Empower Youth Success 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to Empower Youth Success 2026!
Get ready for an exciting few days of innovative learning, engagement, networking, and fun. Whether this is your first time or you’re a returning attendee, we’re so glad you’re here to help make this event unforgettable!

arrow_back View All Dates

7:45am EDT

Coffee and Tea Station

Wednesday April 29, 2026 7:45am - 9:15am EDT

West Gallery @ West Gallery

Wednesday April 29, 2026 7:45am - 9:15am EDT
West Gallery West Gallery

Beverage Service

8:45am EDT

Opening Ceremony

Wednesday April 29, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT

Governor Ballroom A&B @ Governor Ballroom A&B

Moderators

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success

Timothy Fowler has worked with children and youth programs for more than 25 years. Since2002, he has been a trainer, facilitator, coach, and consultant for youth programs in Missouri, Illinois, and New York. His specialty areas are youth development, program development, quality improvement... Read More →

Presenters

Alli Lidie

CEO, NYS Network for Youth Success

Wednesday April 29, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am EDT
Governor Ballroom A&B Governor Ballroom A&B

General Session

10:00am EDT

Community Schools 101

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Governor Ballroom E @ Governor Ballroom E

This co-facilitated Community Schools 101 session introduces the foundational elements of the Community School strategy by pairing national context with New York State practice. Led jointly by the National Center for Community Schools (NCCS) and the NYSED Central/Western Community Schools Technical Assistance Center (C/W CS TAC), the session explores the Essentials for Community School Transformation, examines national and local trends, and supports participants in applying the stages of development to their own context. The session emphasizes practical application, shared facilitation, and alignment between research, policy, and on-the-ground practice.

Moderators

Kim Viade

Director of Operations, Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club

Kim Viade is the Director of Operations at Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, overseeing multi-site program operations, facilities, staff supervision, compliance, partnerships, and systems that support safe, high-quality services for youth and families.She is also the Founder and CEO of... Read More →

Presenters

Jorge Blau

Client Engagement Associate, National Center for Community Schools | Children's Aid

Before joining NCCS, Jorge served as a Community School Director in New York City, most notably at C.S. 211 in the Bronx, located in the country's most impoverished congressional district. Inheriting a 42% chronic absenteeism rate, he led a systems-based, slow-scaling community school... Read More →

Casey Pulz

Director, NYSED Central/Western Community Schools Technical Assistance Center

Casey serves as Director of the NYSED Community Schools Technical Assistance Center for the Central/Western region, overseeing technical assistance for districts implementing Community Schools. She holds a master’s degree in public administration and has worked with Binghamton University... Read More →

Stacy Robitaille

Assistant Director, NYSED Central/Western Community Schools Technical Assistance Center

Stacy serves as Assistant Director of the NYSED Community Schools Technical Assistance Center for the Central/Western region, supporting districts implementing or operating Community Schools. The Community School model has shaped her work from the start of her career. After graduating... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Governor Ballroom E Governor Ballroom E

Session, New Community Schools Track

10:00am EDT

From Punishment to Partnership: Restorative Practices in MTSS

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Kelsey's @ Kelsey's

This interactive session introduces educators and school leaders to the foundations of Restorative Practices and how they align with trauma-informed schools and an integrated Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). Participants will explore how restorative approaches foster connection, accountability, and healing, while strengthening Tier 1 culture and supporting Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and hands-on activities, participants will leave with tools they can apply immediately, whether their school or district is preparing for full implementation, is already engaged in it, or is simply seeking to enhance daily interactions.

Moderators

Shania Irby

Eastern Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Shania joins Network for Youth Success as a New York State Certified B-6 educator with seven years of teaching experience and many more in varied childcare spaces. She brings two years of experience in varied leadership roles within NAACP Troy Branch, and is currently a board member... Read More →

Presenters

Kelley Burt

Educational Consultant, KB Educational Consulting, Inc.

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Kelsey's Kelsey's

Session, Experienced Community Schools Track

10:00am EDT

Incorporating Liberation-Focused Healing Principles to Support Student Mental Health To Affinity and Beyond

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Hudson Ballroom @ Hudson Ballroom

The counseling & case management team at the Hetrick-Martin Institute will present on the various ways they incorporate verbal and embodied Liberation-Focused Healing principles and techniques into their milieu-based work supporting LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-24. The team will then lead a discussion on how these principles can be incorporated as part of mental health support in school settings by both clinicians and non-clinicians alike. Case studies will be presented with opportunities for experiential work and discussion.

Moderators

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Asha Alexander

Assistant Director of Counseling and Case Management, The Hetrick Martin Institute

Asha A. Alexander (She/Her), LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Liberation-focused healing praxis. She is currently the Assistant Director of Counseling & Case Management at the Hetrick-Martin Institute in New York City, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ youth services agency... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Hudson Ballroom Hudson Ballroom

Session, Health & Well-Being Track

10:00am EDT

Meaningful Activities in After School Programs

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Governor Ballroom D @ Governor Ballroom D

This training offers participants working in afterschool programs the opportunity to share the many learning centers that can interest children. Participants will share the learning centers they offer, the accessories, materials, and the many activities they offer within those centers. Bring photos to share!

Moderators

Claire Comtois

Education & Training Specialist, Child Care Resource Network

Claire Comtois is an Education & Training Specialist at Child Care Resource Network in Buffalo, NY. She has been dedicated to the field of school-age care for 12 years. She began her career in the child care field as a Director of SACC programming, supporting her staff and organization... Read More →

Presenters

Arlene Rider

Faculty, SUNY Empire

Dr. Arlene Rider is a professor with SUNY Empire. Arlene has been involved with NYS Network for Youth Success school age credential for about 24 years, as an instructor, advisor, endorser, and member of the statewide workgroup. She co-authored the textbook for the credential titl... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Governor Ballroom D Governor Ballroom D

Session

10:00am EDT

Simplifying STEM – How the Scientific Method is used in everyday life.

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

Governor Ballroom C @ Governor Ballroom C

Is STEM a content area that feels daunting to you? This training will use the Scientific Method to reframe how you approach activities you’re already comfortable with. Learn how to ask the right questions to infuse curiosity, predictions, observation, and conclusions into Art, Language, Teambuilding, and more.

Moderators

Carla Stough Huffman

Owner/Lead Consultant, Borrowed Brain

Armed with a BA in Developmental Psychology from Bard College and an insatiable quest for knowledge, Carla Stough Huffman has served as a trainer, coach, certified external observer in YPQI and Advisor/Endorser/Instructor of the NYS SAC Credential. She has been working with youth... Read More →

Presenters

Heather Swallow

Site Supervisor, Capital District YMCA

Heather is a young professional that's worked with children for over 10 years. She is currently in her fourth year of afterschool programming with the Capital District YMCA and is advising for the School Age Childcare Credential for her second year. Her degree in Environmental Science... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Governor Ballroom C Governor Ballroom C

Session

11:45am EDT

Plated Lunch & Youth Panel - The Power of Youth Voice: Strengthening Schools and Community

Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT

Governor Ballroom A&B @ Governor Ballroom A&B

Join us for an inspiring and engaging session where students from Albany High School - My Brothers Keepers (MBK) and My Sisters Keepers (MSK) - share how community schools and afterschool experiences are shaping their learning and strengthening connections beyond the classroom.

Hear directly from these young leaders and gain insights to inspire stronger schools, programs, and communities plus take part in an engaging Q&A.

Presenters

Kristin Rivera

Youth Systems Engagement Specialist, Youth Power of Families Together in NYS

Wednesday April 29, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom A&B Governor Ballroom A&B

Lunch

1:00pm EDT

Can I Learn and Play With You?

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Kelsey's @ Kelsey's

My content will include introspective questions of why community programs are not including neurodiverse children more in their programming. Could a trained consultant expedite the programs up to an agreed compliance to ensure students in the existing school population have an opportunity for more social development with their peers? Are the programs hesitant to include students with ASD because they are not sure, what it is?

Moderators

Lesley Lawrence

CNY Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Lesley Lawrence is a Program Specialist with the NYS Network for Youth Success’s School-Age Technical Assistance Resource Center (SATARC). She provides individualized support to LEAPS and BOOST grantees in program management, grant implementation, program quality, and data systems. With over 20... Read More →

Presenters

Donna McGowan

Parent/Caregiver Decision Maker, Autism Advocate

Donna McGowan is a Metro NYC parent. She is a long-term certified Project Management Professional with a background in Sociology and a Master of Business Administration. Due to a recent layoff and as a parent of a young child on the autism spectrum disorder, Donna discovered in her... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Kelsey's Kelsey's

Speed Session, Experienced Community Schools Track

1:00pm EDT

Changing Minds: Stories Over Stigma

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Hudson Ballroom @ Hudson Ballroom

Our young adult speakers bring mental health to life through real stories of struggle, strength, and recovery. Students hear relatable voices who’ve faced challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and more—and learned to cope in healthy, empowering ways. Each presentation blends personal storytelling with education: recognizing warning signs, understanding that mental health is treatable, using positive coping skills, and knowing how to ask for help.

Moderators

Shania Irby

Eastern Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Sarika Agarwal

Professional Young Adult Speaker, Minding Your Mind

Sarika spent years chasing perfection and relying on others’ approval, hiding her emotions when they were not received with the same praise as her achievements. As her inner turmoil grew, she developed depression and anxiety, faced cyberbullying, and struggled with harmful coping... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Hudson Ballroom Hudson Ballroom

Speed Session, Health & Well-Being Track

1:00pm EDT

NBA Math Hoops - Creating the Next Math Champion

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Governor Ballroom C @ Governor Ballroom C

NBA Math Hoops leverages the game of basketball and the NBA/WNBA brands to build fundamental math skills through a physical and digital basketball-themed board game, a curriculum, and a community program experience. Designed for students in grades 4-8, this free program develops students’ algebra readiness prior to entering high school, while strengthening important skills including self-regulation and executive function. The NBA Math Hoops program is implemented in in-school, out-of-school, and home learning environments.

Moderators

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Jonathan McLean

Regional Program Coordinator, Learn Fresh

Jonathan is from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, but now resides Houston, Texas. He played College Football at Old Dominion University and received his Bachelor's degree in Sports Management. Jonathan serves as a Regional Outreach Coordinator here at Learn Fresh. Having previously... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C Governor Ballroom C

Speed Session

1:00pm EDT

The SNACC Approach: Unlocking Youth Potential Through Food

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Governor Ballroom E @ Governor Ballroom E

Through case studies, games, discussion, and hands-on activities, participants will learn how SNACC (Sustainable Nutrition And Community Connection), a small non-profit based in New York City, is changing the landscape for students in underserved communities across the city by bringing nutrition education and real-life culinary skills together in fun, impactful, creative, hands-on classroom and afterschool experiences. At SNACC, we aim to foster confidence, empowerment, and knowledge through food, and we’d love to share SNACC with you!

Moderators

Claire Comtois

Education & Training Specialist, Child Care Resource Network

Presenters

Danielle Cohen

Executive Director, SNACC

Danielle L. Cohen holds a BA in sociology/public health from Muhlenberg College and a MPH from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. At the helm of SNACC, Danielle has guided the organization to become a lighthouse of empowerment, offering youth and their families... Read More →

Megan Gottlieb

Director of Education, SNACC

Megan Gottlieb holds a BS in Biology from Trinity College and a MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University. Megan has worked in a variety of public and independent school settings for the past 25 years, as a classroom teacher, department chair, assistant division... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E Governor Ballroom E

Speed Session, New Community Schools Track

2:00pm EDT

Beyond the SAC Credential: Using Aspire to Strengthen School-Age Staff and Programs

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Governor Ballroom C @ Governor Ballroom C

Most school-age professionals only encounter Aspire through the SAC Credential, but the system offers far more tools to support staff development and program quality. This session introduces practical ways afterschool programs can use Aspire to track training, support onboarding, strengthen coaching, and empower staff growth. Participants will learn how Aspire connects to statewide workforce and quality efforts, and will walk away with strategies to make the system a meaningful resource for their teams and programs.

Moderators

Carla Stough Huffman

Owner/Lead Consultant, Borrowed Brain

Presenters

Olivia Lasala

Director of the Aspire Registry, NY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute

Tinnycua Williams

Director of Professional Development Quality Assurance, New York Works for Children/The Aspire Registry

Tinnycua Williams has over 20 years of experience in youth development and afterschool leadership, including roles as tutor, coordinator, director, and trainer with Harlem Children’s Zone, Homes for the Homeless, and the Samuel Field Y. She is a School-Age TTAP PD Specialist and... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C Governor Ballroom C

Session

2:00pm EDT

Expanding Mental Wellness in School Communities with the SMHRTCenter

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Hudson Ballroom @ Hudson Ballroom

All members of school communities (educators, administrators, SRPs, students and their families) are facing unprecedented stressors. The School Mental Health Resource and Training Center (SMHRTCenter), is designed to help cultivate school communities rooted in resilience and mental wellbeing. Along with examining the unique stressors which exist in schools, the presentation will explain the numerous ways the SMHRTCenter collaborates with schools (at no cost to schools) to provide tools for every member of a school community to prioritize their own mental wellbeing as well as demonstrate how the school community can work together to create a culture of caring and support.

Moderators

Alli Lidie

CEO, NYS Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Matthew Shapiro

Assistant Director, School Mental Health Resource and Training Center at MHANYS

Matthew Shapiro is the Assistant Director of the School Mental Health Resource and Training Center (SMHRTCenter), a project of the Mental Health Association in NYS. In his career as a distinguished mental health advocate, Matthew has consistently been on the forefront of leading critical... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Hudson Ballroom Hudson Ballroom

Session, Health & Well-Being Track

2:00pm EDT

Follow Your Arrow: Explorations of Leadership & Collaboration

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Kelsey's @ Kelsey's

In order for organizations and programs to thrive, it is important to maximize each team member’s strengths as a leader, yet too often we lack a shared language for how to even talk about leadership. This session aims to build that shared language using the Leadership Compass framework, so that ultimately teams can improve collaboration and communication and drive towards positive outcomes for students at every Community School.

Moderators

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Alexandra Teitel

Program Director, Partnership With Children

Alexandra Teitel is a Program Director at Partnership With Children (PWC), supporting staff, partnerships, and programming at five Community Schools in NYC. Previously Alex served as the Community School Director at PS 284 in Brooklyn, where she collaboratively developed and implemented... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Kelsey's Kelsey's

Session, Experienced Community Schools Track

2:00pm EDT

From Guidance to Growth: Promoting Positive Behaviors

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Governor Ballroom D @ Governor Ballroom D

Struggling with challenging behaviors in your program? Discover practical, proven behavior guidance strategies that support healthy child development while keeping children safe. In this interactive 90-minute session, participants will explore positive behavior management techniques they can put into practice right away. Participants will leave feeling more confident and prepared to respond to challenging behaviors with consistency, professionalism, and care.

Moderators

Claire Comtois

Education & Training Specialist, Child Care Resource Network

Presenters

Lynn Siebert

Program Improvement Specialist, Capital District YMCA

Lynn Siebert has been a leader in the afterschool field for decades and is widely recognized for her instrumental role in developing the New York State School-Age Care (SAC) Credential. She currently serves as a SAC Advisor and has supported the credential in multiple capacities—as an instructo... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom D Governor Ballroom D

Session

2:00pm EDT

Who Drives the Work? Key Roles in Community Schools

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Governor Ballroom E @ Governor Ballroom E

This session maps the people who power a community school—from the principal and community school coordinator (CSC) to teachers, support teams, families, and partners. We’ll clarify responsibilities, interdependencies, and the advisory council's structure for shared leadership. Participants will connect roles to the enabling conditions that make the work stick: trusting relationships, a shared vision, actionable data, and inclusive decision‑making. You’ll leave with a clear picture of “who does what” and how to strengthen each role’s contribution.

Moderators

Shania Irby

Eastern Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Jorge Blau

Client Engagement Associate, National Center for Community Schools | Children's Aid

Wednesday April 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E Governor Ballroom E

Session, New Community Schools Track

3:45pm EDT

Accountability Without Burnout: Coaching, Delegation, and Performance in Afterschool Leadership

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Governor Ballroom C @ Governor Ballroom C

Afterschool leaders are expected to be supportive, responsive, and empathetic while still ensuring strong performance and consistent results. This training examines the leadership tension between support and accountability and how unclear expectations, over-functioning, and inconsistent follow-up create burnout and uneven outcomes. Participants will learn practical coaching and delegation strategies that build staff ownership and independence. The session focuses on sustainable leadership practices that strengthen accountability, protect staff well-being, and maintain high standards across afterschool teams and programs.

Moderators

Claire Comtois

Education & Training Specialist, Child Care Resource Network

Presenters

Kim Viade

Director of Operations, Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C Governor Ballroom C

Session

3:45pm EDT

Am I Welcome? Setting the Course for Impactful Parent Engagement

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Governor Ballroom E @ Governor Ballroom E

Is there more to family engagement than just communication? What we do know is that family engagement should involve collaboration between families, educators, and community partners to support children's growth and development. In this session, participants will learn and engage in strategies for the three levels of equitable community school parent engagement. They will also leave with actionable steps and resources to implement in their school communities.

Moderators

Shania Irby

Eastern Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Roslyn Odinga

Senior Director of Professional Learning, United Community Schools

Roslyn Odinga is currently enriching the lives of educators and students as the Senior Director of Professional Learning/UFT Educational Liaison for United Community Schools. Her impressive academic credentials, including Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education and Educational... Read More →

Mesha Joseph

Special Projects Manager, United Community Schools

Mesha Joseph serves as the Special Projects Manager at United Community Schools with over 12 years of experience in youth development. She holds a Master's of Science degree, specializing in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Mesha is deeply passionate about building a career focused... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E Governor Ballroom E

Session, New Community Schools Track

3:45pm EDT

Community Schools Sustainability through a CoSer Model (Experienced)

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Kelsey's @ Kelsey's

Discover how Community Schools can thrive through BOCES Cooperative Service (CoSer) agreements. This session will explain how CoSers are structured, who can partner, and how state aid supports sustainability. We will explore benefits for districts, community-based organizations, and BOCES, with examples from Monroe County. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge to identify existing CoSers, access resources, and strengthen community school strategies in their districts. Join us to explore how collaboration fuels lasting impact.

Moderators

Lesley Lawrence

CNY Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Kailin Kucewicz

School Community Engagement Coordinator, Erie 1 BOCES

Kailin Kucewicz serves as the School community engagement Coordinator for the Community Schools CoSER at Erie 1 BOCES. Through her role, Kailin works to connect resources to schools, students, and families across Western New York. Through a focus on macro level social work, Kailin... Read More →

Andrea McKenna

Assistant Director of Community Schools, The Center for Youth

Shannon Farnung

Community Schools Specialist, Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES

Shannon Farnung, M.S. is a Community Schools Specialist with Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, where she builds partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations to expand opportunities for students. With a background in school counseling and nonprofit leadership, she brings expertise in socia... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Kelsey's Kelsey's

Session, Experienced Community Schools Track

3:45pm EDT

Reclaiming Realistic Self-Care for the Adults Who Hold It All Together

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Hudson Ballroom @ Hudson Ballroom

Educators and community providers are the heart of healing in our schools. Yet, they often carry that work at great personal cost. This session explores how a healing-centered approach to education must include the healing and wholeness of adults, as well as the youth and families we serve. This webinar unpacks what it means to engage in “realistic self-care” and approaches to consider when communities navigate collective stress. Through reflection, discussion, and practice, participants will gain tools to build personal and collective capacity, foster authentic connection, and honor their own healing as a critical part of creating thriving school communities.

Moderators

Carla Stough Huffman

Owner/Lead Consultant, Borrowed Brain

Presenters

Kelley Burt

Educational Consultant, KB Educational Consulting, Inc.

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Hudson Ballroom Hudson Ballroom

Session, Health & Well-Being Track

3:45pm EDT

Unlock the Future: Digital Consciousness and Human Intelligence

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Governor Ballroom D @ Governor Ballroom D

In a world where technology (devices, social media, AI) is rapidly advancing, the key to success lies in balancing digital skills with essential human intelligence. Join us for an insightful journey into the heart of digital consciousness. Let’s explore the profound impact of technology on the developing brain and how we can foster a balanced approach in education. Discover strategies to empower caregivers and educators in nurturing well-rounded, resilient young individuals equipped for a tech-driven world.

Moderators

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success

Presenters

Julia Gabor

Founder, kid-grit

Julia Gabor is an award-winning educator, keynote speaker, and Founder of kid-grit, a life skills education company serving youth, educators, and administrators nationwide. Born and raised in NYC, she brings a diverse background and deep passion for youth development. Julia has trained... Read More →

Jeffrey Jordan

Co-Founder, kid-grit

Jeffrey Jordan is a social entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of kid-grit, focused on holistic youth development through mind, body, and spirit. He currently serves as Sr. Associate Director of Athletics at New Jersey City University and previously led Sportika Sports as CEO, establishing... Read More →

Wednesday April 29, 2026 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Governor Ballroom D Governor Ballroom D

Session

6:00pm EDT

Celebrating 30 Years of the Network - Dinner

Wednesday April 29, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

Governor Ballroom A&B @ Governor Ballroom A&B

For 30 years, the New York State Network for Youth Success has championed afterschool and summer programs, supported youth workers, and strengthened the organizations and communities that help young people thrive. The impact of this work has always held a certain magic—created by the people, partnerships, and moments that open doors for young people across New York.

Now, we’re bringing our statewide community together for an evening that honors that shared history and sparks inspiration for the next chapter.

An Evening to Remember
• Dinner with colleagues and partners from across New York
• Empower Youth Success Awards
including Community Schools Champion Awards and Network for Youth Success Awards
• A touch of wonder from Matthew Shapiro's Magic with a Message
• Moments to reflect on 30 years of impact and look ahead to the future
• Opportunities to support our 30th Anniversary Campaign:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/join-our-30-miles-for-30-years-walking-challenge
Online Auction: https://givebutter.com/c/nys-network-for-youth-success-30th-anniversary-auction-uqinm4/auction

Thirty years of supporting youth and the people who uplift them—now that’s real magic.

Presenters

Rigaud Noel

Board President, Network for Youth Success

Alli Lidie

CEO, NYS Network for Youth Success

Matthew Shapiro

Assistant Director, School Mental Health Resource and Training Center at MHANYS

Commissioner DaMia Harris-Madden

Commissioner, NYS Office of Children and Family Services

Appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul in April 2024, and unanimously confirmed by the NYS Senate in May 2024, Dr. Harris-Madden serves as commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), leading an agency dedicated to supporting New Yorkers “from twinkle... Read More →

Sponsors

Wegmans

Wednesday April 29, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Governor Ballroom A&B Governor Ballroom A&B

Dinner

7:45am EDT

8:45am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

11:45am EDT

1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

6:00pm EDT

Get help with the event