2026 Bridge Conference: Full Schedule

10:15am PDT

From Compliance to Collaboration: Empowering Families, Students, and Staff Through Intentional Partnership

Monday October 26, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am PDT

Family engagement is often viewed as a compliance requirement—but what if it became a catalyst for equity, belonging, and student success? In this interactive session, the Directors of Equity, Family & Community Partnerships and Multilingual Education & Student Supports will share how cross-departmental collaboration is transforming family engagement in a mid-sized, diverse school district. Through examples from Dual Language Education, Title I Parent and Family Engagement, and Refugee Family Engagement programming, participants will explore strategies for building family leadership, sharing decision-making, and creating family-driven Open to a 1/2 hour slot opportunities that reflect community strengths and needs. Grounded in Dr. Karen Mapp’s Dual Capacity-Building Framework, this session is most relevant for professionals serving K–12 youth and families.

Speakers

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 →

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

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building, Multi-Sector Partnerships
Level Establishing

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 conditions that cultivate hope and support relationship-rich
environments. Drawing on KBD Collaborative's 5 Key Drivers of Organizational Impact, Hope
science, and MENTOR Washington's Hope Rising collaboration, participants will explore strategies
that strengthen team culture, relational trust, staff well-being, and program effectiveness.
Attendees will leave with practical ideas to foster hope, belonging, and impact for both young
people and adults.

Speakers

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 →

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

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building
Level Emerging

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 process for creating stories that resonate, build trust, and compel your audience to act. Participants will define their own storytelling goals and opportunities, explore ethical considerations, and practice using the 3 C's of storytelling (Challenge, Choice, Change) to craft stories with purpose.

Speakers

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

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building, Multi-Sector Partnerships
Level Emerging

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 subject. We are passionate about empowering all learners to become problem solvers and to see themselves as mathematicians. To make this shift, we need to reframe our language around math, and utilize more accessible and engaging math activities. We are excited to share some evidence-based content and techniques that you can implement in your learning spaces to empower students, staff, and yourself to become confident mathematicians. With the right tools and mindset, we can all be problem solvers!

Speakers

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 →

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

Content Area Youth Development Programming, Workforce and Systems Building
Level Establishing

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 workforce development strategy focused on youth
development practices and continuous quality improvement. Participants will explore how trust, shared learning, responsive practices, and staff voice can strengthen organizational culture and program quality. Through discussion and reflection, attendees will identify practical strategies for supporting staff growth, strengthening continuous improvement efforts, and creating the conditions that help both adults and young people thrive.

Speakers

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 →

Sheely Mauck (she/her)

Facilitator & Managing Partner, KBD Collaborative

Monday October 26, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm PDT
Room 318, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Workforce and Systems Building

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building
Level Establishing

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 opportunities for career-long learning facilitation rather than simple violations. Participants will explore a toolkit designed for clarity and safety—including behavioral matrices, decision trees, and follow-up letter templates—that gets everyone on the same page. By establishing a shared "story" and safety before dialogue, we reduce the stress of unmanaged conflict that drains time and strains relationships. Attendees will practice using scripts and forms to move from reactive improvisation to predictable, values-based coaching that fosters dignity and growth.

Speakers

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

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building
Level Deepening

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 participants to examine how time, energy, attention, and leadership are flowing within their work. Together, we will explore a powerful question: What systems, norms, or assumptions are directing our energy—and do they still serve our purpose?

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

Speakers

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

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building, Self and Community Care
Level Establishing

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

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 →

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

Content Area Emerging Issues, Workforce and Systems Building
Level Establishing

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 Objectives

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

Speakers

Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Director

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

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting

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

Monday October 26, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Chambers Bay 2, Marriott (3rd Floor)

Workforce and Systems Building

Content Area 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 problem-solving sessions based on real partnership challenges. Participants will explore scenarios focused on building trust, sharing power, sustaining engagement, navigating conflict, and aligning diverse partners around common goals.

Using practical coalition-building tools, they will map stakeholders, examine power dynamics, and develop strategies to strengthen collaboration. Participants will leave with adaptable frameworks for building resilient, equitable partnerships that center youth, families, and community voice.

Speakers

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

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building, Multi-Sector Partnerships
Level Emerging

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, systems thinking, leadership, and real-world experience in communitybased organizations, participants will explore how the conditions surrounding a team shape learning, collaboration, innovation, and well-being. Through reflection and practical tools, participants will leave with actionable strategies to cultivate belonging, strengthen collaboration, and create environments where people—and the communities they serve—can thrive.

Speakers

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 →

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

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building, Self and Community Care
Level Emerging

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 resilience, and finding strength through connection rather than navigating change alone.

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

Speakers

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 →

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

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building, Self and Community Care
Level Establishing

9:30am PDT

Table Talks

Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am PDT

Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Want to take advantage of this rare opportunity to connect with fellow Bridge attendees around critical topics impacting the Washington Expanded Learning community?

Participants will have the chance to do just that during Table Talks, a 45-minute, unfacilitated group discussions for those seeking connection around a specific topic of interest. Topics will be determined by Bridge attendees through an online voting process.

Table Talks is an opportunity to share ideas, successes, challenges, and connect with others across the state who may be navigating similar experiences.

Not quite ready to dive into a group conversation? Consider joining one of the 30-minute sessions happening from 9:45 - 10:15 AM instead.

Tuesday October 27, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am PDT
Ballroom, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Bridge Activity

Content Area Multi-Sector Partnerships, Emerging Issues, Workforce and Systems Building, Racial Equity

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 appreciation for differences. Together, we will look at how games can support staff who are juggling limited prep time, changing schedules, and mixed-age groups, while still creating joyful, inclusive moments for young people. Attendees will leave with activity design principles and ready-to-use ideas they can adapt for their own programs.

Speakers

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

Content Area Youth Development Programming, Workforce and Systems Building
Level Establishing

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 were made, how diverse perspectives informed the adaptation, and why transcreation was chosen over direct translation. Through this case study, attendees will gain insight into the complexities and opportunities of adapting training content across languages and cultures, as well as the commitments made to support inclusiveness, cultural responsiveness, and racial equity throughout the project.

Speakers

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

Content Area Racial Equity, Workforce and Systems Building
Level Emerging
about <br>

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 happen to me? What does this mean for our future? Whether you are a senior leader, manager, or team member, this session offers space to reflect on your own experiences and share perspective.

Session Objectives

Unpack the hidden dynamics of organizational transitions.
Explore how these moments are experienced differently by line staff, managers, and senior leaders—and why misalignment between those perspectives can erode trust, stability, and culture.
Gain practical tools for navigating change with greater clarity, accountability, and care.

Speakers

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting

Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Director

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

Workforce and Systems Building

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building

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 benefits from it? And how can youth, parents, and community members become genuine co-owners of the stories data tells? Participants will work through a guided framework to map their current data sovereignty model and develop a concrete action plan for shifting power back toward the community. This session is for leaders and staff ready to move beyond data compliance and toward data self-determination.

Speakers

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 →

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

Content Area Racial Equity, Workforce and Systems Building
Level Establishing
about <br>

2:30pm PDT

Build the Village: Circle Practices That Grow Belonging, Resilience, and Youth Leadership

Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

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 within a real community. But knowing that doesn't tell us what to do Monday morning.

This hands-on workshop introduces the circle practice - a research-aligned tool for building belonging, resilience, and leadership in any youth-serving setting. Participants won't just learn about circles. They'll be in one. Drawing from work now implemented school-wide at O'Dea High School (500 students) and piloting across Bethel School District, facilitators will guide attendees through a live circle and share practical tools for immediate use.

Speakers

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 →

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
Room 407, Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Workforce and Systems Building

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building
Level Establishing

2:30pm PDT

Building a Dream Team

Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT

Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)

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 accountability, minimizes conflict, and maximizes productivity.

Session Objectives

Learn strategies to identify core values and use them to design processes
To reflect on what creates teams that are poised to succeed
To understand the work styles of team members

Speakers

Shelley Kuang (she/they)

Director

Sangita Kumar (she/her)

Founder and CEO, Be the Change Consulting

Tuesday October 27, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
Point Defiance, Marriott (3rd Floor)

Workforce and Systems Building

Content Area Workforce and Systems Building
about <br>

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