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Monday, October 26
 

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

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

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

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

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

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)
 
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