Thank you to our Sponsors!
2025 SLCE Conference Schedule
8:00 am - 9:00 am Registration - J. Millard Tawes Center (TAWES)
9:00 am - 9:15 am Welcome
9:15 am - 10:00 am Keynote
We are honored to welcome Senator Cory V. McCray (Maryland’s 45th Legislative District; Chair, Senate Budget & Taxation Committee) as the Opening Keynote Speaker for the 2025 Service-Learning & Civic Engagement Conference at Coppin State University.
A champion for education, workforce development, and opportunity, Senator McCray is also the author of the forthcoming book The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life (September 2025). His keynote will highlight the power of service, civic engagement, and second chances in shaping stronger communities and brighter futures.
Sessions Begin - Health and Human Services Building (HHSB)
10:10 am - 11:00 am SESSION I
Intended Audience: Students
The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) serves youth from diverse backgrounds through programs that foster success, creativity, and personal growth. In partnership with George Washington University’s engageDC program and the Honey Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service, GW students collaborate with LAYC to design accessible, hands-on opportunities for youth to explore new skills in both creative and STEM fields.
This session highlights a Spring 2025 initiative in which GW students led classes in crocheting, baking, and guitar, empowering youth to express themselves artistically while gaining practical skills. The program also brought in GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences researchers for interactive science demonstrations and hosted a guest speaker-led discussion on the power of networking. Presenters will share the development, implementation, and impact of these efforts, illustrating how student leadership and strong university-community partnerships can create meaningful, youth-centered programming. Participants will leave with strategies for engaging youth in diverse activities, fostering creativity, and building lasting community relationships.
Presenters
Sanjana Anand – Community Engagement Site Leader, Latin American Youth Center, The George Washington University
Sanjana is a rising senior at George Washington University majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Creative Writing and Biology. She has worked at the Latin American Youth Center for three years, serving as Site Leader for the past year. With support from a GW Microgrant, she organized a workshop series that provided career exploration and professional development opportunities for LAYC youth.
Marco Cortina – Site Leader, Latin American Youth Center, The George Washington University
Marco is a rising senior at George Washington University majoring in Political Science. In his two semesters at the Latin American Youth Center, he has served as a Site Leader and provided guitar lessons that encourage self-expression, patience, and finding joy in the creative process.
Brandy Lopez – Youth Programs Assistant, Latin American Youth Center, The George Washington University
Brandy is a rising junior at George Washington University majoring in Human Services and Social Justice with minors in Psychology and Communication. She has served at the Latin American Youth Center for a semester, facilitating baking classes for youth and creating an inclusive, bilingual environment that celebrates cultural diversity.
Jorge Ramírez – Community Engagement Assistant, Latin American Youth Center, The George Washington University
Jorge is a rising sophomore at George Washington University majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in International Environmental Studies and a minor in Sustainability. He has worked at the Latin American Youth Center for a year, facilitating crochet workshops for youth and participating in the Youth Empowerment Symposium, where he spoke on sustainability and its role in strengthening youth communities.
Intended Audience: Community Partners
In response to the 2015 Baltimore Uprising and the ongoing impact of systemic injustice and intergenerational trauma, the Shriver Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), in collaboration with WombWork Productions and DewMore Baltimore, created Art Rysing—a youth-led arts festival rooted in healing, education, and activism.
Supported by The Choice Program at UMBC, Art Rysing offers a platform for youth to explore identity, share personal narratives, and challenge social inequities through performance and visual arts. Anchored by Nu Generation, WombWork’s teen social justice ensemble, and supported by partners such as Youth in Action, the festival integrates storytelling, therapeutic narrative techniques, and youth leadership development to promote racial healing and empowerment. This session will examine the festival’s community impact, the role of culturally grounded partnerships, and the potential of arts-based engagement as a catalyst for justice, leadership, and resilience.
Presenters
Uday Sharad Joshi – Neighborhood Fellow, University of Maryland School of Social Work's Center for Restorative Change
Uday is an MSW student and Neighborhood Fellow with over two decades of national leadership in youth development, social justice education, and arts-based community healing. He holds degrees from Cornell, Harvard, and SUNY, and has led transformative programs at the Kennedy Center, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Junior State of America. His work centers trauma-informed, healing-centered practices, civic engagement, and restorative justice, particularly with BIPOC and system-impacted youth. As an educator, strategist, and arts and restorative practice fellow, Uday is committed to advancing equity, leadership, and community transformation through creativity and care.
Mama Rashida Forman-Bey – Program Director, WombWork Productions is a director, actress, teaching artist, community activist, song writer, storybook author, and Master Virtues Project facilitator. Mama Rashida, as she is known in the community, is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. She is one of the founding Directors of WombWork Productions, Inc., a Baltimore based, 501c3 social change theatre company. WombWork’s performances tackle relevant social issues endemic throughout the world such as gun violence, domestic abuse, grief, drug/alcohol abuse, gang violence, HIV prevention, sexual assault, health disparities, and racial inequities.
Target Audience: Community-Engaged Staff
In 2022–23, Towson University’s Office of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility (CESR) underwent a strategic restructuring to align its work with the TU Strategic Plan, the Student Affairs Roadmap, and emerging trends in community engagement. As part of this process, CESR developed several co-curricular high-impact practice (HIP) programs, including the Social Action Collaboratory—a year-long leadership program that empowers students to explore social justice topics, co-facilitate presentations, coordinate community visits, and lead reflective conversations.
This interactive session will introduce the concept of HIPs, explore their eight quality dimensions, and examine their equity impacts on student learning and success. Presenters will share the development process behind the Social Action Collaboratory, highlight lessons learned, and guide participants through a reflective activity to reimagine their own programs as HIPs. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to embed HIP principles into their initiatives to maximize student engagement and foster mutually beneficial community partnerships.
Presenters
Shannon Cheek – Assistant Director for Community Impact, Towson University
Shannon leads initiatives that foster meaningful community connections and advance TU’s civic engagement goals, focusing on programs that strengthen student learning and social responsibility. In her role, she supports collaborative partnerships and innovative approaches to integrating community impact into the student experience.
Co-Presenter
Sha-Nel Henderson – Coordinator for Student Community Engagement, Towson University
Sha-Nel supports students’ active participation in civic life through the implementation of community engagement programs on campus and in the broader community. She trains student leaders and cultivates partnerships with TU departments, local nonprofit organizations, and community leaders. Sha-Nel holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis and an M.F.A. in Theatre from Towson University.
Target Audience: Community Partner
Baltimore County 4-H engages nearly 200 certified volunteers who serve local youth, fostering skills, confidence, and community connections. In 2018, a needs assessment prompted educators to expand recruitment strategies to attract volunteers with diverse skills and backgrounds. Since 2019, Baltimore County 4-H has partnered with The Shriver Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County—home to a service-learning program rooted in reflection and reciprocity. UMBC students contribute programming aligned with their academic majors or personal interests, sharing expertise while gaining hands-on experience in youth development.
In Spring 2025 alone, UMBC students dedicated 56 hours to youth programming, exemplifying the power of mutually beneficial campus–community partnerships. This session will explore best practices for engaging university students in applied learning experiences such as service-learning and community engagement, with an emphasis on building sustainable collaborations that strengthen both institutions and the communities they serve.
Presenter
Vernelle Mitchell-Hawkins – Baltimore County 4-H Educator & Interim County Extension Director, University of Maryland Extension
Vernelle has served as an Extension Educator since 2017, specializing in volunteer identification, development, and management. She leads efforts in Baltimore County 4-H to recruit and support positive role models who help youth build competencies for lifelong success. Her work emphasizes building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships between community-based organizations and public universities.
11:10 am - 12:00 pm | SESSION II Health and Human Services Building (HHSB)
Intended Audience: Faculty, Scholars
Civic Engagement Across the Curriculum at UMD (CEAC@UMD) is a professional development initiative for instructors that builds on the asynchronous CEAC course developed by PACE at Salisbury University. Led by a cross-campus team from Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, the program equips instructors from diverse disciplines to integrate or enhance civic engagement elements in their courses.
This session will share how UMD’s collaborative approach fosters meaningful connections between academic disciplines and civic life, increasing opportunities for students to engage civically throughout their college careers. Participants will explore program goals, structure, and impacts from the inaugural cohort, reflect on effective instructor development strategies, and consider how to implement a similar model on their own campuses.
Presenters
Courtney Holder – Assistant Director of Leadership & Community Service-Learning, University of Maryland – College Park
Courtney supports initiatives that integrate leadership development and community engagement into the University of Maryland student experience. She collaborates across campus to create programs that foster civic responsibility and equip students with the skills to lead in diverse communities.
Ginny Hutcheson – Learning Experience Designer, Teaching and Learning Transformation Center, University of Maryland – College Park
Ginny designs and facilitates professional development for instructors, helping them create engaging and inclusive learning experiences. Her work focuses on innovative pedagogy, curriculum design, and strategies for embedding civic engagement into courses across disciplines.
Nicole Mehta – Assistant Director for Deliberative Dialogue & Community-Centered Engagement, Department of Resident Life, University of Maryland- College Park
Nicole leads DEI initiatives within the Department of Resident Life, fostering inclusive residential communities and facilitating student learning around social justice and civic engagement. She works closely with faculty and staff to create environments that support the holistic development of all students.
Julie Miller, Ph.D. – Postdoctoral Associate, College of Education, University of Maryland – College Park
Julie specializes in Minority and Urban Education, researching teacher retention, school climate, and student service-learning. A former middle school teacher and assistant principal, she holds a B.A. in History from Pennsylvania State University, an M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University Maryland, and a Ph.D. in Education.
Lena Morreale Scott – Director, Civic Education & Engagement Initiative, University of Maryland – College Park
Lena leads efforts to elevate civic education and engagement at the University of Maryland and across the state. She serves as Principal Investigator for the Maryland Democracy Initiative, co-chairs the Maryland Civic Education Coalition, and is Maryland’s liaison to the national CivXNow coalition. Her work centers on building equitable access to comprehensive civic education and fostering a lifetime of civic participation.
Intended Audience: Students
This roundtable discussion will explore how student-led, project-based work at nonprofit organizations can serve as a powerful tool for community engagement, professional development, and innovation in student learning. Drawing on their experiences designing and leading initiatives at A Wider Circle, the presenters will share lessons learned about building sustainable, impactful projects that benefit both students and the organizations they serve.
Participants will engage in dialogue on effective project design, managing timelines and deliverables, and leading teams, while also discussing how to adapt ideas to fit different institutional or community contexts. The conversation will address challenges, explore solutions, and emphasize adaptability and collaboration. Attendees will leave with strategies, tools, and the confidence to initiate or expand student-led projects that foster leadership, address community needs, and create lasting impact.
Presenters
Emily Mahler – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Emily is a senior studying Public Health and Nutrition who has served at the nonprofit A Wider Circle (AWC) for five semesters. In Spring 2025, she led a resource navigation project, researching and designing brochures for nutrition assistance programs to be distributed at AWC facilities. Her work reflects a strong commitment to public health advocacy and to equipping organizations like AWC with tools to promote health equity in their communities. She hopes to inspire other students to design projects that turn their passions into sustainable change.
Gannon Albertsen – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Gannon is a junior who has worked with A Wider Circle since September 2023, leading community-focused initiatives and volunteering weekly in direct service. Over the past academic year, they organized five campus clothing drives totaling more than 1,775 pounds of donations, along with hygiene and prom item collections for community events. To help others replicate these efforts, they developed a toolkit for students and schools interested in organizing their own donation drives. As a weekly volunteer at AWC’s Professional Development Center, Gannon supports clients one-on-one in selecting professional clothing that helps them feel confident and prepared for employment opportunities.
Mia Johnson – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Mia is a junior pre-dental student who has volunteered at A Wider Circle for the past two semesters. Driven by her passion for dental health and community service, she launched an educational initiative to promote oral hygiene among lower-income clients at AWC’s The Hub. With support from the GW Nashman Micro-Grant, she developed an accessible presentation on essential dental care practices and provided attendees with dental hygiene kits. Her project experience offers insight into creating adaptable, mission-driven initiatives and sustaining impact through student-led nonprofit work.
Intended Audience: Students, Faculty, Scholars & Community Partners
In 1889, Jane Addams opened Hull House in Chicago—one of the first settlement houses in the United States—where middle- and upper-class “settlers” lived among immigrant and working-class residents, seeking to improve quality of life through innovative community-based programs. While Addams and her colleagues went on to become leading social reformers, the early days of Hull House were filled with experimental approaches to enrichment, education, and advocacy, which remain as relevant now as they were then.
This interactive session will explore the complexities and paradoxes of Addams’ work, including her criticism of “do-gooders,” her view of philanthropy as undemocratic, and her willingness to support legislation opposed by the very communities she served. Participants will engage in dialogue around parallels between Hull House and contemporary community engagement, addressing questions such as how to balance differing visions of what is best for a community, the role of cultural norms, the value of psychological versus material benefits, and ways to make engagement as democratic as possible. Attendees will share experiences, exchange strategies, and reflect on lessons from both past and present to strengthen their own community-based work.
Presenters
Alan Penczek – Former Director of Service-Learning & Retired Philosophy Faculty, Stevenson University
Alan taught philosophy at Stevenson University, where he also served as Director of Service-Learning. Though he retired from teaching, he remains active in philosophy and service-learning conferences. His scholarly interests include the philosophy of John Dewey and its influence on American education.
Intended Audience: Students, Faculty, Scholars & Community Partners
In today’s rapidly shifting landscape—marked by political change, limited resources, and deepening community needs—no single organization can address challenges alone. This interactive session invites students, faculty, and community partners to explore how strategic collaborations can amplify impact and spark innovation beyond what any one group could achieve individually. Grounded in a research-based partnership continuum, the workshop will guide participants in understanding how partnerships evolve, the elements that make them effective, and strategies to navigate common challenges.
Through dynamic discussion, real-world examples, and peer learning, attendees will assess their current partnerships and identify opportunities to deepen collaboration. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen their role in transformative campus–community partnerships, fostering mutual understanding and shared action for greater community impact.
Presenters
Ashley Waters – Principal Consultant, Delta by Ashley
Ashley holds a B.A. in International Politics from Penn State University, an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Towson University, and a Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Baltimore. She is deeply engaged with numerous local and regional organizations, bringing extensive experience in building effective partnerships across sectors. Ashley currently lives in Frederick, Maryland, with her husband and son.
12:00 pm - 1:20 pm | Lunch and Poster Session (TAWES)
This study examines how Maryland’s public and private two- and four-year colleges are addressing campus food insecurity—a challenge that impacts three in five college students nationally. Researchers identified 41 institutions and conducted 32 interviews with key informants from student affairs offices and campus websites. Using qualitative analysis, findings show all participating colleges offer programs to address food insecurity, ranging from small food closets to large, multi-pronged initiatives.
Presenters
Letu Reggasa – Undergraduate Student, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Letu is a public health major at UMBC and has been a member of Dr. Andrea Kalfoglou’s Research and Advocacy Lab for four semesters.
Muskaan Hammad – Undergraduate Student, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Muskaan is a public health major at UMBC and has been a member of Dr. Andrea Kalfoglou’s Research and Advocacy Lab for three semesters.
Sanyah Bhatti – Undergraduate Student, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Sanyah is a public health major at UMBC and has been a member of Dr. Andrea Kalfoglou’s Research and Advocacy Lab for two semesters.
Andrea Kalfoglou, Ph.D., CPH – Associate Professor of Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Andrea leads UMBC’s Research and Advocacy Lab on Student Basic Needs Insecurity, guiding student-led research on pressing issues such as food insecurity, housing instability, and access to campus resources.
This project supports current and future tutors in the For Love of Children (FLOC) program by sharing proven strategies to address common challenges—such as student motivation, academic confidence, and mastering difficult content. Drawing from their experiences as peer tutors, the presenters compiled practical tips for creating engaging learning environments, building strong tutor–student relationships, and using personalized learning techniques.
The guide offers advice on managing sessions, overcoming setbacks, and fostering a growth-oriented mindset, ensuring tutors feel prepared and students receive consistent, high-quality support. More than a collection of tips, the project reflects a commitment to educational equity, mentorship, and community engagement, aiming to strengthen FLOC’s impact and inspire a more empathetic and purposeful approach to tutoring.
Community colleges often lack on-site dining facilities, limiting food recovery opportunities, and across all institutions, programs remain in high demand yet under-resourced, relying heavily on student volunteers, community partnerships, and external grants. Stigma emerged as a persistent barrier preventing students from seeking help. The results highlight both the scope of current efforts and the continued need for sustainable, well-funded solutions to ensure equitable food access for all students.
Presenters
Chloe Gordon – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Chloe is a rising junior studying International Affairs and International Business. She has volunteered as a tutor with For Love of Children (FLOC) since Fall 2024 and has been tutoring since high school.
Mikal Armstrong – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Mikal is a rising sophomore studying Public Health with an interest in pursuing a minor in STEM teaching. She has tutored for several years and currently serves as a mathematics and reading/writing tutor with FLOC.
Fartun Hassan – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Fartun is a rising sophomore majoring in Political Science and Psychology. She has prior experience as a tutor and substitute teacher and is currently a reading/writing tutor with FLOC.
Since 2012, Charm City STEM League has connected Johns Hopkins University, STEM Champions of Baltimore, and Baltimore City Public Schools to create a thriving STEM mentoring program for students in grades 3–12. This poster distills the core elements that have sustained the partnership for more than a decade, including shared goals, community trust, and adaptable program design. Presenters offer candid insights into challenges faced, strategies used to navigate them, and lessons learned, providing a flexible framework and practical tools that can be applied to building or strengthening long-term community partnerships in STEM education and beyond.
Presenters
Margaret Hart – STEM Outreach Advisor, Center for Educational Outreach, Johns Hopkins University
Margaret works closely with student groups and faculty engaged in community outreach, overseeing the MATH Program and the Center’s robotics and Science Olympiad mentoring initiatives. She holds a B.A. in Astronomy from Boston University and an M.A. in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard University. Before joining JHU in 2012, she worked as a software test engineer, led an outreach program at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Space Research, and taught physics, astronomy, and engineering in Cambridge, MA, as well as in Baltimore City Public Schools.
Kate McGuire – Executive Director, STEM Champions of Baltimore, Inc.
Kate leads SCB, which funds teacher stipends, trainings, and supplies for STEM-focused youth programs. A retired Senior Engineering Director for Northrop Grumman with over 30 years of leadership experience, she has led after-school programming in Baltimore for more than a decade, expanding participation from 65 students in 2013 to nearly 1,000 annually. She also serves as a Regional Tournament Director for Baltimore City Science Olympiad teams, supported by Maryland Science Olympiad and Morgan State University.
This hand-made collage examines the Middle East Urban Renewal Project, launched in the early 2000s under the East Baltimore Development Initiative (EBDI). While promoted as a revitalization effort, the project displaced more than 800 residents under Eminent Domain, breaking promises and erasing community history. Drawing on archival materials, community testimony, and layered imagery, the work contrasts the official narrative with the lived realities of displacement and resistance. Centering BRACE’s ongoing advocacy, the piece amplifies the voices fighting for housing justice and equitable development in Baltimore.
Presenter
Catherine Thompson – Undergraduate Student, Johns Hopkins University
Catherine is a junior studying Political Science and Africana Studies. Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, she is passionate about research and community-engaged praxis on criminal justice reform, the Black Panther Party, and housing injustices such as gentrification and redlining. In Spring 2025, through the course Arts & Social Justice Practicum, she partnered with the Baltimore Redevelopment Action Coalition for Empowerment (BRACE) to investigate gentrification in Baltimore, working closely with BRACE President Donald Gresham to uncover overlooked historical truths.
Co-Presenter
Donald Gresham, and he is with the Baltimore Redevelopment Action Coalition for Empowerment (BRACE)
This poster reflects on the transformative impact of service-learning during a first-year student’s transition to college life. Beginning with community service in October of her first year and continuing through three service-learning courses in Spring 2025, Sarah’s experiences included community-engaged research with the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission and service with GEDCO Cares, assisting in the food pantry and with administrative tasks. These experiences not only accelerated her adjustment to Baltimore but also fostered a sense of belonging at Loyola. The presentation invites dialogue on how service-learning can help first-year students connect meaningfully with their new communities, enhance their education, and develop a stronger sense of purpose and identity.
Presenters
Sarah Flores – Undergraduate Student, Loyola University Maryland
Sarah is a second-year student majoring in Sociology and Philosophy with minors in Peace & Justice Studies and African & African American Studies. She has been deeply involved in service-learning since her first year and is an advocate for integrating service into both academic and co-curricular experiences. Sarah currently serves as the Director of Academic Affairs for Loyola University Maryland’s Student Government Association.
This community-engaged research project recovers the life of Aldina Hawkins Brown (c. 1885–1940), a Black educator, dressmaker, and entrepreneur whose story has been largely erased from historical narratives. Conducted through a humanities-based service-learning course at Johns Hopkins University in partnership with Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church and Mount Auburn Cemetery, the work draws on archival records, cemetery documentation, and neighborhood histories to trace Brown’s education, career, and contributions. By collaborating with community members, church leaders, and archivists, the project models how service-learning can combat historical erasure, honor the legacies of Black women, and strengthen university–community partnerships dedicated to preserving marginalized histories.
Presenters
Oluwatoyosi Fowowe – Undergraduate Student, Johns Hopkins University
Oluwatoyosi is majoring in Public Health Studies with a strong interest in community-based research, racial health equity, and the histories of marginalized communities. She serves as President of the Mu Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Black Student Union at Johns Hopkins. Her research spans palliative care, diagnostic equity, neuroimmunology, and archival storytelling, with projects at the Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health. As part of a service-learning course centered on Mount Auburn Cemetery, she led the research and storytelling for this project, reflecting her commitment to honoring the legacies of Black women erased from dominant narratives.
1:30 pm - 2:20pm | SESSION III Health and Human Services Building (HHSB)
Intended Audience: Student, Faculty, Scholars
This session explores how campus–community partnerships, including legal clinics, can inspire and empower future change-makers interested in law, policy, and social justice. In Fall 2024, UMBC partnered with Maryland Legal Aid and the Baltimore County Bar Association Pro Bono Committee to host an Expungement Clinic—modeled after Loyola University’s successful initiative—that provided free legal support to individuals seeking to expunge prior criminal charges. The clinic not only delivered vital community services but also created transformative learning experiences for UMBC students pursuing careers in law, public service, and civic leadership.
These collaborations are particularly impactful for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in the legal profession, offering practical experience, mentorship, and expanded professional networks. Co-led by UMBC colleagues and student volunteers, this session will share strategies for building successful partnerships, highlight the mutual benefits for students and communities, and discuss future plans to expand the work through additional community clinics, including a new initiative focused on serving Baltimore’s senior population.
Presenters
Molly Timko – Pre-Law Academic Advisor & Part-Time Instructor, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Molly is passionate about civic engagement and helping others achieve their academic and career goals, particularly aspiring law students and lawyers from backgrounds underrepresented in the legal profession. She earned her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law and is licensed to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New York. Molly holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Art History from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Canisius University. She regularly provides pro bono legal services in Maryland and serves on the board of Maryland Youth and the Law (MYLaw), a nonprofit offering real-world educational programming that builds life skills and understanding of the courts and legal system for Maryland youth.
Co-Presenter
Mack Watkins – Undergraduate Student, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Mack Watkins is a senior at UMBC pursuing a double major in Political Science and Modern Languages & Linguistics with a concentration in Spanish, minors in Law and Justice and Latin American Studies, and a Certificate in Intercultural Communication. In addition, Mack is a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar and an Undergraduate Legal Intern at FreeState Justice. Mack previously served as the Legal Services and Outreach Coordinator at Immigrant Connection at Path to Hope and as an Undergraduate Legal Intern at the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights (formerly CAIR Coalition). Mack is passionate about social justice and using the law as a tool for advocacy.
Intended Audience: Students, Community Partners
The Charm City STEM League (CCSL) is a dynamic university–community partnership transforming after-school hours for Baltimore City youth in grades 3–12 through hands-on STEM mentoring. This panel brings together voices from across the initiative—college student mentors, local nonprofit partners, teachers, and former K–12 participants—to explore how the program enriches college students’ educational experiences while fostering equity and community impact.
Through personal stories and shared insights, the discussion will reveal how CCSL’s design fosters meaningful, sustained engagement; prepares mentors for civic and professional leadership; and delivers transformative outcomes for all involved. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for designing, scaling, and sustaining equitable, community-centered mentoring programs, as well as inspiration for adapting similar models to their own contexts.
Presenters
Amanda Valledor – STEM Outreach Program Administrator, Center for Educational Outreach, Johns Hopkins University
Amanda leads the Charm City STEM League (CCSL) mentoring program, connecting more than 65 college mentors with over 20 Baltimore City Public Schools annually to promote STEM engagement and achievement through Science Olympiad. She co-founded CCSL in 2012 while earning her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. After serving with AmeriCorps City Year and working as a Curriculum Coordinator at the Museum of Science, Boston, Amanda returned to JHU in 2020 to oversee CCSL’s impact and expansion.
Margaret Hart – STEM Outreach Advisor, Center for Educational Outreach, Johns Hopkins University
Margaret works closely with student groups and faculty engaged in community outreach, overseeing the MATH Program and the Center’s robotics and Science Olympiad mentoring efforts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Astronomy from Boston University and a master’s degree in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard University. Before joining JHU in 2012, Margaret worked as a software test engineer, led outreach at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Space Research, and taught physics, astronomy, and engineering in both Cambridge, MA, and Baltimore City Public Schools.
Intended Audience: Students, Faculty, Scholars & Community Partners
What does it mean to be ready to lead in your community? This interactive panel will break down civic leadership into the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and commitments that support ethical decision-making, collaboration, and sustained engagement. Participants will explore how civic readiness grows through real-world problem-solving, shared values, and purposeful action—and how individual leadership and agency can strengthen communities and build a healthier democracy.
Attendees will reflect on their own leadership experiences, identify areas of growth, and apply ethical decision-making strategies to civic scenarios involving public problem-solving and collaboration. The session will also guide participants in setting a clear, values-driven next step for civic engagement or leadership, reinforcing the connection between personal agency, shared purpose, and collective community impact.
Presenters
Genie Massey – Educator & Civic Engagement Advocate, Maryland Civic Education Coalition
Genie has taught social studies in both public and private schools and was recognized as the Archdiocese of Baltimore Teacher of the Year (2017–2018). She holds a B.A. from Randolph-Macon Women’s College, an M.A.T. from Johns Hopkins University, and is a doctoral candidate at Frostburg State University. Genie is actively involved with the Maryland Civic Education Coalition, volunteers with community organizations, and serves as an election judge in Washington County, Maryland. She is also a proud mother of three who loves languages and travel.
Intended Audience: Students
Presented in partnership with the Maryland Civic Education Coalition c/o Maryland Youth and the Law (MYLaw), this student-led panel builds on the success of the Youth Empowerment Symposium, which unites three community organizations—826DC, Latin American Youth Center, and Little Friends for Peace—to celebrate young leaders and share proven strategies for empowering youth voices. The session includes brief presentations from each organization, a Q&A panel, and a handout featuring reflections from students and volunteers on what youth empowerment means to them.
Originally launched at George Washington University in April 2025 by Newman Civic Fellow Lauren Patrick with support from The Allstate Foundation, the symposium provides a platform for youth to be heard while educating attendees on how to support young leaders through service and civic engagement. Participants will leave with insight into effective youth empowerment strategies, a deeper understanding of the essential role of youth in civic life, and practical ideas for uplifting young voices in their own communities.
Presenters
Sanjana Anand – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Sanjana is a rising senior majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Creative Writing and Biology. Passionate about civic engagement, she has worked at the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) for three years, serving as Site Leader for the past year. With support from a GW Microgrant, she organized a workshop series that provided career exploration and professional development opportunities for LAYC youth.
Gaby Martin – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Gaby is a sophomore majoring in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. She has volunteered with Little Friends for Peace, where she will serve as Co-Site Leader in the upcoming year. Through her work with youth, she has seen the transformative effects of empowerment, from enhanced educational abilities to greater confidence and initiative.
Jorge Ramírez – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Jorge is a rising sophomore majoring in International Affairs with a concentration in International Environmental Studies and a minor in Sustainability. He has worked at the Latin American Youth Center for a year, facilitating crochet workshops for youth, and participated in the first Youth Empowerment Symposium, speaking about sustainability and its role in strengthening youth communities.
Annika Hedlund – Undergraduate Student, The George Washington University
Annika is a sophomore who has worked with SMARTDC and 826DC for about a year, supporting youth ages 6–18 with their creative writing skills. She values the relationships she has built through this work and is committed to helping students grow in confidence and ability.
Lauren Patrick – Undergraduate and Graduate Student, The George Washington University
Lauren is a rising senior earning a B.A. in English and Political Science and an M.P.A. with a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration. She is GW’s 2024–2025 Newman Civic Fellow and has served with 826DC for two years. Lauren planned and hosted the first Youth Empowerment Symposium in April 2025 with support from a $1,000 mini-grant from The Allstate Foundation. She is passionate about youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community relationship building.
2:30 pm - 3:20pm | SESSION IV Health and Human Services Building (HHSB)
Intended Audience: Students, Faculty, Scholars & Community Partners
Basic needs insecurity among college students—including lack of housing, food, and reliable transportation—is a growing health and educational justice challenge that impacts student success and retention. Drawing on qualitative data collected by UMBC undergraduates, this session examines how Maryland’s 40 colleges are addressing basic needs insecurity and how student-led civic engagement, including the work of VISTA scholars, has driven program development and institutional change.
Andrea will share how responses vary across institutions, highlight strategies aligned with best practices in service-learning and community-engaged research, and showcase student advocacy efforts from her Health Justice and Advocacy course and Advocacy Lab—ranging from legislative testimony to supporting Retriever Essentials and building the Maryland College Basic Needs Community of Learning. Participants will leave with coalition-building strategies and practical approaches to sustaining advocacy and capacity-building work across campuses and states.
Presenters
Andrea Kalfoglou, Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Andrea is the leader and founder of the Maryland College Basic Needs Community of Practice and teaches courses on public health ethics, health justice and advocacy, and the social determinants of health. She leads a public health research and advocacy lab for undergraduates focused on campus food insecurity, engaging students in research, coalition-building, and legislative advocacy to address student basic needs insecurity across Maryland.
Intended Audience: Faculty, Scholars
Building a civic service program in today’s context requires strong collaboration across civic initiatives to maximize resources while diversifying training, support, and retention. Emerging student leaders want to be part of a story larger than themselves—one that empowers them to lead as engaged citizens beyond the classroom. This session introduces a Strategic Leadership Impact Model designed to transform civic curiosity into civic action through reciprocal relationships, interdisciplinary teamwork, and intentional program design.
Following an opening interactive presentation, participants will engage in collaborative activities to adapt the model to their own campus or community contexts. The session will provide strategies to strengthen the student experience, promote interdisciplinary leadership growth, foster esprit de corps, and inspire sustained civic engagement. Attendees will leave with a resource guide, practical tools for selecting community partners, and actionable ideas for building programs that connect academic learning with student-led impact and long-term community collaboration.
Presenters
Ryan Weaver – Lecturer, Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement / Interdisciplinary Studies; Coordinator, Presidential Citizen Scholars Program, Salisbury University
Ryan is a nonprofit leader, educator, and engaged citizen with over fifteen years of service in the Chesapeake Bay region. Originally from the Red River Valley, he holds a graduate degree in Leadership from the University of Oklahoma and has led a variety of civic initiatives that connect students with opportunities for community impact. Ryan is also a storyteller, entrepreneur, and youth baseball coach who believes that story is the most powerful pathway to understanding, motivation, and belonging in a democracy.
Intended Audience: Students, Faculty, Scholars & Community Partners
This session examines how Living Learning Communities (LLCs) can foster student engagement, retention, and leadership through long-term, mutually beneficial community partnerships. Using the Shriver LLC model at UMBC as a case study, participants will explore strategies for building strong communities of practice where students form deeper connections with peers, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Attendees will engage in a peer-coaching format to evaluate how LLC structures can enhance student satisfaction, diversity awareness, and real-world problem-solving through integrated coursework, mentorship, and service-learning. The session will offer practical takeaways on recruitment, curricular integration, and impact assessment for institutions seeking to strengthen student engagement and social responsibility through LLCs.
Presenters
Emily Louise Passera, M.S. – Senior Program Coordinator, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Emily leads initiatives at UMBC that integrate community engagement, experiential learning, and student leadership development. Through her work with the Shriver Center and Shriver Living Learning Community (LLC), she supports equity-centered partnerships and reflection-based curriculum connecting students’ academic learning to real-world impact. She also contributes to research on learning analytics and assessment, advancing institutional strategies for student growth and civic agency.
Intended Audience: Students, Faculty, Scholars & Community Partners
Sowing Seeds of Peace addresses the barriers to community care in harm reduction spaces—particularly those related to substance use and violence prevention—where alternatives to punitive punishment remain inequitably accessible. These barriers disproportionately impact communities of color, contributing to over-policing, criminalization, and mass incarceration. Drawing on Indigenous healing traditions, the workshop explores decolonized visions for treatment that center care rather than stigma, with gardening as a powerful tool for intergenerational resistance, connection, and resilience.
Through participation in a peace circle, attendees will process the journey of peace from seed to harvest while engaging in hands-on gardening activities informed by Indigenous practices. The session will create space for sharing resources, exchanging experiences, and discussing challenges to implementing similar community-based programs. Participants will leave with practical tools for fostering mutual aid, strengthening community connections, and integrating environmental and traditional harm reduction strategies into their engagement work—along with seeds they have sown themselves as a reminder of sustainable, grounded service.
Presenters
Mykala Bledsoe – Graduate Student, Department of Sociology, The George Washington University
Mykala earned her B.A. in Sociology from George Washington University in May 2025 and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Sociology at GW. She served with Little Friends for Peace for three years, including two years as Co-Community Engagement Team Lead, where she facilitated intersectional social-emotional learning services and coordinated volunteer engagement. Mykala has also worked as a Student Support Assistant in GW’s Office of Advocacy and Support, serving survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. Her research interests focus on inclusive community care and harm reduction spaces, particularly regarding substance use and survivorship.
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Closing
Health and Human Services Building (HHSB)
At the close of the SLCE Conference, participants will come together for a guided reflection — a chance to pause, process, and make meaning of the day’s learning. This intentional time will help connect individual insights to collective action, highlighting how the ideas shared throughout the conference can ripple outward into our campuses, communities, and beyond. Through reflection, we not only honor the work accomplished during the day but also ignite the flame of continued engagement and impact.
Contact Nicki Fiocco fiocco@transformmidatlantic.org with any quesitons.