This symposium brings together educators, social workers, policy makers, and individuals with lived experience to examine systemic barriers, highlight effective support programs, advocate for policy reform, and foster collaboration. By strengthening support systems, and promoting equitable opportunities, participants will gain actionable strategies, expand their professional networks, and access to a digital repository of resources.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Gaelin Elmore

Gaelin Elmore is a former NFL athlete turned nationally recognized keynote speaker and belonging expert. He has worked with fortune 500 companies, state agencies, and small locally run non-profits, all with the same mission - to create environments where EVERYONE can thrive: teams, leaders, AND clients. And thriving is only possible when we belong. Much like belonging, Gaelin strives for his work to be life-giving, fun-filled, and practical, but also full of hard truth that challenge, connect, and change every room he finds himself in. Gaelin’s message, passion, and story has led him to stages in 39 different states and multiple different countries in the last calendar year alone. Even still, the most important stage where Gaelin gets to “practice what he preaches” is at home, with his wife, Micaela, and their children Laniah, Tatum, and Gideon.