Lighting the Way Forward: Regional Leaders Gather at Coppin State for the 2025 SLCE Conference
Adapting to Tomorrow: Innovating for a Rapidly Changing World
The 2025 SLCE Conference at Coppin State University brought together more than 100 students, faculty, and community partners under the theme Adapting to Tomorrow: Innovating for a Rapidly Changing World. With keynote speaker Senator Cory McCray and a record number of student participants, this year’s gathering highlighted the power of innovation, adaptability, and collaboration across our region.
A heartfelt thank-you to the presenters and facilitators representing American University, BRACE: The Baltimore Redevelopment Action Coalition for Empowerment, Community College of Baltimore County, Coppin State University, Goucher College, Howard University School of Law, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Civic Education Coalition, Montgomery College, Morgan State University, Prince George’s Community College, Salisbury University, Stevenson University, The George Washington University, Towson University, the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), the University of Maryland College Park, the University of the District of Columbia, and Urban Village Collective, among others. Your sessions and shared experiences truly brought the conference theme to life.
We also extend deep appreciation to our first-time sponsors—GivePulse, Bell Creek Consulting, and Krazy Sweet Desserts—for helping make this year’s conference more accessible and community-centered than ever. Special thanks to Urban Reads Bookstore for supporting Senator McCray's book launch and signing opportunity! Kudos to the conference committee, student volunteers, and to Loretta Campbell and the entire Coppin State University team for their outstanding leadership, hospitality, and partnership in hosting this inspiring event. We also extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the Dr. Chester Wickwire Student Civic Engagement Fund. Your generosity helps ensure that students from across our region can participate fully in events like the SLCE Conference—amplifying their voices, experiences, and leadership in civic and community engagement.
We’re keeping the conversation going in the SLCE Basecamp—a space for sharing ideas, tools, and inspiration as we look ahead to the 2026 SLCE Conference at American University. To get involved or join next year’s planning committee, contact Nicki Fiocco at fiocco@transformmidatlantic.org.
