Conference Program/Sessions

2026 DREAM Scholars Recognition Reception

DREAM Studio: Data Informed Instruction: Making the Invisible Visible

Speaker(s):

Jarett Gilbert, Vice President of Instructional Services, Columbia Gorge Community College Dr. K.C. Williams, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning, Achieving the Dream H. Ray Keith, Associate Director, Achieving the Dream

CONCURRENT SESSION: Using Teacher Pathways To Build Community Vibrancy for Equity and Access

Speaker(s):

Chelsea Willms, Faculty, Foundations of Teacher Education, Western Technical College (WI) Alyssa Pape, Faculty, Learner Support & Transition, Western Technical College (WI) Nicole Cooksey, Dean of Academic Excellence, Education & Human Services, Western Technical College (WI)

DREAM Fellows Wrap Up

PIO/Comms Teams Meet & Greet

SAIDE Hospitality Room (by invitation only)

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Spotlight on Innovation: A Conversation With National Funders Brought to You by the North Carolina Delegation

Speaker(s):

Catharine Parker, Campaign & Fundraising Counsel, North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation (NCCCF) Katie Loovis, Executive Director, North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation (NCCF) Sean Tierney, Director of Higher Education State Policy, Arnold Ventures Mei-Yen Ireland, Gates Foundation Courtney B. Francis, Strategy Officer for State Policy, Lumina Foundation

LIGHTNING LEARNING:Transforming Course-Level Equity Through Faculty Data Engagement: The TEDDI “3 Vs” Approach

Speaker(s):

Trish Schade, Professor of English, Northern Essex Community College (MA) Dr. Trish Portanova, Professor of English, Northern Essex Community College (MA) Marcy Yeager, Dean of Academic Innovations and Professional Development, Northern Essex Community College (MA) Dr. Kirsten Kortz, Director of Academic Policy Curriculum and Assessment, Northern Essex Community College (MA)

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: This Place Fits Me: How Strategic Branding and Community Connections Can Engage Adult Learners

Speaker(s):

Dr. Julie Johnson, Founder and Principal, Strategy, StrategyForward Advisors Mary Laphen Pope, Strategy Officer, Lumina Foundation Sue Davis, Executive Director of Advancement and the CGCC Foundation, Columbia Gorge Community College

CONCURRENT SESSION: Redesigning Hybrid Courses for Shortened Academic Terms

Speaker(s):

Dr. Lori Petty, Dean of Academic Services, Amarillo College (TX) Dr. Barbara Rodriguez, Director of Learning Innovation, Achieving The Dream

CONCURRENT SESSION: Integrating Career Development Throughout the Student Journey: A Whole College Approach

Speaker(s):

Dr. Michael Buccilli, Director of Advising and Holistic Student Supports, Program Development, Achieving the Dream Dr. Angela Hughes, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Pellissippi State Community College (TN) Joshua Williams, Associate Director, Holistic Student Supports, Achieving the Dream Jessica McDonough, Director of Career Services, Pellissippi State Community College

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Together We Thrive: Collaborative Pathways to Community Vibrancy

Speaker(s):

Dr Truman Hudson Jr, Executive Director, Workforce Equity Initiative, Olive-Harvey College (IL) Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, President, City Colleges of Chicago (IL) Dr. Brandon Nichols, Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, City Colleges of Chicago (IL)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Laddering and Pipeline Generation for Health Careers

Speaker(s):

Autumn Scherzer, Dean, Workforce and Economic Development, Mott Community College (MI) Dr. Anar Guru, Dean of Health and Human Services, Mott Community College (MI)

Champions of Change Luncheon

Opening Plenary Address: Responsibility Begins With Reality: Student Lives and Institutional Choice

Speaker(s):

Stephanie Land, Best-Selling Author, Executive Producer of Netflix’s Maid, and Social Justice Advocate

Morning Plenary: Faculty as Stewards of Learning and Civic Imagination

Speaker(s):

Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, Scholar, Author, and Founder of Vision & Justice

Continental Breakfast for All Attendees

Closing Plenary: Grounded in Community: Identity, Belonging, and Institutional Responsibility

Speaker(s):

Denice Frohman, Poet and Performer; Youth Mentor Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, A Kiowa Tribal Citizen and Professor at the University of Oklahoma

Morning Plenary: Sustaining the Work: Leadership, Trust, and Community Impact

Speaker(s):

Dr. Karen A. Stout, President & CEO, Achieving the Dream

Presidents Colloquium: Accelerating Evidence-Based Reform: From Research to Practice in Community College Transformation

Speaker(s):

Tom Brock, Director at the Community College Research Center, CCRC Hana Lahr, Assistant Director of Research, Director of Applied Learning, CCRC Teachers College, Columbia University Dr. Karen Stout, President and CEO, Achieving the Dream Meghan Hughes, Senior Vice President; Workforce Development, Arts & Heritage Executive, Bank of America Dr. Davis Jenkins, Senior Research Scholar, Community College Research Center (CCRC), Teachers College, Columbia University

CONCURRENT SESSION: Debating Dual Enrollment: Weighing the Costs, Benefits, and Impact

Speaker(s):

Nick Mathern, Director; K-12 Partnerships, Achieving the Dream Alexander Perry, College in High School Alliance John K. Pitcher, Vice President & CFO, Bunker Hill Community College (MA) Thomas Broxson, Coach, ATDCoaches

CONCURRENT SESSION: PATH in Practice: What It Takes to Build Collective Impact

Speaker(s):

Dr. Lenore Rodicio, Senior Fellow, Our Cause Sana Meghani, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Our Cause Dr. Monica Trent, Chief Program & Network Officer, Achieving the Dream

SUNY Colleges Convening (by invitation only)

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Guided Pathways: More Essential Than Ever

Speaker(s):

Hana Lahr, Assistant Director of Research, Director of Applied Learning, CCRC Teachers College, Columbia University Nate Simpson, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Sue Cui, Senior Program Officer, Education Philanthropy, Ascendium Education Group

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Holistic Advising: A Journey To Bridge Academic Needs and Student Well-Being

Speaker(s):

Rene Kittle, Director of Academic Success, Salish Kootenai College (MT) Kathie Maiers, TRIO Student Support Services Director, Salish Kootenai College (MT) Amie Tryon, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Salish Kootenai College (MT)

DREAM Studio: The AI-Enhanced Student Success Journey: Leveraging Technology to Drive Community Vibrancy from First Contact to Career

Speaker(s):

Kristin Copeland, Dean of Library & Learning Innovation, Clover Park Technical College (WA) Dr. Thomas Broxson, Vice President For Instruction, Clover Park Technical College (WA) Susan Adams, Associate Director, Teaching & Learning, Achieving the Dream

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Connecting Learning, Earning, and Institutional Intelligence To Serve Every Student

Speaker(s):

Dr. Jonathan Jefferson, President, Roxbury Community College (RCC) Dr. Toni Pendergrass, President, San Juan College (NM) Elizabeth Murphy, CEO and Chief Evangelist, CampusWorks, Inc.

CONCURRENT SESSION: Click, Connect, Captivate: Engagement Strategies for Online Learning

Speaker(s):

Jenifer Heid, Administrative Assistant, United Tribes Technical College (ND) Dr. Lisa Azure, Vice President of Academic Affairs, United Tribes Technical College (ND) Dr. Leah Woodke, Director of Institutional Research, United Tribes Technical College (ND)

CONCURRENT SESSION: RELA 3.0: Leading Bold Institutional Change

Speaker(s):

Francesca Carpenter, Executive Director, Equitable Programming and Inclusive Learning, Achieving the Dream

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Enhancing the Pathways to Economic Mobility: A Case of Work-Integrated Learning and Entrepreneurship at Mangosuthu University of Technology

Speaker(s):

Dr. Phiwayinkosi Richmond Gumede, Mangosuthu University of Technology Dr. Manyane Makua, Mangosuthu University of Technology Dr. Cebo Nyondo, Mangosuthu University of Technology

CONCURRENT SESSION: From Reform to Results: A Disciplined Approach to Advancing Early Momentum at Reynolds Community College

Speaker(s):

Mr. Sean Terrell, Associate Vice President of Research, Planning, and Grants, Reynolds Community College Paula Pando, President, Reynolds Community College Lindsay Robinson, Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Executive Director, Reynolds Community College Jennifer Mezquita-Macaia, Vice President of Student Affairs, Reynolds Community College Lori Dwyer, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Reynolds Community College

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Creating Momentum with Career Communities

Speaker(s):

Cheryl Garayta, Director of Academic Quality, Lansing Community College (MI) Jeremy Davis, Director, School of Business and Interim Associate Dean Business, Commuincation, and the Arts Department, Lansing Community College (MI) Megan Lin, ACAD Lead Faculty, Lansing Community College (MI)

CONCURRENT SESSION: The Road to Institutional Health: Reflections on Building Dashboards That Drive Change

Speaker(s):

Kasia Sanchez, Executive Director Institutional Health & Continuous Improvement, City Colleges of Chicago (IL) Brittany Kairis, Vice Chancellor Strategy & Planning, City Colleges of Chicago (IL)

Afternoon Refreshment Break

Continental Breakfast for All Attendees

Opening Reception

Continental Breakfast for All Attendees

Dell Community College to Career Meeting Luncheon (by invitation only)

Bank of America Career Development Cohort (by invitation only)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: What if College Came With Cash? How BOOST Is Disrupting Poverty and Empowering Students?

Speaker(s):

Kelly King, Executive Director, Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges Jonathan Reid, Program Officer, ECMC Foundation

LIGHTNING LEARNING: From Crisis to Opportunity: Leveraging Technology To Enhance Student Engagement

Speaker(s):

Dr. Saloschini Pillay, Natal, Manager, Student Support Services, University of KwaZulu-Natal Dr. Sinegugu Duma, Dean of Teaching and Learning, University of KwaZulu-Natal

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Using Labor Market Information (LMI) To Anticipate Local Needs and Develop High-Impact Programs

Speaker(s):

Dr. Anne Bartlett, Vice President, Industry & Community Resources, Brazosport College (TX) Michelle Rodriguez, Lightcast-Formerly EMSI

CONCURRENT SESSION: Strengthening Outcomes for Pre-Health Students Through Pathways to High-Value Credentials

Speaker(s):

Josh Wyner, Executive Director, College Excellence Program, The Aspen Institute Joe Schaffer, President, Laramie County Community College Francisco Solis, President, San Antonio College

CONCURRENT SESSION: An Evidence-Based Approach to Broadening Access to STEM Careers for Underrepresented Groups

Speaker(s):

Daniel Pino, Program Coordinator, Workforce Development, American Society of Mechanical Engineers Kathleen Kosmoski, Director, Workforce Development, American Society of Mechanical Engineers Jesutofunmi Akerele, CAD Club President, Prince George's Community College (MD) Alicia Jackson-Warren, Program Director of Career Development and Internships, Prince George's Community College

CONCURRENT SESSION: The Story Behind the Statistics: Relationships Driving Change

Speaker(s):

Dr. Christine Mangino, President, Queensborough Community College (NY) Tanisha Mallette, Chief Content Officer and Director of Communications, Queensborough Community College (NY) Dr. Amaris Matos, Queensborough Community College (NY)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Analysis of the Tutorship Programme’s Impact at a South African University: Scaling Peer Learning to Enhance Student Success

Speaker(s):

Sabelo Peter, Campus Manager and Coordinator: Peer Assisted Learning, Walter Sisulu University

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Tri-C’s Market Research To Inform Investments To Drive Student Outcomes

Speaker(s):

Sarah Cleveland, Manager, Huron Consulting Dr. Lindsay English, Associate Vice President, Cuyahoga Community College (OH)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Putting Labor Market Tools To Work for Student and Institutional Success

Speaker(s):

Evan Pauken, Director of Student Success, Michigan Community College Association (MI) Amy Gibbs, Director of Career and Workforce, Bay College (MI)

Dream Lab: Integrate Career Advising Across the Student Experience

Speaker(s):

Dr. Michael Buccilli, Director, Advising and Holistic Student Supports, Achieving The Dream Joshua Williams, Associate Director, Holistic Student Supports, Achieving the Dream

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Empowering Enrollment Teams, Elevating Student Success Through Modernized Transcript Processing

Speaker(s):

Jamie Stringer, Vice President of Student Services and Innovation, Roane State Community College (TN)

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Leading With Purpose: How Community Colleges Are Using Responsible AI To Drive Student Success

Speaker(s):

Dr. Courtney Skiles, Director of Enrollment Services, Trinity Valley Community College Brian Gann, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, Wake Technical Community College Brendan Henkel, AVP of Solutions Engineering, Element451

CONCURRENT SESSION: Cross-State Evidence and Experiences Implementing Shortened Academic Terms

Speaker(s):

Dr. Maggie Fay, Senior Learning and Impact Officer, Ascendium Education Group Dr. Sara Adan, Manager, Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research, Foundation for California Community Colleges

CONCURRENT SESSION: Building Belonging by Design: Using Data To Drive Career-Connected Student Success

Speaker(s):

Sarah Shannon-Mohamed, Director, Onboarding and New Student Programs, Central Carolina Community College Dr. Kristi Short, Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Central Carolina Community College

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Building Faculty Capacity for Shortened Academic Terms: A Statewide Learning Model

Speaker(s):

Cassie Donnelly, Program Manager, Foundation for California Community Colleges Dr. Laurie Fladd, Coach, Achieving the Dream Paula Talley, Executive Director, Holistic Student Supports and Workforce Alignment, Achieving the Dream Sandy Ho, Specialist, Strategic Policy, Innovation, and Research, Foundation for California Community Colleges Shauna Turner, Senior Program Specialist, Foundation for California Community Colleges

CONCURRENT SESSION: Scaling OER for Access: Institutional Pathways and the Emerging Role of AI

Speaker(s):

Candice Benge Steele, Education Researcher, SRI Education Dr. Ela Joshi, Senior Education Researcher, SRI Eric Fiero, Associate Director, Teaching & Learning Programs and Implementation, Achieving the Dream Susan Adams, Associate Director, Teaching & Learning, Achieving the Dream

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Reimagining Humanities Pathways: Connecting Learning, Work, and Equity

Speaker(s):

Donna Hunt, Program Coordinator, Mandel Humanities to Career Program, Lorain County Community College (OH) Molly Phelps, Director, Humanities to Career Program, Bunker Hill Community College (MA)

SAIDE Delegation Breakfast (by invitation only)

TCU Partner Organization Alignment Session

ATD 2025 Cohort Meeting

Alliance for Community College Learner Success Roundtable Discussion Breakfast with HCM Strategists

Learning Inclusive Futures Together (LIFT) Roundtable Discussion

Speaker(s):

Francesca Carpenter, Executive Director, Equitable Programming and Inclusive Learning, Achieving the Dream Jairo McMican, Associate Director of Equity Initiatives, Achieving the Dream Nick Mathern, Director; K-12 Partnerships, Achieving the Dream Ms. Stephanie Davolos, Director, Gateway to College Initiatives, Achieving the Dream

Reception for ATD Coaches

DREAM Studio: Blueprint for Belonging: Co-Designing a Successful Student Experience

Speaker(s):

Dr. Brian Merritt, Sr. Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, North Carolina Community College System Jairo McMican, Associate Director of Equity Initiatives, Achieving the Dream

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Digital Adaptability: Preparing Faculty and Students for the Next Shift

Speaker(s):

Ronald Lethcoe, Curriculum & Instructional Design Specialist, Clover Park Technical College (WA) Kristin Copeland, Dean of Library & Learning Innovation, Clover Park Technical College (WA) Geoffrey Cain, Curriculum & Instructional Design Specialist, Clover Park Technical College (WA)

SPOTLIGHT SESSION: The Mobility Imperative: Ensuring Programs Deliver Real Economic Value for Students

Speaker(s):

Dr. Keith Curry, President, Compton College (CA) Amari Williams, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Compton College (CA) Dr. Kenyatta Lovett, Principal, Education Strategy Group Dr. Sean Moore, President, Academic Senate, Compton College (CA) Dr. Monica Trent, Chief Program & Network Officer, Achieving the Dream

CONCURRENT SESSION: Supporting Student Parents: Data-Driven Strategies for Equity and Completion

Speaker(s):

Carrie Welton, Senior Policy Strategist, Trellis Strategies Angelica Cancino de Sandoval, Senior Director, Basic Needs & Advocacy, Austin Community College (TX) Allyson Cornett, Director of Research, Trellis Strategies

CONCURRENT SESSION: The Power of Apprenticeships: Driving Graduation and Economic Mobility While Reducing Equity Gaps

Speaker(s):

Besa Sadiku, Manager, Workforce Initiatives, William Rainey Harper College Darice Trout, Senior Director, Workforce Solutions/Job Placement, Harper College (IL)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Spanish Language Pathways to High Wage Jobs

Speaker(s):

Dr. Anne Bartlett, Vice President, Industry & Community Resources, Brazosport College (TX) Dr. Gracie Pequeno, Dean, Adult Education & Transition Initiatives, Brazosport College (TX)

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Becoming an Early Adopter: What It Takes To Lead in Access and Mobility

Speaker(s):

Jason Hamilton, Senior Director, Higher Ed Engagement, Common App Brian Gann, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, Wake Technical Community College

Dream Lab: Build Additional Data Capacity To Support Community Vibrancy

Speaker(s):

Dr. Bobbie Frye, Achieving the Dream Dr. Lisa Stich, Director, Postsecondary Data Partnership, Achieving the Dream

CONCURRENT SESSION: Comprehensive Approaches for Supporting Adult Learners

Speaker(s):

Susan Mayer, Chief Learning Officer, Achieving the Dream Dr. Kara Monroe, ATD Coach, Monarch Strategies LLC Julie Alexander, Coach, Achieving the Dream Ms. Natalie Devonish, Vice President Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Atlantic Cape Community College (NJ)

CONCURRENT SESSION: Collaborate for Impact: Building Employer Partnerships That Power Student Success

Speaker(s):

Amy Shields, Executive Director, ACCE Foundation and VP, Programs, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Amanda Olmstead, Director of Workforce Alignment, Achieving the Dream

SPOTLIGHT SESSION: Strength in Story: Evaluating Project Success and Celebrating TCU-Led Innovation

Speaker(s):

Dr. Melinda Anderson, Executive Director, Network Engagement, Achieving The Dream RunningHorse Livingston, Managing Consultant, Education Northwest Alina Randall-Long, Associate Director, Tribal College and University Programs, Achieving the Dream Mandy Smoker Broaddus, Native and Culturally Responsive Education Leader, Education Northwest

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: From Classroom to Career: How AI Is Reshaping Workforce Readiness—and How Institutions Can Respond

Speaker(s):

Briana Faulkes, Director, Inclusion and Diversity, Ellucian Lyquaia Purcell, Senior Director, Industry Engagement & Government Relations, Ellucian

CONCURRENT SESSION: Free Summer Classes: Driving Momentum| Reducing Student Cost, and Generating Net Revenue

Speaker(s):

Matthew Fessler, Dean of Enrollment, Hudson County Community College (NJ) John Urgola, Associate Vice President, Institutional Research and Planning, Hudson County Community College (NJ) Dr. Christopher Reber, President, Hudson County Community College (NJ)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Colleges Contributing Value to Communities (CO3)

Speaker(s):

Katy Launius, Strategy Officer for Student Success, Lumina Foundation Ryan Kelsey, Director, Higher Education & Workforce, Urban Institute Mr. Manoj Patil, President, Little Priest Tribal College (NE) Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, President, City Colleges of Chicago (IL) Dr. Julie White, Chancellor, Pierce College (WA) Dr. Shanna Jackson, President, Nashville State Community College (TN)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Mentorship in Action: Preparing Graduate Students of Color for Community College Teaching

Speaker(s):

Dr. Maria Wright, Director, Academic Support Services, Bakersfield College Dr. Kimberly Arellano Carmona, Professor of Public Health, Bakersfield College Jamal Wright, Professor of History, Bakersfield College Dr. Bill Mosely, Professor of Computer Science, Bakersfield College Jesus Cisneros, Assistant Dean, Graduate Division, University of California, Merced

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Building Bridges for Student Success: Transfer Mentoring Program

Speaker(s):

Barbara Smith, Executive Director, University of Texas, San Antonio Dr. Yolanda Reyes-Guevara, Director, Northwest Vista College

Dream Lab: Empower Mid-Level Leaders To Champion Institutional Change

Speaker(s):

Paula Talley, Executive Director, Holistic Student Supports and Workforce Alignment, Achieving the Dream Dr. Monica Parrish Trent, Chief Program and Network Officer, Achieving the Dream

CONCURRENT SESSION: Connecting College to Career: Unlocking Economic Mobility Through Integrated, Trusted Data Tools and Support

Speaker(s):

Dr. Caitlin Augustin, Vice President, Product and Programs, DataKind Dr. Erica Pereira Amorim, Chief Data, Research, and Analytics Officer, Achieving The Dream

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: From Complicated to Cohesive: Creating Technology Alignment for Student Success

Speaker(s):

Melissa Weekes-Stoute, Director of Customer Development, Civitas Learning Greg LaPointe, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Community College of Rhode Island (RI)

CONCURRENT SESSION: Advancing Longitudinal Insights for Your Students with the PDP

Speaker(s):

Dr. Bobbie Frye, Achieving the Dream Tanya Ternes, Manager of Institutional Research, Elgin Community College (IL) Dr. Lisa Stich, Director, Postsecondary Data Partnership, Achieving the Dream

CONCURRENT SESSION: Removing Barriers to Basic Needs Supports for Students

Speaker(s):

Dr. Michael Buccilli, Director of Advising and Holistic Student Supports, Program Development, Achieving the Dream Marketa Gray, Program Coordinator, Student Support Services, Northern Virginia Community College (VA) Eileen Markert, Strategic Initiatives Specialist, Capital Area Food Bank Joshua Williams, Associate Director, Holistic Student Supports, Achieving the Dream Amirah Dales, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Capital Area Food Bank Janneice Williams, Program Advisor, TRiO SSS, Prince George's Community College Sabrina Tadele, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Capital Area Food Bank

LIGHTNING LEARNING: From Cradle to Career: A Collective Impact Approach to Community Vibrancy

Speaker(s):

Josh Pollack, Network Advisor, StriveTogether Dr. Jackie Cruz, Vice President, Advancement and Development, Hartnell College (CA) Dr. Gayle Pitman, Vice President of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness, and Success, Hartnell College (CA) Tony Amezcua, Director of Bright Futures Educational Partnership, Hartnell College (CA)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Why Adults Don’t Enroll: Barriers to Reconnect Scholarships from Students’ View

Speaker(s):

Sage Love, Analyst, Ithaka S+R Joanna Dressel, Analyst, Ithaka S+R

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: AI Agents and the Future of Advising

Speaker(s):

Jason Porter, VP of Customer Succes, Mongoose

DREAM Studio: Partner Up & Power On!: Exploring Partnerships and Tools to Boost Basic Needs Supports

Speaker(s):

Pam Blumenthal, ARCS Director, College Housing Northwest Marketa Gray, Program Coordinator, Student Support Services, Northern Virginia Community College (VA) Dr. Jermaine Williams, President, Montgomery College (MD) Eileen Markert, Strategic Initiatives Specialist, Capital Area Food Bank Dr. Deidre Price, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs/College Provost, Montgomery College (MD) Dr. Rashida Willard, Interim Associate Vice President - Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Mt. Hood Community College Bhaktirose Dawdy, Director of Student Basic Needs Initiatives, Mt. Hood Community College Amirah Dales, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Capital Area Food Bank Sabrina Tadele, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Capital Area Food Bank Janneice Williams, Program Advisor, TRiO SSS, Prince George's Community College

TCU Capacity for Student Success- By Invitation only

LIGHTNING LEARNING: From Opportunity to Outcome: How Cross-Campus Design Drives Momentum?

Speaker(s):

Donna Whitehouse, Dean, School of Health Sciences, Nashville State Community College (TN) Dr. Julie Williams, Associate Vice President Student Affairs, Nashville State Community College (TN) Laura Moran, Executive Director, Enrollment Services, Nashville State Community College (TN) Kim Silverman, Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs for Extended Campuses, Nashville State Community College (TN)

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Analyzing and Optimizing Educational Technology Platforms To Increase College Access

Speaker(s):

Sophia Sutcliffe, Research Associate, MDRC Kasey Eickmeyer, Research Associate, MDRC

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Closing Institutional Gaps: How Queensborough Comm College Is Accelerating Student Momentum Through High-Impact Teaching

Speaker(s):

Dr. Christine Mangino, President, Queensborough Community College (NY) Meghan Snow, Chief Learning Officer, ACUE

CONCURRENT SESSION: Supporting Student Success in Online Courses: A Model for Self-Directed Learning

Speaker(s):

Ariela Lange, Associate Professor, Developmental Mathematics, Odessa College (TX) Dr. Brian Jones, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Achieving the Dream Dr. Jessica Mislevy, Senior Researcher, SRI Dr. Susan Bickerstaff, Senior Research Associate, Community College Research Center (CCRC), Teachers College, Columbia University Nikki Handley, Developmental Math Coordinator & Instructor, Odessa College (TX) Neyeli Dominguez, Student, Odessa College (TX) Cheyenne Natividad, Student, Odessa College (TX)

CONCURRENT SESSION: From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Postsecondary Pathways for Learners Who Are System-Impacted

Speaker(s):

Katie Dwyer, Director, Prison Education and Community Reentry Program, Chemeketa Community College Tracie Hightower, Director of Training and Education, Oregon Department of Corrections Michael Dembrow, Commissioner,  Higher Education Coordinating Commission

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Core Principles for Transforming Developmental Education

Speaker(s):

Paula Talley, Executive Director, Holistic Student Supports and Workforce Alignment, Achieving the Dream Victoria Ballerini, Director, Strong Start to Finish Dr. Ann Edwards, Director of Research and Implementation, WestEd

South African Delegation Debrief

LIGHTNING LEARNING:The Power of Student Voice: From Insights to Transformative Outcomes

Speaker(s):

Daysha Jackson Sanchez, VP of Student Success and Impact, Lumen Learning Dr. Juile Neisler, Director of Quantitative Research, Digital Promise H. Ray Keith, Associate Director, Achieving the Dream Dr. Daniel Parker, Senior Quantitative Researcher, Digital Promise Dr. Mandi Koch, Associate Director, Research & Assessment, Achieving the Dream

RESET + REFOCUS: Chair Yoga for Long Conference Days

Dream Lab: Implement Workforce Pell Successfully

Speaker(s):

Amanda Olmstead, Director of Workforce Alignment, Achieving the Dream

RESET + REFOCUS: Chair Yoga for Long Conference Days

DREAM Studio: AI for Access & Achievement: Empowering Community Colleges to Unlock Student Success Sponsored by Element451

Speaker(s):

Josh Schwartz, Vice President of Marketing, Element451 Ty Fujimura, Chief Product Officer, Element451 Brendan Henkel, AVP of Solutions Engineering, Element451

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Scheduling Shortened Terms as a Student Success Strategy

Speaker(s):

Dr. Jennifer Whisman, Instructional Support Services and Special Projects, Guilford Technical Community College Dr. Susan English, Education Consultant, Ad Astra

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Stackable Skills, Strong Finances: Turning Credentials Into Income for All Communities

Speaker(s):

Terri Thomas, Vice President, Business Development Manager, JPMorgan Chase Bank Dr. Chandra Williams, Vice President,?Business Development Manager|?Strategy, Growth, and Operations, Chase

CONCURRENT SESSION: From 5% to 30%: Proven Strategies To Retain and Graduate Students

Speaker(s):

LaVon Williams, Associate Director of Student Success, UCNJ

CONCURRENT SESSION: How Leadership and Soft Skills Development Transformed the Student Experience at Palm Beach State College

Speaker(s):

Prof. Rachel McDermott, Professor of English and Literature, Palm Beach State College (FL) Sherry Hall, Professor of English and Literature , Palm Beach State College (FL) Luli Marx, Associate Dean, Palm Beach State College (FL)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Sustaining a Same-Team Partnership: A Faculty Union and Administration Changing Traditional Roles To Accelerate Success

Speaker(s):

Dr. Rebecca Butler, Executive Vice President, Columbus State Community College (OH) Dr. Desiree Polk-Bland, Senior Vice President, Student Success, Columbus State Community College (OH) Dr. Adam Keller, Professor and President of CSEA, Columbus State Community College (OH)

CONCURRENT SESSION: Using Data To Scale Shortened Academic Terms and Untangle Student Barriers to Course Success

Speaker(s):

Dr. Greg Thomas, VP of Academic and Student Affairs, Isothermal Community College (NC) Dr. Lindsey Holland, Dean, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Chattanooga State Community College (TN)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Earn and Learn Pathways: Partnering To Support Neurodiverse Learners

Speaker(s):

Leah Kintner, Oakton College (IL)

DREAM Studio: Building a Strong Data-Empowered Culture

Speaker(s):

Dr. Charissa Jakusz, Associate Vice President of Student Services, Chippewa Valley Technical College (WI) Matt McLaughlin, Director, Insights, Planning and Decision Support, Harper College (IL) Hannah Connor, Student Central Manager, Chippewa Valley Technical College (WI)

Registration Open

Registration Open

Registration Open

Registration Open

Dream Scholars Orientation

LIGHTNING LEARNING: The Decision Matrix: SAILS’ Mathematical Reasoning for Success

Speaker(s):

Dr. Laura Mason, Curriculum Development Director, Tennessee Board of Regents Juanita Creswell, Field Coordinator, Tennessee Board of Regents Micah Smith, Field Coordinator, Tennessee Board of Regents Mary Call-Blanusa, Director of Public Policy and Partnerships, Alliance for Decision Education Dr. KC Alvarado, Learning Director of RFI, eDymanic Learning, Ready for Industry

VitalSource Breakfast Meeting

The Finish Line Game® Experience

CONCURRENT SESSION: Tribal Colleges and Universities Are Leading the Way for Student Caregivers

Speaker(s):

Dr. Theresa Anderson, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute Jonathan Breaker, TCU Student Success Program Officer, American Indian College Fund Todd VanDeslunt, Dean of Students, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (WI) Amie Tryon, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Salish Kootenai College (MT) Jeremy Laducer, Program Director for Student Support Services, Turtle Mountain Community College (ND) Elizabeth Osche, Principal, PERG Learning

CONCURRENT SESSION: Turning Grants Into Growth: Making Short-Term Projects Matter

Speaker(s):

Arielle Endres, Ascendium Education Group Bo Doney, Program Manager, Ascendium Education Group

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Empowering Adult Learners Through Credit for Prior Learning and Navigational Supports

Speaker(s):

Dr. Adrienne Fontenot, Vice President Membership, Coalition on Adult Basic Education Sharon Bonney, Chief Executive Officer, Coalition on Adult Basic Education

CONCURRENT SESSION: Transforming Student Success: Dallas College’s Revolutionary Approach to Campus Well-Being

Speaker(s):

Dr. Carlos Cruz, Associate Vice Chancellor for Well-Being and Social Support, Dallas College - Cedar Valley Campus (TX) Dr. Thaddeus Mantaro, Dean of Student Health and Wellness, Dallas College - Cedar Valley Campus (TX)

SPOTLIGHT SESSION: Rooted in Community: How Place-Based Partnerships Advance Student Success and Community Vibrancy

Speaker(s):

Pam Blumenthal, ARCS Director, College Housing Northwest Nick Mathern, Director; K-12 Partnerships, Achieving the Dream Patty Hawkins, Program Dean, Electronics, Mechatronics, Advanced Manufacturing, Portland Community College Josh Laurie, Dean of College Success Programs, Portland Community College Claudia Rizo Mendoza, Workforce Development Manager, City of Hillsboro Nick Mathern, Director; K-12 Partnerships, Achieving the Dream

Afternoon Refreshment Break

Morning Coffee break

Morning Coffee Break

SAT Cohort Meeting: Scaling Shortened Terms: Building Momentum for Change

LIGHTNING LEARNING: From Charges to Chances: A Second-Chance College Model

Speaker(s):

Dr. Julie Stotts, Director of Strategic Planning & Partnerships, Alamo Colleges District (TX) Yousef Kassim, Founder & CEO, Easy Expunctions

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Breaking Down Barriers Between Systems: How Roane State Community College Uses AI To Transform Data Into  Action

Speaker(s):

Jamie Stringer, Vice President of Student Services and Innovation, Roane State Community College (TN) Ryan Lau, CEO, Straia, Inc.

Dream Lab: Assess and Advance Faculty Professional Development

Speaker(s):

Dr. K.C. Williams, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning, Achieving the Dream

SPOTLIGHT SESSION: Leading the AI Transformation: From Vision to Practice

Speaker(s):

Dr. Thomas Broxson, Vice President For Instruction, Clover Park Technical College (WA) Susan Adams, Associate Director, Teaching & Learning, Achieving the Dream Dr. Randy Van Wagoner, President, Mohawk Valley Community College

CONCURRENT SESSION: Distance Education Done Well: Building Statewide Capacity for Inclusive Online Learning in Ohio’s Community Colleges

Speaker(s):

Dr. James Jarc, Director of Faculty Professional Development, Cuyahoga Community College (OH) Dr. Toni L. Johnson, Dean, Academic Services, North Central State College (OH)

CONCURRENT SESSION: College Business Models for Scaling Purposeful Dual Enrollment without Passing on Costs to Students

Speaker(s):

Sarah Griffin, Research Associate, Teachers College, Columbia University Dr. Davis Jenkins, Senior Research Scholar, Community College Research Center (CCRC), Teachers College, Columbia University Dr. Christopher Conzen, Executive Director, Secaucus Center and Early College Program, Hudson County Community College (NJ) Tony De La Cruz, Associate Dean for Dual Credit Programs, South Texas College

CONCURRENT SESSION: Centering Student Voice: Transforming Dual Enrollment Advising for Better Outcomes

Speaker(s):

Jordan Salazar, Director, Dual Credit Progams, Lee College (TX) Anthony Perez, Program Manager, DESSE, Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: From Data Gap to Roadmap: Tracking Non-Degree Outcomes for Workforce Needs and Federal Requirements

Speaker(s):

Thomas Jay Benjamin, Vice President Institutional Research Data Analytics and Campus Technologies, Lorain County Community College (OH) Tom Prendergast, Executive Director Strategic and Institutional Transformation, North Central State College (OH) Kate Smalkin, Vice President of Engagemen, CredLens

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Community Colleges as Civic Hubs: Reimagining Anchor Institutions for Community Vibrancy

Speaker(s):

Joelle Deleveaux, Strategy Officer, Lumina Foundation Caitlin Shrigley, Director of Learning and Impact, Trust for Civic Life

SStF Network Partner Meeting (by invitation only)

Gateway to College Network Gathering

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Developing Employer Partnerships To Advance Student Outcomes

Speaker(s):

Dr. Rosemary Costigan, President, Community College of Rhode Island (RI) Dixie McMahon, Senior Vice President, Bank of America

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Supporting Digital Equity and Access Through Library Partnerships

Speaker(s):

Dr. Elmira Jangjou, Senior Analyst, Ithaka S+R Melissa Blankstein, Ithaka S+R Jessica Chrisman-DeNegri, Student Technology and Library Services Manager, Waubonsee Community College (IL) Becky Goode, Library Services Coordinator, Waubonsee Community College

CONCURRENT SESSION: Transforming CCs toward Servingness: Institutional Alignment & Conceptional Framework for Hispanic, Adult & ELL Students

Speaker(s):

Dr. Nicholas Branson, Assistant Vice-President, Strategic Advancement, College of Lake County (IL) Itzel Hernandez, Academic Success Advisor, College of Lake County (IL) Derrick Harden, College of Lake County (IL) Sinai Mejia, Ell Program Navigator/Transloator, Northwood Technical College (WI) Kate Nolin-Smith, Director, Academic Support, Northwood Technical College (WI)

Building Capacity for Transformation TCU Session (by invitation only)

Leading Digital Transformation: A Roundtable Discussion Breakfast (by invitation only)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Implementing Competency-Based Education as a Modality for Student Success

Speaker(s):

Amanda Olmstead, Director of Workforce Alignment, Achieving the Dream Dr. Myshie Pagel, Dean, El Paso Community College (TX)

CONCURRENT SESSION: The Heat That Transforms: Cultivating Vulnerability as an Asset That Advances Student-Affirming and Validating Learning Environments

Speaker(s):

Patrick Lee Clark, Teaching Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota-Duluth and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

LIGHTNING LEARNING: From Metrics to Meaning: Developing a Community-Based Indigenous Success Framework

Speaker(s):

Tamara Johnson, Institute for American Indian Arts Ms. Jesse Morris, Institute of American Indian Arts (NM)

CONCURRENT SESSION: From Barriers to Access: A Centralized, Equity-Driven Model for Career Pathways

Speaker(s):

Breanna Galuska, Partnership Specialist, Office of College and Career Readiness, Saint Paul Public Schools Jennifer Vigil, Program Specialist, Saint Paul Public Schools Katie Pierre, Director of College Partnerships, Saint Paul College (MN) Beth Coleman, Assistant Director, School Counseling, Saint Paul Public Schools Lisa Gruszka, Director of Academic Partnerships, Century College (MN)

Amplifying Student Voices Day Gathering (by invitation only)

Amplifying Student Voices Lunch

Oregon Policy Meeting

ATD Coach Retreat (by invitation only)

North Carolina DREAM Fellows Orientation

ATD Funders Meeting (by invitation only)

Celebration Dinner for Karen A. Stout by invitation only

DREAM Studio: Strategic Enrollment Management for Adult Learners: Driving Recruitment, Retention, and Mobility 

Speaker(s):

Dr. Kelly Gray, Vice President of Academic & Student Services, North Central State College (OH) Dr. John Hamblin, Vice President of Student Development, Mt Hood Community College Dr. Abraham Donas, Vice President, Chief Student Services Officer, Durham Technical Community College  Susana Hines, Kids on Campus Partnership Director, National Head Start Association

Luncheon for Prison Educator Providers - Hosted by Ascendium (by invitation only)

Aspen Presidential Fellowship Alumni Reception (by invitation only)

Texas Pre Health Care PLC Lunch

DREAM Studio: Beyond Credits: Embedding Advising to Strengthen Dual Enrollment Pathways 

Speaker(s):

Dr. Michael Buccilli, Director, Advising and Holistic Student Supports, Achieving The Dream Nick Mathern, Director; K-12 Partnerships, Achieving the Dream Ms. Mison Yun, Associate Vice Chancellor, College and High School Relations, Austin Community College District (TX)

Bank of America Private Breakfast (by invitation only)

Tribal Colleges & Universities (TCU) Reception

Meet the Network Reception

Foundation for California Community Colleges Shortened Academic Term Cohort Meeting

COABE Breakfast Meeting

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Leading With the Student Voice: How Brazosport College and EdSights Built a Connected Path From Admission to Retention

Speaker(s):

Tracee Watts, Senior Vice President for Student Success & Advancement, Brazosport College

INNOVATIVE COLLABORATION: Scalable Workforce Pathways: Insights From the ACT–MCC Workforce Pell Prototype

Speaker(s):

Lyndsie Gibbs, Director of Career Skills and Advancement, Metropolitan Community College Christine Nieto, Director, Workforce Solutions, ACT

LIGHTNING LEARNING:Teaching by Design: A New Faculty Onboarding Model for Lasting Impact

Speaker(s):

Dr. Megan Rector, Faculty Director of the Center for Professional Enrichment, Arapahoe Community College (CO) Cheryl Calhoun, Provost & Vice President of Instruction, Arapahoe Community College (CO)

Dream Lab: Design Dual Enrollment Pathways With Intention and Impact

Speaker(s):

Nick Mathern, Director; K-12 Partnerships, Achieving the Dream

DREAM Studio: Career-Connected Pathways: Preparing Students for the Workforce through Work-Based Learning and AI

Speaker(s):

Melody Brennan, Director of Educational Technology, Chippewa Valley Technical College (WI) Amy Shields, Executive Director, ACCE Foundation and VP, Programs, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Eric Fiero, Associate Director, Teaching & Learning Programs and Implementation, Achieving the Dream Amanda Olmstead, Director of Workforce Alignment, Achieving the Dream

CONCURRENT SESSION: Cutting-Edge Research in Rural Community Colleges

Speaker(s):

Makoto Toyoda, Research Assistant, MDRC Alyssa Ratledge, Senior Research Analyst, MDRC Sabrina Klein, Research Associate, MDRC

CONCURRENT SESSION: Scaling Success for Parenting Students: Lessons from ATD Network College Cohorts

Speaker(s):

Emily Akins-Sexton, Success Coach, North Arkansas College Meredith Archer Hatch, Director, Network Relations, Achieving the Dream Angelica Cancino de Sandoval, Senior Director, Basic Needs & Advocacy, Austin Community College (TX) Brittany Harris, Career Pathways Advisor, North Arkansas College Amber Huffman, Manager, Parenting and Family Engagement, Austin Community College District (TX) Ann Slaughter, Director of Child Development Centers, Pierce College (WA) Donata Worrell, Director of Planning and Evaluation, Patrick & Henry Community College (VA) Kaylyn Gary, Accessibility Specialist, Patrick & Henry Community College (VA) Jeffrey Tinley, Director Institutional Research, Roane State Community College (TN) Dr. Wendi Dew, Executive Director, Coaching Practice, Achieving the Dream

CONCURRENT SESSION: Centering Student Learning Through Evidence-Based Instruction

Speaker(s):

H. Ray Keith, Associate Director, Achieving the Dream Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Assistant Vice President, UNCF Institute for Capacity Building Dr. Carloas Wilson, Faculty, Philander Smith University

Scaling Success for Parenting Students Cohorts Breakfast Gathering - By invitation only

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Coordinating Safety, Wellness, and Academic Continuity Across a Multicampus Institution: The NOVA Model

Speaker(s):

Dr. Deborah Wyne, Associate Vice President, Enrollment Success, Northern Virginia Community College (VA) Dr. Jamin Bartolomeo, Associate Vice President, Engagement and Retention, Northern Virginia Community College John Boggs, Associate Vice President, Student Support Services - Student Affairs, Northern Virginia Community College (VA)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Aligning Program Costs and Workforce Demand for Student Success

Speaker(s):

Dr. Kelli Rainey, Senior Director, NACUBO Ms. Dina Farrell, Vice President and CFO, Finance and Business Services, Portland Community College (OR) Dr. Jennifer Ernst, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Portland Community College (OR)

SPOTLIGHT SESSION: The Student and Community Centered College: Achieving Community Vibrancy Through Unlocking Opportunity

Speaker(s):

Dr. Marcia Ballinger, President, Lorain County Community College (OH) Dr. Marisa Vernon-White, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services, Lorain County Community College (OH)

LIGHTNING LEARNING: Beyond Frictionless: Why Community College Students Need Humanities To Thrive with AI

Speaker(s):

Eric Fiero, Associate Director, Teaching & Learning Programs and Implementation, Achieving the Dream Susan Adams, Associate Director, Teaching & Learning, Achieving the Dream Dr. Wanda White-Walker, Director of Humanities Education Initiatives, Achieving the Dream

SPOTLIGHT SESSION: More Essential than Ever: Helping Every Student Make a Career-Connected Educational Plan

Speaker(s):

Dr. Holly Clendenen, Chief Student Services Officer, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Hana Lahr, Assistant Director of Research, Director of Applied Learning, CCRC Teachers College, Columbia University Dr. Kellie Ziemak, Executive Director of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, St. Petersburg College Dr. Davis Jenkins, Senior Research Scholar, Community College Research Center (CCRC), Teachers College, Columbia University

CONCURRENT SESSION: Unlocking Workforce Pell: Data, Quality, and Pathways for Student Success

Speaker(s):

Dr. Robert Matthews, Executive Dean, Workforce and Career Development, Mott Community College (MI) Iris Palmer, Senior Policy Analyst, New America Dr. Marcus Matthews, Assistant Vice President, Workforce and Economic Development, Mott Community College (MI)

Evening Reception for North Carolina Delegation & Partners (by invitation only)

Board of Directors Dinner

International Dinner (by invitation only) (Bus transportation from the Hyatt Regency leaving @ 6pm))

Team Times

Team Time

Team Times

Lunch Break On Your Own

Team Time