A Daylong Convening of Leaders focused on Change for Children
Sponsored the Karabelle Pizzigati Initiative in Advocacy for Children, Youth and Families, the Do Good Institute and the Maryland Center on Economic Policy
Join advocates, academics, researchers, funders and policymakers for a powerful, daylong convening focused on putting children first in policy and practice. The Kids Frist Maryland convening will bring together various voices and sectors to explore bold ideas, share innovative research, and strengthen collective action that advances the well-being and futures of all children. Through interactive discussions, collaborative sessions and cross-sector dialogue, we’ll elevate what's possible when children are truly at the center.
Schedule
Registration (8:30-9:00am)
Welcome (9:00am)
- Gustavo Flores-Macías, Dean, School of Public Policy
- Boris D. Lushniak, Dean, School of Public Health
- Tania D. Mitchell, Associate Provost for Community Engagement, University of Maryland
- Recorded Greeting from Governor Wes Moore, State of Maryland
Opening Keynote (9:15-10:15am)
- Alger Studstill, Executive Director, Social Services Administration, Maryland Department of Human Services
Morning Plenary (10:15-11:15am)
"Federal Policy in Focus: Shaping the Future for Children and Families" moderated by Brandi Slaughter
Federal policy decisions—from fiscal priorities to immigration regulations—have profound and lasting effects on the health, well-being and opportunities available to children and families across the country. This dynamic plenary session brings together leading national voices working at the intersection of policy, advocacy and research to examine how recent and upcoming federal actions are shaping outcomes for kids.
- Whitney Tucker, Director of State Fiscal Policy Research at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
- Bruce Lesley, President and CEO of First Focus
- Wendy Cervantes, Director of Immigration and Immigrant Families at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
Morning Breakout Sessions (11:15am-12:00pm)
- EDUCATION: Riya Gupta, Executive Director, Strong Schools Maryland
- SUMMER LEARNING: Shané Tate Pimentel, Board Chair, Maryland Out of School Time Network, MOST
- FAMILY ECONOMIC SECURITY: Benjamin Orr. Founder, President and CEO, Maryland Center on Economic Policy
- MENTAL HEALTH: Ann Geddes, Director of Child and Older Adult Policy, Mental Health Association of Maryland
Lunch Plenary (12:00-1:15pm)
Leave No One Behind: How State Partners are Investing in Maryland's Children and Families
There are currently an estimated 150,000 children living in poverty in Maryland. Without consistent, targeted intervention, the cycle continues for generations, not only holding back the families in high-poverty neighborhoods, but also creating a barrier to statewide economic growth. The mission of the Moore-Miller Administration is “Leave No One Behind,” and central to that mission is a commitment to significantly reducing the number of children living in poverty. This panel discussion will feature senior leaders from Maryland's Children's Cabinet agencies, who will discuss how they are working together to decrease child poverty and boost economic mobility.
Networking and Productivity Break (1:15-1:30pm)
Afternoon Breakouts Sessions (1:30-2:30pm)
- CHILD WELFARE: Diana Philip Coordinator/Consultant Coalition to Protect Maryland's Children
- PRENATAL TO THREE: Melissa Rock Birth-To-Three Project Director Maryland Family Network
- IMMIGRATION: Ninfa Amador-Hernandez, Policy Manager, CASA Maryland
- KIDS COUNT DATA BOOK: Nonso Umunna, KIDS COUNT Director, Maryland Center on Economic Policy
Closing Remarks (2:30-3:00pm)
- Brandi Slaughter Onowu, Clinical Professor and Program Director of the Karabelle Pizzigati Initiative in Advocacy for Children, Youth and Families, University of Maryland