Name: Engage IRL: Building Student Belonging Through Meaningful Engagement
Start: 2026-10-26T14:30:00-0700
End: 2026-10-26T16:00:00-0700

Engage IRL: Building Student Belonging Through Meaningful Engagement

Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

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

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 →

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 →

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

Youth Development Programming Multi-Sector Partnerships

Content Area Youth Development Programming, Multi-Sector Partnerships
Level Establishing

2026 Bridge Conference

Aaliyah Ashley-Meek

Austin Johnson

Crystal Medina (she/her/ella)

Get help with the event

2026 Bridge Conference

Aaliyah Ashley-Meek

Austin Johnson

Crystal Medina (she/her/ella)

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