsecondary
access program for mixed methods and learning cycles, and a housing pilot for storytelling.
Together, these examples surface what it takes to build data practices that hold rigor and humanity
at once. Rather than offering a finished framework, this session treats the room as a working
group: practitioners will discuss these examples, name what has strengthened trust and belonging
for the youth they serve, and contribute approaches worth exploring. Participants leave with
practical strategies and open questions to carry back into their own programs.
Speakers
DP

Diana Parades (she/her)

Evaluator, King County
Diana Paredes is an Evaluator on King County's Performance Measurement and Evaluation team, supporting youth development and community development programs. She brings a background in applied research and evaluation focused on equitable development, civic engagement, and leadership... Read More →
VQ

Vanessa Quince (she/her)

Senior Evaluator in Youth Services, King County
Vanessa Quince is a Senior Evaluator in Youth Services on King County's Performance Measurement and Evaluation team. She specializes in mixed-methods evaluation, integrating participatory approaches to center community voices and assessing outcomes, with a cross-sector background... Read More →
LG

Leah Grodinsky (she/her)

Senior Evaluator, King County
Leah Grodinsky is a Senior Evaluator on King County's Performance Measurement and Evaluation team, supporting youth development and out-of-school time strategies. She brings a cross-sector background spanning youth-serving direct service, community-based environmental and food systems... Read More →
LD

Lauren Dinsmore (she/her)

Senior Evaluator, King County
Lauren Dinsmore is a Child Care Programs Evaluator on King County's Performance Measurement and Evaluation team supporting the Children, Youth, and Young Adults Division. She brings experience evaluating programs that advance maternal and infant health equity, having worked on Solano County's Black... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:15am PDT

Belonging: The Impact of Difference
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
It is human and deeply rooted in us all to want to belong. Not surprisingly then, that when we first step into a new group, it is our differences that often bubble to the surface, sometimes manifesting difficult emotions and behaviors. Spotting this kind of pattern is part of how we show up fully for our students — as we support them with new vantage points that see, embrace and celebrate differences.
Speakers
SB

Sheryl Blessing (she/her)

Sheryl Blessing, a former parks and recreation supervisor and a youth development professional with over 22+ years of experience, is a community leader who managed public facilities and recreational programs. Sheryl specializes in youth engagement and staff management and coaching... Read More →
BH

Bao Huong Doan (she/her)

Bao Huong Doan is a passionate youth work professional committed to creating meaningful opportunities and experiences that empower young people to grow, connect, and thrive. With a background in Special Education and Psychology, she brings a relationship-centered approach to youth... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Serving Youth & Adolescents of Color Through Connection, Cultural Awareness, and Mental Health Support
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Black, Brown, and Indigenous youth often navigate layered stressors connected to
identity, community experiences, systemic inequities, and emotional wellbeing. These experiences can
directly impact behavior, academic engagement, relationships, and mental health outcomes. This
workshop examines how professionals can better serve youth by building authentic connections,
recognizing underlying stressors, and responding with culturally aware and supportive practices.
Through discussion, reflection, and practical application, participants will gain tools to
strengthen trust, support emotional regulation, and create environments where youth feel seen,
valued, and supported.
Speakers
TW

Toni Williams (she/her)

Mental Health Therapist
Toni brings extensive experience in K–12 education as both an educator and building leader, supporting students, families, and school communities through a lens of equity, belonging, and growth. With a background in mental health and youth development, Toni has worked to break down... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Design Organizations Where Hope Thrives: Creating the Conditions for Belonging and Impact
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Hope is more than optimism. Research shows it is a powerful driver of motivation,
well-being, and goal attainment for both young people and adults. Yet, hope does not emerge in
isolation. It grows in environments where people experience belonging, trust, meaningful
relationships, and pathways toward possibility. This interactive workshop explores how leaders can
intentionally create organizational conditions that cultivate hope and support relationship-rich
environments. Drawing on KBD Collaborative's 5 Key Drivers of Organizational Impact, Hope
science, and MENTOR Washington's Hope Rising collaboration, participants will explore strategies
that strengthen team culture, relational trust, staff well-being, and program effectiveness.
Attendees will leave with practical ideas to foster hope, belonging, and impact for both young
people and adults.
Speakers
avatar for Jolynn Kenney (she/her)

Jolynn Kenney (she/her)

Executive Director & Hope Ambassador, MENTOR Washington
Executive Director by day. Professional hope-instigator by night. Leads MENTOR Washington corralling mentoring professionals like a benevolent chaos wizard, and will absolutely ask you to “just real quick reimagine the entire system” before lunch. Fueled by coffee, justice, and... Read More →
avatar for Sheely Mauck (she/her)

Sheely Mauck (she/her)

Facilitator & Managing Partner, KBD Collaborative
As Managing Partner for KBD Collaborative, Sheely draws upon two decades of experience in youth development, advancing racial equity, adult learning theory, nonprofit management, and cultural responsiveness to support equitable system building. Sheely is a facilitator, educator, leader... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:15am PDT

Inspiring Action: Crafting Stories with Purpose
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Whether you're writing a grant proposal or sharing a social media post, stories are one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your organization's mission and impact—but not all stories are created equal. While some stories inspire audiences to think or act differently, others leave audiences unsatisfied, unmoved, or unsure of what to do next. In this workshop, we'll go through a step-by-step process for creating stories that resonate, build trust, and compel your audience to act. Participants will define their own storytelling goals and opportunities, explore ethical considerations, and practice using the 3 C's of storytelling (Challenge, Choice, Change) to craft stories with purpose.
Speakers
LS

Luca Savotsky (he/they)

Marketing Manager, School's Out Washington
With 12+ years of experience in non-profit marketing and communications, Luca (he/they) offers expertise in values-based storytelling, strategic branding and visual design, and social media management. Luca earned his Master of Communication in Communities & Networks degree from the... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Playworks Group Management
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Lay the foundation for creating a safe, healthy, and respectful environment. Utilize proactive group management strategies to set students up for successful group behavior, focusing on building rapport, attention getters and signals, rules and consequences and more. Playworks supports K-5 students at recess. This session is directed toward recess staff, and out of school time staff who support play at their site.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Timms (she/her)

Taylor Timms (she/her)

Associate Program Director, Playworks
Taylor was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Criminal Justice Degree. Taylor decided to take a proactive approach to working with youth. She was determined to make a change in education and the way society views our youth; specifically... Read More →
avatar for Casey Gackle (he/him)

Casey Gackle (he/him)

Partner Experience Manager, Playworks
From Tacoma, Washington, Casey began his journey with Playworks in November of 2022 as a Program Specialist in the Pacific Northwest Seattle area. Casey has his B.A. in Business Administration and a minor in Entrepreneurship & Innovation from Western Washington University. During... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)

10:15am PDT

LGBTQI+ Inclusive and Affirming Programs: Using an Intersectional Lens
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
 LGBTQI+ people have always been here and come from all races, religions, geographies, and lived experiences. Currently the LGBTQI+ community in all its diversity is experiencing backlash. Now is not the time to back away from creating welcoming and inclusive programs. This session will help youth workers and advocates understand how to support healthy youth development and resiliency with strategies that work. Content will include data sharing, small
and large group work, and case studies to address the complexity of youths' lived experience and how to support them.
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Flynn (she/her)

Tracy Flynn (she/her)

Trainer, Facilitator, Coach, Welcoming Schools
Tracy Flynn, M.Ed., (she/her) has 30 years of experience as a leader in local and national health, child welfare, and education institutions. Tracy’s mission is to provide training and coaching to build healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. Her expertise includes... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)

10:15am PDT

Fixing our Fixed-Math Mindsets!
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
There is a trend in our society of having a negative, fixed mindset surrounding mathematics. This view is prevalent in learners of all ages, and is reinforced in how math is commonly discussed. When educators see themselves as ‘bad’ at math and vocalize that mindset (even with positive intentions), that negativity can add to students’ mathematical insecurity and impact their approach to the subject. We are passionate about empowering all learners to become problem solvers and to see themselves as mathematicians. To make this shift, we need to reframe our language around math, and utilize more accessible and engaging math activities. We are excited to share some evidence-based content and techniques that you can implement in your learning spaces to empower students, staff, and yourself to become confident mathematicians. With the right tools and mindset, we can all be problem solvers!
Speakers
avatar for Annelise Strobel (she/her)

Annelise Strobel (she/her)

Site Coordinator, Wenatchee School District After School Programs
I have been involved in the after school sector for, going on, 5 years now with varying degrees, but I really found a connection with AmeriCorps. Through my service I gained experience in leading in the after school sector and in the classroom sector as a math aid. In my years I have... Read More →
avatar for Jordan Koch (she/her)

Jordan Koch (she/her)

Enrichment Coordinator, Wenatchee School District After School Programs
I have worked as a math educator for over 10 years, with experience in a variety of teaching settings. Across each setting, and through my own experiences as a former student, there is a strong trend of learners feeling insecure about their mathematical abilities. I am passionate... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

11:45am PDT

Lunch & Exhibitor Showcase
Monday October 26, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm PDT
Lunch will be served buffet style in the Greater Tacoma Convention Center Ballroom Prefunction (3rd floor).

Check back the week before Bridge for the menu!
Monday October 26, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

12:30pm PDT

Best Starts for Kids Expanded Learning Grantee Gathering (CLOSED SESSION)
Monday October 26, 2026 12:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
CLOSED SESSION for Best Starts for Kids Expanded Learning Grantees.

Facilitated by Public Profit and the BSK Expanded Learning Team

In this closed session, SOWA’s external evaluators, Public Profit, will share quantitative and qualitative data from Year 3 of the BSK Expanded Learning Initiative. Grantees will get the opportunity to connect, reflect, and engage in dialogue about what’s working and what can be improved
Monday October 26, 2026 12:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Weaving Without Erasing: Equitable Enculturation for Diverse Communities.
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
What does it look like when a community truly makes room for everyone — not just at the edges, but at the center? This session explores the principles and practices of equitable enculturation: the intentional work of forming communities where diverse peoples are not merely welcomed but genuinely woven into the fabric of shared life.

We'll examine how power, identity, and belonging intersect in community formation, and offer practical frameworks for leaders navigating the complexity of cultural integration without succumbing to assimilation. Participants will leave with concrete tools for fostering dignity-centered community cultures that honor difference while building genuine cohesion.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Kim (he/him)

Richard Kim (he/him)

Racial Equity Consultant, Cultures Connecting
Richard D. Kim is a Racial Equity Consultant with Cultures Connecting. He is passionate about cultivating a person-centered approach and brings over a decade of experience teaching, consulting, leadership coaching and facilitation engaging race, culture and identity in various organizational... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

12:45pm PDT

KC CONNECT: Restorative Responses to Harm
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Step into a Peace Circle and experience how restorative practices transform the way we respond to harm. In this interactive session, you will sit in circle, hold the talking piece, and practice the core elements of circle keeping so you can keep circles in your own school or program. Through a hands-on activity, you will examine the difference between accountability and punishment and rethink what it means to repair harm rather than simply punish. You will leave with
practical circle keeping tools, a framework you can apply immediately, and a felt sense of how circles work. Designed for educators and youth-serving professionals who want restorative options that build community, strengthen relationships, and keep young people connected.
Speakers
FR

Fergie Rodriguez (she/her)

Youth Development Program Manager, Dispute Resolution Center of King County
Fergie Rodriguez is the Youth Development Program Manager at the King County Dispute Resolution Center, where she brings four years of experience in youth development with a focus on restorative practices, including peer mediation and Peace Circles. She now leads this work through... Read More →
avatar for Sharon Moon (she/her)

Sharon Moon (she/her)

Restorative Practices Liaison and Staff Mediator, Dispute Resolution Center of King County
Sharon Moon joined the Dispute Resolution Center in August of 2014 and has worked in youth development for 9 years. She is a circle keeper, trainer, facilitator, and mediator. Sharon loves using experiential exercises and games to build community, confidence, and skills in KC CONNECT... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

From Staff Learning to Youth Impact: Building a Community of Practice for Continuous Improvement
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Young people thrive when they experience belonging, supportive relationships, meaningful engagement, and opportunities to grow. These experiences are created by adults who also need opportunities to connect, reflect, learn, and improve together. Drawing from Associated Recreation Council’s Community of Practice, presenters will share lessons learned from developing and sustaining a year-long workforce development strategy focused on youth
development practices and continuous quality improvement. Participants will explore how trust, shared learning, responsive practices, and staff voice can strengthen organizational culture and program quality. Through discussion and reflection, attendees will identify practical strategies for supporting staff growth, strengthening continuous improvement efforts, and creating the conditions that help both adults and young people thrive.
Speakers
DK

Dr. Kelly Hudson (she/her)

Training Manager, Associated Recreation Council
Dr. Kelly Hudson is the Training Manager for the Associated Recreation Council (ARC), where she leads professional development initiatives that support high-quality childcare, youth development, and recreation programs. In addition to her work in staff development and leadership training... Read More →
avatar for Sheely Mauck (she/her)

Sheely Mauck (she/her)

Facilitator & Managing Partner, KBD Collaborative
As Managing Partner for KBD Collaborative, Sheely draws upon two decades of experience in youth development, advancing racial equity, adult learning theory, nonprofit management, and cultural responsiveness to support equitable system building. Sheely is a facilitator, educator, leader... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

12:45pm PDT

On the Same Page: A Positive Coaching System with Ready-to-Use Tools for Staff & Volunteer Success
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
What happens when your whole team knows exactly how conflict flows? In alignment with "The Art of Being Water," this session moves beyond "discipline" to embrace a coaching-centered flow for staff and volunteers. We introduce a transparent, HR-approved system rooted in the experiential education cycle: What happened? What did we learn? Now what?. This approach treats challenging behaviors as opportunities for career-long learning facilitation rather than simple violations. Participants will explore a toolkit designed for clarity and safety—including behavioral matrices, decision trees, and follow-up letter templates—that gets everyone on the same page. By establishing a shared "story" and safety before dialogue, we reduce the stress of unmanaged conflict that drains time and strains relationships. Attendees will practice using scripts and forms to move from reactive improvisation to predictable, values-based coaching that fosters dignity and growth.
Speakers
avatar for Brian Brandt (he/him)

Brian Brandt (he/him)

Professor, Youth Development, Washington State University
Professor Brian Brandt is an Associate Professor of 4-H Youth Development with over 30 years of experience supporting youth programs through engaging experiential education. Maintaining the "heart of a child," he believes play is a powerful tool for building active, resilient teams... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

12:45pm PDT

The Wild Current: Moving with Purpose in Work That Asks So Much
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
In youth development, we are often pulled by urgent needs, competing demands, and the expectation to do more with less. Over time, these currents can shape not only our individual experiences but also the culture of our programs and
organizations. Like water, we have the capacity to move with intention rather than simply react to every obstacle in our path. This interactive session invites participants to examine how time, energy, attention, and leadership are flowing within their work. Together, we will explore a powerful question: What systems, norms, or assumptions are directing our energy—and do they still serve our purpose?

Through reflection, discussion, and practical application, participants will identify opportunities to align their daily choices, program practices, and organizational culture with the values and impact they most want to create. Participants will leave with renewed clarity about where to focus their energy, how to cultivate greater sustainability and joy, and how intentional leadership can create ripples of positive change throughout their teams, programs, and communities.
Speakers
avatar for Anna Folsom (she/her)

Anna Folsom (she/her)

Certified Health and Life Coach; Mental Health Specialist w/YMCA, Phoenix Rising Transformational Coaching/YMCA of Snohomish County
Anna Folsom is a certified Health & Life Coach, yoga instructor, and founder of Phoenix Rising Transformational Coaching. She specializes in helping caregivers, helping professionals, and community leaders create sustainable lives and work environments through emotional wellness... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

12:45pm PDT

Inclusive Facilitation: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Can Participate and Thrive
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
A highly practical session for facilitators and direct service staff, this training focuses on inclusive facilitation strategies that support diverse learners, encourage youth voice, and respond skillfully to moments of disconnection or harm.

Session Objectives
  • Use practical strategies to encourage participation from all learners.
  • Learn how to use experiential activities and discussions to bridge engagement and participation. 
  • Support youth voice and give participants meaningful opportunities to contribute.

Speakers
avatar for Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting
Sangita Kumar (she/her) is a multifaceted strategist, facilitator, systems builder, movement organizer, and change agent committed to advancing social justice and community empowerment. She brings over 20 years of expertise in designing and leading transformative change across sectors, including... Read More →
avatar for Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Director
Be The Change Consulting, LLC. (BTC) is a woman owned and people of color operated, capacity-building firm located in Oakland, California. Over the past 15 years, BTC has developed a highly interactive process for capacity building and technical assistance.  We pride ourselves in... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Mindsets Matter: exploring fixed, growth and benefit mindsets
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Why does mindset matter?
Join us for this dynamic workshop to discover three different mindset frameworks. Explore how to help youth and your team develop a sense of purpose, and how to cultivate a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and learning. Examining our mindsets allows us to support young people, and your team to center non-judgmental and strengths-based perspectives towards growth supports. Leave with practical tools for supporting youth success in all areas of their lives.
Speakers
avatar for Sevan Bussell (they/them)

Sevan Bussell (they/them)

Training Content Manager, School's Out Washington
Sevan designs workshops for in-person, virtual and SOWA's self-guided platform. They apply an accessibility lens to their work and ensure that people who attend our workshops can fully engage.

Sevan has been in the youth development field for over 14 years and working with adult learners for over 18 years. Their time in direct service was spent supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ youth and those with disabilities. Their work at SOWA is informed by those same passions; suppo... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Skills for Theatre, Skills for Life: incorporating social and emotional learning into the classroom through drama games and activities
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Theatre is for everyone! In this hands-on workshop, we will be using the transformative power of the arts to bring fun into the classroom. Through theatre games with a focus on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) we will explore concepts while doing! By intentionally incorporating SEL into the classroom we offer students an opportunity to cultivate empathy and
examine their self-awareness. SEL studies have shown positive outcomes that tie socialization to the promotion of emotional understanding and empathy. These activities are suitable for ALL educators and classrooms/afterschool programs, and will provide tools and activities to:
• Cultivate empathy and community care within the classroom.
• Incorporate practices that support humanity.
• Foster student engagement and a brave space.
Speakers
avatar for Janet Cole Hamilton (she/her)

Janet Cole Hamilton (she/her)

Senior Education and Outreach Manager, Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE
Janet has been with KIDSTAGE since 2006. She developed her own, “Skills for Theatre… Skills for Life” through acting, directing, forming a theatre company, serving on boards for arts organizations, and time in corporate America working with freelance artists, graphic designers... Read More →
BS

Blaire Smith (she/her)

Education Programs Manager, Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE
Blaire is a Washington based theatre artist and drama educator, who is excited to return to Village Theatre KIDSTAGE as the education programs manager! Although she calls Seattle home, she has shared her love of theatre on stages all over the world. She enjoys all aspects of theatre... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Youth Power in Practice: How Young People Are Leading Social Change Across Washington
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
In 2025, Allen Family Philanthropies awarded grants to 10 organizations across Washington that are working to mobilize young leaders across Washington to support their work to strengthen youth leadership, civic engagement, and youth organizing in communities from Thurston County, to Seattle, to Spokane. In this session, you'll hear directly from a few of them about their different approaches, shaped by the communities they serve and the issues their young people care about. Together, they're answering the same core questions through their work: what does youth power actually look like in practice, and what does it take to build it with young people?
Come hear what's worked, what hasn't, and what these organizations have learned along the way.
Speakers
avatar for Olivia Thai (she/her)

Olivia Thai (she/her)

Program Officer, Youth Development, Allen Family Philathropies
Olivia Thai, born and raised in Kennewick, WA, leads youth development strategy and grantmaking with Allen Family Philanthropies. She holds a degree in Sociology and a Master's in Social Work focused on administration and policy practice, both from the University of Washington. Prior... Read More →
CS

Chetan Soni

Executive Director, Washington Youth Alliance
East African Community Services provides culturally-rooted youth and family wraparound programs that empower refugee and immigrant communities across South Seattle and King County.
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)

12:45pm PDT

Creating Ripples of Opportunity: Financial Aid Strategies that Advance Equity and Access
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
In this workshop presented by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we will discuss Washington state financial aid programs, statewide efforts, and how to support students applying for state financial aid. We will give you a sneak peek into the new Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). In addition, we will explore systemic
barriers to financial aid equity and present strategies for facilitating student access. Participants will leave with free customizable resources they can use to develop their own financial aid access strategies.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Winstead (she/her)

Christina Winstead (she/her)

Associate Director, College Access Initiatives, Washington Student Achievement Council
Christina Winstead serves as the Associate Director for College Access Initiatives at the Washington Student Achievement Council, where she advances equity-focused strategies that expand educational opportunity and support learners across pathways. With more than 25 years of experience... Read More →
avatar for Kathie Pham (she/her)

Kathie Pham (she/her)

Program Associate for College Bound Outreach, Washington Student Achievement Council
Kathie Pham serves as a Program Associate for College Access Initiatives at the Washington Student Achievement Council, where she draws on over 15 years of experience in K–12 and higher education. She focuses on program management, communications, and equipping counselors and college... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

12:45pm PDT

OSPI 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs (21st CCLC) - CLOSED SESSION
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 4:00pm PDT
This is a closed session for OSPI 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs (21st CCLC) staff.
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 4:00pm PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

Refugee School Impact Program Grantee Gathering (CLOSED SESSION)
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
This is a closed session for grantees of the Refugee School Impact Program. 
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

Advocacy 101: Creating Your Advocacy Toolkit
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Gain an in-depth understanding of what advocating in Olympia looks like and how to build up your advocacy toolkit through empowerment, storytelling, and ideas for accessible action. Through this workshop, participants can apply what they learn for advocating on issues such as and outside of youth development.
Speakers
GL

Gabriel Linares (he/him)

Youth Lobbyist
I'm an advocacy-driven student pursuing an Associate of Arts: (AA-DTA) in Political Science at Spokane Falls Community College. My connection to expanded learning grew out of founding Advocacy 101, a youth civic engagement initiative reaching young people ages 12–25, designed to... Read More →
MS

Malea Sary (she/her)

Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, School's Out Washington
Malea is the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for School's Out Washington and supports SOWA's work in building a more equitable and sustainable youth development sector in Washington through increasing visibility for and investment in the youth development sector. Prior to joining... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

Supervision for Growth: Inclusive Leadership for Effective Employee Development
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Designed for supervisors and managers, this session explores how inclusive supervision builds trust, clarity, and accountability while supporting staff development without relying on shame or compliance-based approaches.

Session Objectives
  • Learn Be the Change Consulting’s Arc of Staff Development, a framework to mentor and coach employees to become independent, proactive team members
  • Explore a spectrum of strategies to develop staff from supervision towards thought partnership
  • Create a process to identify opportunities for growth and build a customized professional development plan

Speakers
avatar for Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Director
Be The Change Consulting, LLC. (BTC) is a woman owned and people of color operated, capacity-building firm located in Oakland, California. Over the past 15 years, BTC has developed a highly interactive process for capacity building and technical assistance.  We pride ourselves in... Read More →
avatar for Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting
Sangita Kumar (she/her) is a multifaceted strategist, facilitator, systems builder, movement organizer, and change agent committed to advancing social justice and community empowerment. She brings over 20 years of expertise in designing and leading transformative change across sectors, including... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

Flowing Together: Coalition Clinics for Building Collective Power
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Young people thrive when organizations, families, schools, and community partners work together with shared purpose. Building authentic partnerships requires trust, shared leadership, and practical strategies for navigating change.

Drawing on 12+ years of coalition-building at the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC), this interactive workshop uses Coalition Clinics—small-group problem-solving sessions based on real partnership challenges. Participants will explore scenarios focused on building trust, sharing power, sustaining engagement, navigating conflict, and aligning diverse partners around common goals.

Using practical coalition-building tools, they will map stakeholders, examine power dynamics, and develop strategies to strengthen collaboration. Participants will leave with adaptable frameworks for building resilient, equitable partnerships that center youth, families, and community voice.
Speakers
avatar for Liz Huizar (she/her/ella)

Liz Huizar (she/her/ella)

Executive Director, Southeast Seattle Education Coalition
Liz Huizar is the Executive Director of the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC). She has dedicated her career to advancing education justice for communities historically excluded and underserved by formal systems. Liz brings years of experience working at the intersection... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

Flow by Design: Creating the Conditions Where People and Teams Thrive
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
What if thriving teams aren't built by changing people, but by creating the conditions where people can do their best work? This interactive workshop introduces a practical, researchinformed framework for designing environments where trust, psychological safety, shared purpose, meaningful participation, and collective intelligence can emerge. Drawing on insights from organizational psychology, systems thinking, leadership, and real-world experience in communitybased organizations, participants will explore how the conditions surrounding a team shape learning, collaboration, innovation, and well-being. Through reflection and practical tools, participants will leave with actionable strategies to cultivate belonging, strengthen collaboration, and create environments where people—and the communities they serve—can thrive.
Speakers
BW

Bill Wells (he/him)

Leadership Development, Youth Development and Human Services, Allocentric Consulting
Bill has spent over two decades serving in leadership roles where he has helped others build and practice psychological safety. He began his career working with disadvantaged youth which provided him with insights into the importance of humility, empathy, and adaptability. These guiding... Read More →
DV

Darla Vidger (she/her)

Leadership Development, Allocentric Consulting
Darla Vidger is a seasoned leadership development facilitator and coach with a passion for reimagining leadership in a way that leverages the latest research in brain science and social anthropology to reveal how we think and work best together. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Political... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Riding Upstream: Showing Up When the Current Gets Strong
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
There are seasons in our work when the current feels stronger than ever—organizational change, staffing shortages, shifting priorities, and uncertainty can leave us feeling overwhelmed while we continue showing up for young people and our communities. Inspired by The Art of Being Water, this workshop explores what it means to ride upstream with intention: acknowledging challenges, adapting with resilience, and finding strength through connection rather than navigating change alone.

Through interactive activities, reflection, and practical wellness strategies, participants will gain tools to manage stress, maintain perspective, and cultivate a mindset that supports both personal well-being and collective success during times of transition.
Speakers
SB

Sheryl Blessing (she/her)

Sheryl Blessing, a former parks and recreation supervisor and a youth development professional with over 22+ years of experience, is a community leader who managed public facilities and recreational programs. Sheryl specializes in youth engagement and staff management and coaching... Read More →
BH

Bao Huong Doan (she/her)

Bao Huong Doan is a passionate youth work professional committed to creating meaningful opportunities and experiences that empower young people to grow, connect, and thrive. With a background in Special Education and Psychology, she brings a relationship-centered approach to youth... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Tuning In: Building Feedback Loops and Amplifying Youth Voice
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
In this session, teaching artists and ensemble directors from Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA) will share practices that build belonging and leadership: student-led feedback loops that shape program design, assistant teacher roles, and community agreements. Participants will reflect on how these strategies can translate to their own expanded learning programs, regardless of content area. Focused on school-age youth in grades 3–12. YAMA is an after-school orchestra program serving youth in the Yakima Valley fosters cognitive and social development through high-intensity ensemble-based music training, widening access to the arts, and growing confident leaders throughout their community. By centering youth voices and designing intentional structures that invite students into leadership, YAMA creates a space where young people feel genuinely seen, heard, and in charge of their own experiences.
Speakers
EK

Ella Kim (she/her/hers)

Ensemble Leader & Development Manager, Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA)
Ella Kim (she/her) is a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and educator who believes in embracing the process—creatively, socially, and collaboratively. As a Violin Teaching Artist, Ensemble Director, and Development Director at Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA), she helps young people... Read More →
AP

A.S. Pualani (he/him/his)

Program Director & Ensemble Director, Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA)
Alex "AP" Pualani (he/him) believes that studying an instrument and finding your voice are interconnected and parallel processes. As a member of the founding team of Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA), AP embodies and champions this philosophy in all of the teaching he does at YAMA, from... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)

2:30pm PDT

Engage IRL: Building Student Belonging Through Meaningful Engagement
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Strong student engagement does not happen by accident. It is built through intentional relationships, equitable access, meaningful opportunities, and strong school-community partnerships. This session will showcase Spokane Public Schools' approach to increasing engagement by connecting students with extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, leadership experiences, and community organizations through the EngageIRL initiative. Participants will explore how student voice, engagement data, and cross-sector partnerships guide programming that increases belonging while reducing barriers for historically underrepresented students.
Speakers
avatar for Aaliyah Ashley-Meek

Aaliyah Ashley-Meek

Aaliyah Ashley-Meek is an Engagement Navigator for Spokane Public Schools with a background in youth development, college and career readiness, athletics, and expanded learning. She earned her bachelor's degree in Human Services from Western Washington University and master's degree... Read More →
AJ

Austin Johnson

Engagement Navigator, Spokane Public Schools
Austin Johnson is an Engagement Navigator for Spokane Public Schools with a background in social work, youth mentorship, athletics, and community engagement. Originally from Walla Walla, Washington, Austin grew up in foster care before being adopted and moving to Spokane in the fourth... Read More →
CM

Crystal Medina (she/her/ella)

Athletics & Activities Engagement Navigator, Spokane Public Schools
Crystal Medina is an Engagement Navigator for Spokane Public Schools, where she is passionate about connecting students and families to meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. Originally from Central Washington, Crystal moved to Eastern Washington University as a first-generation... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Art With, Not About: Building Ethical Art-Making and Storytelling Practices
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
This workshop equips educators (arts and non-arts alike) with strategies for sociallyconscious art-making and storytelling for high-school aged youth. Through examining ethical considerations in place-based art, we'll explore how to respectfully engage with subject-matter and break down the power dynamic that can exist when creating artwork about others or subject matter outside the artist’s personal experience. During the workshop, participants will engage with challenging topics like cultural appropriation and power and privilege and consider activities for youth to learn and shape the narrative of what makes an "ethical" artist or storyteller. Participants will leave this session with activities that honor the humanity and dignity of an artist's subjectmatter and the confidence to support youth in shaping their own narratives and applying an ethical lens to their storytelling.
Speakers
JE

Jae Eun Kim (they/them)

Visual Arts Program Developer, foundry10
Jae Eun Kim (they/them) is an arts educator and creative project manager who strives to fill gaps in arts access for youth and community partners through program development, network support, and community building. They have previously used their curriculum development, facilitation... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Beyond Four Walls: Mapping Multidimensional Ecosystems and Black Girl-Led Geographies of Belonging
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Drawing on doctoral research with high school Black girls (ages 13–18) in Worcester, MA, this interactive workshop explores how Black girls act as architects of their own belonging across out-of-school-time (OST) programs and city spaces. Participants will examine "underground geographies of belonging" such as the informal networks of care, safety, and community Black girls create beyond institutional boundaries. Using a Black girl-centered mapping tool, attendees will analyze how belonging is shaped across micro (relationships), meso (organizations), and macro (city systems) levels. Rather than introducing a new model of belonging, this workshop centers the methods Black girls already use to create it and explores how organizational design, evaluation practices, and belonging metrics can be grounded in Black girls' existing ways of knowing, being, and building community. Participants will leave with a framework for rethinking how organizations define, measure, and cultivate belonging from the ground up.
Speakers
TT

Tiana (Tee) Freeman (she/her)

Doctoral Candidate, Youth Development Consultant and Practitioner
Tiana (Tee) Freeman is an advanced doctoral candidate whose research centers on Black girlhood, creative geographies, and spatial ecosystems of belonging in Worcester, MA. Her work examines how Black girls generate belonging through the ways they move, occupy, and transform space... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

2:30pm PDT

Designing Our Own Learning (DOOL): Building Belonging, Invigorating Student Voice and Practicing Shared Power
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Join middle school youth and educators, as they share insights from DOOL, a schoolbased program that builds inclusive communities, shifts power-dynamics and inspires communitycentered change. This is an engaging, interactive, and inspiring workshop that models shared power and youth leadership. Prepare to leave with new tools that can help you to transform your youth program communities and systems for the better.
Speakers
avatar for Alan Wong (he/him)

Alan Wong (he/him)

Facilitator, BELONG Partners
Alan Wong (he/him) is a lifelong Seattleite who has dedicated his life to helping youth, educators, and communities to grow. Alan began his career in education, working as a reading tutor at Sanislo Elementary, in the very same South Seattle neighborhood where he grew up. Over the... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)

4:00pm PDT

 
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