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Monday, October 26
 

7:45am PDT

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

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

8:45am PDT

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

Speakers
avatar for Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting
Sangita Kumar (she/her) is the founder and principal of Be the Change Consulting. Through Be the Change, Sangita has developed and published over 20 unique pieces of social-justice curriculum for youth and adult learners and is a podcast producer and writer. She is a proud first-generation... 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
  Plenary

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
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Emerging Issues   Self and Community Care

10:15am PDT

From Compliance to Collaboration: Empowering Families, Students, and Staff Through Intentional Partnership
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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....
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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)
  Multi-Sector Partnerships   Workforce and Systems Building

10:15am PDT

Belonging Before Leadership: Creating Communities Where Every Young Person Can Lead
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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,...
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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
  Multi-Sector Partnerships   Youth Development Programming

10:15am PDT

Reimagining Resilience: Understanding Trauma & Creating Safer Environments
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Racial Equity   Emerging Issues

10:15am PDT

Building Knowledge Together: Data Equity from Early Learning to Early Adulthood
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Racial Equity   Multi-Sector Partnerships

10:15am PDT

Belonging: The Impact of Difference
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

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
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
Black, Brown, and Indigenous youth often navigate layered stressors connected to identity, community experiences, systemic inequities, and emotional wellbeing. These experiences candirectly impact behavior, academic engagement, relationships, and mental health outcomes. Thisworkshop examines how professionals can better serve youth by building authentic connections,recognizing underlying...
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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)
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

10:15am PDT

Design Organizations Where Hope Thrives: Creating the Conditions for Belonging and Impact
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Workforce and Systems Building

10:15am PDT

Inspiring Action: Crafting Stories with Purpose
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Workforce and Systems Building   Multi-Sector Partnerships

10:15am PDT

Playworks Group Management
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Youth Development Programming   Multi-Sector Partnerships

10:15am PDT

LGBTQI+ Inclusive and Affirming Programs: Using an Intersectional Lens
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
 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...
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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)
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

10:15am PDT

Fixing our Fixed-Math Mindsets!
Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Youth Development Programming   Workforce and Systems Building

11:45am PDT

Lunch & Exhibitor Showcase
Monday October 26, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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
  Meal Time

12:30pm PDT

Best Starts for Kids Expanded Learning Grantee Gathering (CLOSED SESSION)
Monday October 26, 2026 12:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
CLOSED SESSION for Best Starts for Kids Expanded Learning Grantees.Facilitated by Public Profit and the BSK Expanded Learning TeamIn 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...
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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
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Racial Equity   Self and Community Care

12:45pm PDT

KC CONNECT: Restorative Responses to Harm
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Self and Community Care   Youth Development Programming

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
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Workforce and Systems Building

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
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Workforce and Systems Building

12:45pm PDT

The Wild Current: Moving with Purpose in Work That Asks So Much
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Workforce and Systems Building   Self and Community Care

12:45pm PDT

Inclusive Facilitation: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Can Participate and Thrive
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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 ObjectivesUse practical strategies to encourage participation from all learners.Learn how to use experiential activities and discussions to bridge...
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Speakers
avatar for Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting
Sangita Kumar (she/her) is the founder and principal of Be the Change Consulting. Through Be the Change, Sangita has developed and published over 20 unique pieces of social-justice curriculum for youth and adult learners and is a podcast producer and writer. She is a proud first-generation... Read More →
avatar for Be the Change Consulting

Be the Change Consulting

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)
  Youth Development Programming

12:45pm PDT

Mindsets Matter: exploring fixed, growth and benefit mindsets
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Youth Development Programming

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
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Youth Development Programming

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
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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,...
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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)
  Youth Development Programming   Emerging Issues

12:45pm PDT

Creating Ripples of Opportunity: Financial Aid Strategies that Advance Equity and Access
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Youth Development Programming   Multi-Sector Partnerships

12:45pm PDT

OSPI 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs (21st CCLC) - CLOSED SESSION
Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 4:00pm PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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)
  Emerging Issues   Workforce and Systems Building

2:30pm PDT

Supervision for Growth: Inclusive Leadership for Effective Employee Development
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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 ObjectivesLearn Be the Change Consulting’s Arc of Staff Development, a framework to mentor and coach employees to become independent, proactive team membersExplore a...
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Speakers
avatar for Be the Change Consulting

Be the Change Consulting

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 the founder and principal of Be the Change Consulting. Through Be the Change, Sangita has developed and published over 20 unique pieces of social-justice curriculum for youth and adult learners and is a podcast producer and writer. She is a proud first-generation... Read More →
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Workforce and Systems Building

2:30pm PDT

Flowing Together: Coalition Clinics for Building Collective Power
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Workforce and Systems Building   Multi-Sector Partnerships

2:30pm PDT

Flow by Design: Creating the Conditions Where People and Teams Thrive
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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,...
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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
  Workforce and Systems Building   Self and Community Care

2:30pm PDT

Riding Upstream: Showing Up When the Current Gets Strong
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Workforce and Systems Building   Self and Community Care

2:30pm PDT

Tuning In: Building Feedback Loops and Amplifying Youth Voice
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Youth Development Programming

2:30pm PDT

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...
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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
  Youth Development Programming   Multi-Sector Partnerships

2:30pm PDT

Art With, Not About: Building Ethical Art-Making and Storytelling Practices
Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

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
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
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...
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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
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

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
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
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...
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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)
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

4:00pm PDT

Exhibitor Showcase & Happy Hour
Monday October 26, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Prefunction, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Monday October 26, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Prefunction, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
 
Tuesday, October 27
 

8:00am PDT

Breakfast & Registration
Tuesday October 27, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Tuesday October 27, 2026 8:00am - 10:00am PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

9:00am PDT

Plenary Session
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

9:45am PDT

A Global Perspective on Aftershool and Democracy
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
In June, 2026, Extended Education researchers, policy-makers and practitioners from at least 15 countries convened at the Global Extended Learning and Youth Development (GELYDA) International Conference in Seoul, South Korea to discuss projects, activities, and experiences focused on democracy and civil engagement in the out-of-school hours. In this session, I will share some of the key insights...
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Speakers
avatar for Krista Galloway (she/her)

Krista Galloway (she/her)

Consultant, AYD Geek
Krista is an internationally recognized Afterschool and Youth Development (AYD) geek. She’s served children and families as an afterschool teacher, director, multi-site supervisor, and STEM enrichment educator. After over a decade of work with children, she was inspired to share... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Racial Equity   Multi-Sector Partnerships

9:45am PDT

Developing Evaluation Frameworks: Youth-led Community-wide Impacts of Out-of-School STEM Programs
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
This workshop brings together funders and evaluators with out-of-school time (OST) program leadership to collaborate on a vision for designing, funding, and evaluating youth-led projects that bring wide-ranging impacts to their broader communities - expanding the focus of program efficacy from the individual learner to the communities and places they are situated within.This session will workshop...
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Speakers
EA

Emily Anderson (she/her)

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Washington
Emily is a PhD student in the Learning Sciences and Human Development program at the University of Washington, Seattle. Her research interests are centered on community education, artificial intelligence in education and its impact on adolescent development. As the Founder of Evo... Read More →
EH

Emily Howard (she/her)

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Washington
Emily Howard is a Ph.D. candidate and Graduate Student Research Assistant in Learning Sciences whose research focuses on ethical and community-engaged approaches to data science education. She earned her M.Ed. in Learning Sciences from the University of Washington and previously spent... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

9:45am PDT

A Kinder Inner Voice: Self-talk Strategies for Self-Care
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Has negative self-talk sabotaged how you feel about yourself and impacted how much self-care you engage in? How can we notice and change how we speak to ourselves? Together we will explore some strategies to create healthier self-talk habits. We will also look how stress responses such as fight, flight and freeze impact how we think and feel and respond in the moment. We will use reflection and...
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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 →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Self and Community Care

9:45am PDT

Meditation & Stretches
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Join us for a 30-minute meditation and stretch session to ease into the 2nd day of Bridge. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing. 
Speakers
avatar for Clemence Lafrades (she/her)

Clemence Lafrades (she/her)

Meditation and Spiritual Guide
After 20 years as a gym owner and fitness trainer, built up stress and anxiety could no longer be ignored. I went on a search for teachers, guides, and therapists to help alleviate the pain. I found Sound Bath Meditations soothed the nervous system, entraining the brainwaves to calm... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Self and Community Care

9:45am PDT

Walking Hart’s Ladder: Strengthening Authentic Youth and Adult Partnerships for Lasting Engagement
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Youth-adult partnership is often treated as the ultimate goal—but is it always the most appropriate way to work with youth? In alignment with the theme "The Art of Being Water," this interactive session invites participants to explore the fluidity of Hart’s Ladder of Youth Engagement. We will move beyond the rhetoric of "youth voice" to examine the full continuum of involvement, from adult-led...
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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 →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

9:45am PDT

Bingo, But Different
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Join us for an untraditional game of Bingo! Together, we’ll explore the benefits of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and put it into practice through a fun, hands-on activity. Get ready to learn, connect, and discover new ways to support yourself and others!
Speakers
YB

Yolanda Benton (she/her/they)

Youth Program Manager, Safe Streets
Yolanda Benton is a Youth Program Manager currently supporting vulnerable populations in the Parkland, Tillicum, and Salishan neighborhoods of Pierce County. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she has built a diverse background working with youth and families in a range of... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming   Self and Community Care

9:45am PDT

Make Belonging a Daily Practice: Simple, Off-Screen Games for Busy Programs
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
In busy after-school programs, belonging cannot depend on long planning time or highly trained staff. This hands-on workshop will show how simple, off-screen games can become daily belonging practices for elementary and middle school students, especially grades 1–8. Participants will explore practical ways to use short, low-prep activities to build connection, curiosity, teamwork, and...
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Speakers
NY

Negar Yaghoobi

CEO, Enrilo
Negar Yaghoobi is the founder of Enrilo and creator of Belonging Games, a plug-and-play enrichment system for after-school programs. Trained as an IT engineer, she has spent more than a decade designing products at the intersection of youth wellbeing, belonging, play, and practical... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming   Workforce and Systems Building

10:30am PDT

Human-Centered Transitions: Rethinking Layoffs, Firings, and Organizational Change
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
What actually happens inside an organization when someone is let go? And more importantly—what happens to the people who stay? In many workplaces, transitions such as layoffs or leadership exits are handled with a focus on risk, privacy, and the organization's protection. But in the process, what often gets missed are the real human questions staff are carrying: Was this fair? Could this...
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Speakers
avatar for Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting
Sangita Kumar (she/her) is the founder and principal of Be the Change Consulting. Through Be the Change, Sangita has developed and published over 20 unique pieces of social-justice curriculum for youth and adult learners and is a podcast producer and writer. She is a proud first-generation... Read More →
avatar for Be the Change Consulting

Be the Change Consulting

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 →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

10:30am PDT

Stronger Together: Building Strategic Partnerships to Support School Behavioral Health – The Kids Mental Health Pierce County Approach
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Children and youth behavioral health needs continue to grow in complexity, requiring coordinated, cross-system responses that extend beyond the school setting. This session highlights how Kids Mental Health Pierce County is leading a community-driven approach to strengthen school behavioral health through strategic partnerships.Participants will explore how schools, healthcare providers,...
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Speakers
avatar for Ashley Mangum, LICW (she/her)

Ashley Mangum, LICW (she/her)

Director Kids Mental Health Pierce County, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
Ashley serves as Director of Kids’ Mental Health Pierce County at MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, where she leads a state-funded initiative to build a coordinated, responsive behavioral health system for children, youth, and families. Her work ensures young people receive... Read More →
VA

Vanessa Adams (she/her)

Program Coordinator, Kids Mental Health Pierce County

Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Multi-Sector Partnerships

10:30am PDT

The Art of Facilitation: Leading through Emotions in Discourse about Race
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Schools are not neutral spaces. Every day, educators are asked to lead, mediate, and hold space for conversations that carry the weight of generations. The current political context contributes to heightened emotions and racial tensions. And you, no matter how experienced, bring your own history too. When a student says something harmful, a colleague dismisses a lived experience, or a systemic...
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Speakers
DC

Dr. Caprice Hollins (she/her)

Co-Founder, Facilitator, Cultures Connecting
Caprice was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She received a B.A. in psychology from Seattle University and M.A. and Psy.D. degrees in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Multicultural and Community Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology―LA. She became... Read More →
avatar for Ilsa Marie Govan (she/her)

Ilsa Marie Govan (she/her)

Co-Founder, Facilitator, Cultures Connecting
Ilsa Govan, Co-Founder of Cultures Connecting, believes we stifle children’s innate sense of justice when we tell them, “Life’s not fair.” As a child, she questioned why girls were supposed to like pink and boys like blue, why her parent’s LGBTQIA+ friends were targets of... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Racial Equity   Self and Community Care

10:30am PDT

The Journey of Transcreation: SOWA Case Study - Adapting the School Age Basic Training into Spanish
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
This session shares the journey of transcreating the School Age Basic Training into Spanish, from the initial needs assessment to the development of the final product launching in Fall 2026. Presenters will offer an honest look at the multilingual collaborative process, highlighting the successes, challenges, detours, and key realizations that shaped the work. Participants will learn how decisions...
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Speakers
PM

Paola Mizrahi Kaplan (she/her/ella)

Spanish Childcare and School Age Program Owner and Director, Jump On Languages
Paola Mizrahi Kaplan is an education leader, social worker, researcher, and entrepreneur originally from Caracas, Venezuela. She has more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, family engagement, mental health, and community-based programs. As Founder and Executive... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Racial Equity   Workforce and Systems Building

10:30am PDT

Being Water in Practice: Supporting Newcomer Students & Families Through Adaptability, Access, and Belonging
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
This workshop explores how school and expanded learning systems can better support newcomer students and families through adaptability, language access, and intentional relationship-building. Grounded in real experience as a Newcomer Student Family Liaison, the session highlights practical strategies for removing barriers, strengthening family engagement, and creating systems that foster...
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Speakers
avatar for Milagros Alarcon Casafranca (she/her)

Milagros Alarcon Casafranca (she/her)

Language Access Coordinator, Puyallup School District
Originally from Peru, Milagros has spent over 14 years bridging language and cultural gaps with heart and purpose. She holds a degree in International Business from San Martín University and continued her education at Spokane Community College.

As a certified interpreter and notary in Washington State, Milagros is deeply passionate about making multilingual communication accessible and inclusive. Her commitment has earned her the Excellence Award for Staff Support in the Puyallup School District, along with a nomination... Read More →
avatar for Nataliia Ledchak (she/her)

Nataliia Ledchak (she/her)

Newcomer Student Family Liaison, Puyallup School District
Nataliia Ledchak is a Ukrainian/Russian Interpreter and a Newcomer Student Family Liaison with the Puyallup School District, where she supports multilingual students and families in building strong connections to school systems and expanded learning opportunities. With a background... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

10:30am PDT

Finding the Current: How Black Male Mentor-Educators Build Trust, Brotherhood & Belonging
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Educators and case managers know that shared racial or cultural identity alone does not guarantee a strong mentoring relationship. What turns a classroom into a space of trust and brotherhood is something more specific, and it shows up in small, repeatable practices. This session draws on a multi-year, mixed-methods evaluation of a culturally responsive Black studies elective and mentorship...
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Speakers
avatar for Kristian Jones (he/him)

Kristian Jones (he/him)

Assistant Professor, University Of Washington
Dr. Jones’ program of research examines how youth mentoring can be utilized to promote positive outcomes for Black youth. As part of his commitment to serving diverse youth, families and communities, his scholarship examines how community-based interventions, such as mentoring... Read More →
SC

Shelby Cooley (she/her)

Data and Evaluation Lead, King County
Shelby Cooley leads the evaluation team at King County's Children, Youth and Young Adults Division, where she oversees internal evaluation, community collaborative research, and accountability reporting on regional investments in child care, youth development, and reconnection to... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

10:30am PDT

Moving Beyond Labels
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Young people engaged in high-risk or harmful behaviors are often defined by labels rather than understood through the lens of trauma, attachment, and missed developmental experiences. As an educator and social worker, I recognized a gap in mental health programming for adolescents who were struggling and created a curriculum to respond to their needs. Rather than viewing behaviors as problems to...
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Speakers
avatar for Elisia Sanchez (she/her)

Elisia Sanchez (she/her)

Social Worker, Thurston-Mason Behavioral Health Organization
Elisia Sanchez is a dedicated social worker with deep roots in youth advocacy, mental health, and racial equity. With a Master of Social Work from Baylor University and a BA in Social Welfare from the University of Washington, Elisia has served in diverse roles supporting at-risk... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Racial Equity   Youth Development Programming

10:30am PDT

Who Taught Us That? Unpacking the Messages That Shape Us
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Every day, youth development professionals make decisions shaped by beliefs about respect, success, leadership, behavior, belonging, and care. But where did those beliefs come from?Through reflection, dialogue, and interactive activities, participants will explore how socialization influences the way we see ourselves, one another, and the young people we serve. Together, we will examine the...
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Speakers
avatar for September Clark (she/her)

September Clark (she/her)

JEDI Educator and Facilitator, Heartfelt Horizons
September Clark is an educator, facilitator, and consultant with over eleven years of experience advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives in educational, nonprofit, and public sector settings. Through Heartfelt Horizons, September partners with schools... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Self and Community Care   Racial Equity

10:30am PDT

Why Grief Matters and how we might respond
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Understanding why grief matters helps inform how we support young people who are grieving. This interactive workshop explores the impact grief can have on youth and examines ways professionals can move beyond discomfort to engage in meaningful, supportive conversations. Participants will gain practical, creative, and accessible tools that foster connection, helping young people feel seen,...
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Speakers
avatar for Lisa Duke MSW (she/her)

Lisa Duke MSW (she/her)

Bridges Supervisor, Bridges Center for Grieving Children, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
Lisa Duke, Supervisor, Bridges Center for Grieving Children & Director of Camp Erin Pierce County.  I have been fortunate to work with the families at Bridges and Camp Erin since 2012.  Grief education is a significant aspect of my career, providing workshops and webinars to professionals... Read More →
PJ

Paulette Juarez

SW student

ML

Mat Ledin

Family Support Coordinator, Bridges Center for Grieving Children

PB

Paula Blanchard

Bridges Volunteer
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming

10:30am PDT

The Water We Don't See: Building Belonging Across Race, Culture, Ability, and Identity
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Many youth-serving organizations serve increasingly diverse communities, yet not every young person experiences the same sense of belonging. When young people feel seen, valued, and included, outcomes improve across engagement, well-being, leadership, and learning. This interactive workshop explores how race, culture, disability, language, socioeconomic status, and lived experience shape...
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Speakers
EP

Eseosa Paula Ajala (she/her)

Executive Director, The Esther Foundation
Eseosa Ajala is an educator, youth development practitioner, and Founder and Executive Director of The Esther Foundation. Her work spans childcare, after-school programs, mentoring initiatives, faith-based programs, and community-based education in both the United States and Nigeria... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity

10:30am PDT

De-escalation Strategies: Return to Baseline
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Every group of humans has moments when they are regulated and moving forward together, and moments when some or all of them are dysregulated for whatever reason and just "can't even!" Intended for all student ages, this workshop will lead participants through:* Defining and recognizing regulated behavior in students* Pre-emptive and classroom management strategies to maintain regulated behavior*...
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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 →
avatar for Maurianna Zingarelli (she/her)

Maurianna Zingarelli (she/her)

Hiring Manager, Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE
Maurianna “Mauri” Zingarelli has 18 years of teaching and facilitation experience across Western Washington. With the mission to create inclusive environments and brave spaces, she has worked with over 15,000 students in the creative arts and has led professional development for... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming   Self and Community Care

12:30pm PDT

Lunch
Tuesday October 27, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Tuesday October 27, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Meal Time
  • about <br>

1:15pm PDT

Closing Plenary
Tuesday October 27, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Tuesday October 27, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  • about <br>

2:30pm PDT

School-Community Partnerships: A Blueprint to Improve Youth & Family Food Security
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)
Kaiser Permanente has been supporting community and school-based interventions to respond to food access and nutrition needs, in the places people need them. Through $1.78 million school-community partnership grants between 2022 and 2025, more than 50,000 food-insecure youth and families had improved access to out of school-time food, directly in their school communities.Seattle Public Schools...
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Speakers
HB

Haley Ballenger (she/her)

Community Health Senior Consultant, Kaiser Permanente
Haley (she/her) started with Kaiser Permanente in 2019.  In her role as a Community Health Senior Consultant, she leads Kaiser Permanente's Food and Nutrition Security portfolio in the Washington Region. She is responsible for strategic planning and implementation of Kaiser Permanente's... Read More →
AS

Angel Swanson (she/her)

Founder and Executive Director, Feeding Feasible Feasts
Angel Swanson (she/her) is a nonprofit founder, public speaker, entrepreneur, and food justice advocate with more than 40 years of business leadership. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Feeding Feasible Feasts (FFF), advancing dignified food access through sustainable programs... Read More →
RT

Romajean Thomas (she/her)

Director of Education + Community Engagement, Feed 7 Generations
Romajean (she/her) serves as Director of Education and Community Engagement for Feed 7 Generations (), an Indigenous-led nonprofit advancing food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and health equity in Native communities. She oversees programs that strengthen traditional food systems... Read More →
TW

Theresa Williams (she/her)

Supportive Family Programs Manager
Theresa Williams (she/her) is the Supportive Family Programs Manager at FamilyWorks, where she leads family support services, community partnerships, and programs that help strengthen and stabilize families across North Seattle. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Commencement I & II, Marriott (2nd Floor)
  Multi-Sector Partnerships

2:30pm PDT

The River of Liberation: Connecting Past, Present, and Future Through Healing and Action
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
What if liberation is not a destination—but a river?In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to The RISE to Liberation, a framework that connects history, wellness, and systems navigation as tools for individual and collective transformation.Through immersive storytelling, shared visual experiences, creative reflection, dialogue, and experiential activities, participants will...
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Speakers
avatar for Theresa Az'Lee Romance (she/her)

Theresa Az'Lee Romance (she/her)

Founder & CEO, BRAVE and The RISE to Liberation
Theresa Az'Lee Romance is the Founder and CEO of BRAVE (Building Resilience Awareness & Variations of Excellence) and Founder of The RISE to Liberation, two organizations dedicated to advancing healing, liberation, leadership, and opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Racial Equity   Self and Community Care

2:30pm PDT

Community Data in Practice: Who Owns Your Story?
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Data sovereignty — the right of communities to control data about themselves — is not just a concept. It’s a practice. Drawing on the work of the Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC) in Portland, OR, this workshop introduces participants to a framework for assessing and strengthening community data stewardship practices in their own organizations. Who currently controls your data? Who...
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Speakers
LW

Leah Wainman (she/her)

Epidemiologist
Leah Wainman has spent over a decade working at the intersection of data and equity in public health. She has overseen data-sharing agreements federally recognized Tribal Nations in Washington State, building governance structures that respect Tribal data sovereignty rather than imposing... Read More →
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 →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Union, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Racial Equity   Workforce and Systems Building

2:30pm PDT

Soothing the Nervous System Sound Bath Meditation
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Crystal quartz and metal bowls are musical instruments that emit vibrations and frequencies attuned to brain waves that calm the mind and the central nervous system. The body replenishes and regenerates cells and organs when it is given an environment of deep rest, sleep, and nourishment. Wear comfortable clothing, you may end up laying on the floor during the session. If you are able to, bring a...
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Speakers
avatar for Clemence Lafrades (she/her)

Clemence Lafrades (she/her)

Meditation and Spiritual Guide
After 20 years as a gym owner and fitness trainer, built up stress and anxiety could no longer be ignored. I went on a search for teachers, guides, and therapists to help alleviate the pain. I found Sound Bath Meditations soothed the nervous system, entraining the brainwaves to calm... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 1, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Self and Community Care

2:30pm PDT

Build the Village: Circle Practices That Grow Belonging, Resilience, and Youth Leadership
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Young people today are growing up in a crisis of disconnection - loneliness, anxiety, and a hunger to belong that no app, curriculum, or well-meaning program has been able to fix. The problem isn't the young people. It's that the village around them has quietly eroded. Research on adolescent development is clear: young people thrive when they feel known, challenged, and expected to contribute...
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Speakers
avatar for Alex Craighead (he/him)

Alex Craighead (he/him)

Executive Director, Journeymen Institute
For nearly two decades, Alex Craighead has devoted his work to helping people connect — with themselves, each other, and what truly matters. He serves as Executive Director of Journeymen Institute and co-leads One Village, an initiative supporting youth of all genders through school-based... Read More →
DL

Davis Luanava (she/her)

Program Manager, Citizen University
Davis is a program builder and civic educator who turns big ideas about power, belonging, and responsibility into experiences people can actually feel. At Citizen University, she leads programs within Labs — including the Youth Collaboratory and National Civic Collaboratory... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Workforce and Systems Building

2:30pm PDT

Building a Dream Team
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
A collective vision and strong organizational systems create teams poised to work effectively and efficiently. Through experiential learning, organizational development theory, and strong facilitation, your team will deepen relationships, develop collective agreements about how to use limited resources, and infuse your team with shared values to create a strong climate that supports...
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Speakers
avatar for Be the Change Consulting

Be the Change Consulting

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 the founder and principal of Be the Change Consulting. Through Be the Change, Sangita has developed and published over 20 unique pieces of social-justice curriculum for youth and adult learners and is a podcast producer and writer. She is a proud first-generation... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 317, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Workforce and Systems Building

2:30pm PDT

All Means All: Using Differentiation to Increase Access & Inclusion
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Through play and peer learning, educators will be empowered with strategies to differentiate instruction and build inclusive environments where each and every TK-8 grade student thrives. Explore growth mindset, apply strategies to real-world scenarios, and engage in “Pause & Play” activities that model inclusion. Leave with practical tools and resources to support staff and students, ensuring...
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Speakers
avatar for Claire Finders (she/her)

Claire Finders (she/her)

CEO & Founder, AllSet Education
Claire Finders is on a mission to empower all with excellent education. With more than a decade of experience in teaching, special education, school leadership, and enrichment operations, she has a strong track record of driving cultural change, fostering community engagement, and... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming

2:30pm PDT

Ask, Listen, Empower: Shifting from Control to Connection
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Join Mizzen Education for an interactive workshop that invites participants to move beyond directive, compliance-based communication and embrace the power of leading with facilitative communication with youth. Participants will explore how small shifts in intentional language can strengthen relationships, amplify youth voice, and create environments where young people feel seen, heard, and...
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Speakers
avatar for Hailee Moehnke (she/her)

Hailee Moehnke (she/her)

Community Engagement + Experiences Manager, Mizzen Education
Mizzen Education is a completely free platform offering 1500+ plug-and-play lesson plans for grades K-12 across 10 content areas, at your fingertips. Plus, find free team collaboration tools to keep program planning simple! Whether you're at a camp, classroom, community center, or... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Stayer (she/her)

Kristin Stayer (she/her)

VP of Engagement + Educator Experiences, Mizzen Education
Kristin Stayer, Mizzen’s VP of Engagement + Educator Experiences, is dedicated to creating inspiring experiences for youth learning and staff development.

Kristin previously served as the National Manager of Curriculum and Content Development for After-School All-Stars, empowering students for 21st-century learning. Prior, she spent a decade at Park Place Community Center in Anderson, Indiana, addressing educational, health, and food... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 316, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming

2:30pm PDT

Beyond the Circle: Expanding Your Multi-Modal Toolkit for Deeper Reflection and Debriefing
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
Reflection is the bridge between an event and a developmental milestone, yet many programs rely solely on verbal discussions that can exclude certain learners. In alignment with "The Art of Being Water," this session provides a fluid, multi-modal toolkit designed to reach every participant through artistic, tactile, and movement-based debriefing. Participants will explore the WSU 6-Step Activity...
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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 →
JD

Jeff Dickmann (he/him/his)

Camp Long with Seattle Parks and Recreation
Jeff Dickmann is an educator, youth development professional, and play advocate from Seattle, WA. His 20 years of experience span early childhood education, summer camps, and challenge courses. This experience, combined with his degrees from Prescott College (Masters in Adventure... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 3, Marriott (3rd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming

2:30pm PDT

The Power of Home, How Place-Based Programs Build Upon the Strengths of Youth, Family, and Community
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
Affordable housing is a platform for education, equity, and community resilience. Mercy Scholars is a place-based program that works alongside families and youth by providing resources and support that will help students succeed. An essential piece of our work is in collaboration with schools and community partners; building a web of support that allows students to explore their identities and...
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Speakers
DW

Delaney Wright (she/her)

Youth Initiatives and School Liaison, Mercy Housing Northwest
Delaney Wright is a community-focused professional who serves as a Youth Initiatives and School Liaison with Mercy Housing Northwest. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations from Southern Nazarene University and is dedicated to supporting youth and families through meaningful... Read More →
BH

Brittney Hutchinson (she/her)

Resident Services Manager I, Mercy Housing
Brittney Hutchinson is a Resident Services Manager with Mercy Housing, where she works to support residents and strengthen communities through programs, resources, and relationship-building. Her career has focused on serving children, youth, and families in housing and educational... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Stadium, Marriott (2nd Floor)
  Youth Development Programming   Multi-Sector Partnerships

2:30pm PDT

Flow Forward: Help Youth Build Identity, Belonging, and Career Pathways
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
Young people do not begin preparing for their future when it is time to fill out a job application. It starts much earlier. It starts with helping them understand who they are, where they belong, what they are capable of, and what possibilities exist beyond what they may see around them every day.Flow Forward is an interactive workshop focused on helping middle and high school youth connect...
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Speakers
SD

Sophia Downs (she/her)

Brighter Horizons Career & Development Services
Sophia Downs, also known as Simply Sophia, is a Certified Career Coach, Certified Master Life Coach, Missouri Rule 17 Mediator, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and workforce development leader. She is the founder of Brighter Horizons Career & Development Services and Executive Director... Read More →
Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 315, Greater Tacoma Convention Center
  Youth Development Programming   Racial Equity
 

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