2019 Rebuilding for Learning Summit: Full Schedule

KNOW YOUR IMPACT! TODAY IS FULL OF POSSIBILITIES. The 2019 Rebuilding for Learning Summit will feature a compelling meld of state and local speakers. As in year’s past, breakfast and lunch will be provided. Join us starting at 7:30 for a light breakfast, coffee, and socializing. The welcome will begin at 8:00 am. Breakout sessions this year focus around the endless possibilities available in our community that make an impact in the lives of students and families in La Crosse.

***Don’t forget to register for the three keynotes and lunch.

7:00am CDT

Sun Rise Yoga

Presenters

Betsy Delzer

Coordinator of Mindful Education and Leadership Development, Middleton Cross Plains School District

Betsy has been an educator in Middleton Cross Plains School District (MCPASD) since 2001. She has been certified through Street Yoga (a trauma-informed yoga training), completed her 200 hour yoga training through Inner Light Studios in Milwaukee, (an Integrative Yoga Therapy program... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 7:00am - 7:30am CDT
Second Floor Near the Balcony Entrance

8:00am CDT

Welcome to the 2019 Rebuilding for Learning Summit - Know Your Impact!

Our on-going collaboration between La Crosse County, City of La Crosse, and School District of La Crosse - and well over 30 frontline organizations working directly in support of youth and families - is poised to unveil another outstanding experience.

We welcome you to a day filled with sessions that focus around the endless possibilities available in our community that are making an impact in the lives of students and families in the La Crosse area.

Monday October 28, 2019 8:00am - 8:30am CDT
South Hall A

Large Group

8:30am CDT

Everyone Leads: Know Your Impact! (Opening Keynote)

In “Everyone Leads: Building Leadership from the Community Up,” I share Public Allies’ two decades of experience developing more than 5,000 young adults from all backgrounds to become effective leaders in their communities. I try and surprise the audience with unexpected stories, and invite audience members to consider new leadership possibilities within themselves and their communities. I also illustrate leadership values critical to being an authentic, inclusive, collaborative, and accountable leader.

Presenters

Paul Schmitz

Leading Inside Out

Through his consulting firm, Leading Inside Out, and his role as Senior Advisor to The Collective Impact Forum, Paul Schmitz builds the collective leadership of organizations and communities to achieve greater impact. He is an author, speaker, trainer, and consultant whose work focuses... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 8:30am - 9:50am CDT
South Hall A

Large Group

10:00am CDT

Alliance to HEAL

Limited Capacity seats available

The Alliance to HEAL (Halting the Effects of Addiction Locally) launched in August of 2018 to work towards healing the broken continuum of care for local people with substance abuse disorders. Alliance to HEAL brought together over 80 community members including judges, mayors, hospital CEOs, legislators, and boots on the ground people working directly with those struggling with addiction. Together, they're sharing their experiences and are problem-solving to improve our community response to the opioid crisis.

Together as an alliance, we will halt the devastating effects caused by opiate addiction; we will work locally with conviction, with unity, and with a commitment to support our neighbors in times of dire need. Working together, we will defeat the opioid epidemic by creating an alliance of community, medical, government, business, nonprofit, and philanthropic agencies dedicated to reducing the effects of opioids in our community.

Come hear about the initiatives that are already underway, what is coming, and how you can help support the efforts to address the gaps in our community for people with substance abuse disorders.

Presenters

Al Bliss

Health Educator, La Crosse County Health Department

Al Bliss has been a health educator with La Crosse County since 1995. He currently coordinates several programs including the Drug Free Communities grant, the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking grant, and the Heroin and Other Illicit Drug Task Force. The goal of this effort is to create a self-sustaining coalition of community stakeholders to identify and implement community-based strategies that reduce the public health burden of heroin and other illicit substance use in La Crosse County... Read More →

Carissa Pagel-Smith

Aging & Disability Resource Center Section Manager, La Crosse County

Dr. Chris Eberlein

Emergency Medicine, Gundersen Health System

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
B1

Session 1

10:00am CDT

Health Strategies for Today and Tomorrow in La Crosse County

Limited Capacity filling up

Participants at the presentation will learn about the present and future strategies to improve health for residents in La Crosse County. The presentation will highlight the La Crosse County Community Health Improvement Plan priorities and associated initiatives.

Presenters

Jen Rombalski

Health Director, La Crosse County Health Department

Jen has been the Health Director in La Crosse County for 3.5 years. I have over 15 years of experience working local public health, mostly in the Health Officer/Director role. I have a Master's of Public Health from the University of MN and a Bachelor's in Nursing from UW-Eau Claire... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Boardroom A

Session 1

10:00am CDT

How to Build a Safe Zone for LGBTQ+

Limited Capacity seats available

Safe Zone Training aims to create a visible network of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, asexual, and queer individuals and their allies by providing an avenue through which any member of our community can show their support. This shortened training will teach awareness, knowledge, and skills of terms, concepts, experiences, and challenges along with skills to ensure we provide inclusive spaces in our learning, living, and working environments.

Presenters

Heather Quackenboss

Human Development and Relationships Educator, UW-Extension

Heather Quackenboss is the Human Development and Relationships Educator at UW Madison Division of Extension in La Crosse County. Her focus is on well being, culture, and diversity, community collaboration, and mental wellness. Heather has worked for over 20 years in and with nonprofit... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Ballroom A

Session 1

10:00am CDT

La Crosse SOUP - A Recipe for Building and Strengthening Our Community

Limited Capacity seats available

La Crosse SOUP's mission is to promote community-based development through crowdfunding, creativity, collaboration, trust, and fun. In a little over two years, La Crosse SOUP has helped to raise over $25,000 for projects designed to make La Crosse better. Our quarterly events bring the community together to build relationships and raise awareness to the needs of this area.

At a typical event, attendees donate $5 which gets them a cup of soup and a vote. During our 90 minute program, four groups will each pitch an idea to the audience on how they would use the money raised that evening to make La Crosse better. Those pitching will each have four minutes to pitch their idea and receive up to four audience questions. After the pitches are done, the audience votes for the one they like the best and the winner takes home all the money raised. Winning pitches have received $2000-$4000 to better this community.

We encourage you to attend this session, learn about La Crosse SOUP, and find ways to get involved. This very simple and easy contest is making a difference in our community and we want you to be a part of it.

Presenters

Josh Court

Executive Director, La Crosse SOUP

Josh Court is the Executive Director of La Crosse SOUP and a Clinical Manager and Gundersen Health Care.SOUP is:a collaborative celebrationa public dinnera platform for connectionan opportunity to support creative people in La CrosseSOUP is a microgranting dinner celebrating and supporting... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
B2

Session 1

10:00am CDT

Mindful Living: Working with Awareness

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session we will review three ways to practice attention-training: through the breath, body, and compassion. Learn how to hone these skills to live a deeply engaged life and receive tips to integrate practices into your every day rhythm.

Presenters

Betsy Delzer

Coordinator of Mindful Education and Leadership Development, Middleton Cross Plains School District

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
B4

Session 1

10:00am CDT

Poverty Informed Practice

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive presentation will discuss the reasons for understanding how to better serve people in the crisis of poverty as well as share practical strategies for improvement.

Presenters

Chad Dull

Vice President of Academics, Minnesota State College Southeast

Chad Dull is a passionate advocate for people in the crisis of poverty and for the value of post-secondary education in creating social mobility. He currently serves as the Vice President of Academics at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona and Red Wing, Minnesota. Chad is... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
B3

Session 1

10:00am CDT

School District of La Crosse Equity Scorecard

Limited Capacity seats available

Equity has been a focus within the School District of La Crosse for the past several years. So, how are we doing? Historically, the practice has been to use standardized tests as our sole measure. This autopsy-like approach makes it difficult to make timely changes. The Equity Scorecard seeks to measure access and processes of the district which in turn will yield better student outcomes.

Presenters

Dr. Michael Lichucki

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, La Crosse School District

Dr. Michael Lichucki has served the School District of La Crosse for the past 5 years as the Director of Curriculum Instruction and Assessment for the School District of La Crosse. Prior to La Crosse, he has been an elementary teacher and principal, high school teacher, and holds... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Boardroom B

Session 1

10:00am CDT

WisCorps

Limited Capacity full

At WisCorps, our mission is to develop leadership, self-confidence, and a strong work ethic in youth and young adults through the active stewardship of Wisconsin’s communities and natural resources. We engage youth and young adults in two areas: conservation projects and nature education programs.

Conservation Projects - Under the supervision of an experienced leader, crews of 4 to 6 Corps Members ages 16 to 25 complete high-quality work as they gain technical skills and expand their knowledge of Wisconsin’s natural resources. Corps Members are paid a wage for their work.

Nature Education Programs - At WisCorps, we believe that environmental and nature education is crucial to the development of children, youth, and adults through quality learning experiences in nature and with a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Our goal is to foster the appreciation and a sense of stewardship for the environment and our natural resources throughout the La Crosse community and surrounding area as a whole. As a result, individuals will develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions.

Presenters

Matthew Brantner

Executive Director, WisCorps

Matthew Brantner is the Executive Director of WisCorps and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He got his start in conservation corps programs as a Crew Leader and eventual Program Manager for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps in... Read More →

Stephanie Hanna

Environmental Education Manager, WisCorps

Known as the WisCorps’ Nature Teacher and token Canadian, Stephanie has been teaching environmental education in an informal setting in the La Crosse Area for 20 years. Stephanie’s constant connection to nature ever since she played with and likely ate June bugs in her sandbox... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
Boardroom C

Session 1

10:00am CDT

More Perfect Union: Helping Our Children Succeed in a Multicultural Society (Double Session)

Limited Capacity seats available

In 2020, just half of all infants born in the US will be white. Though many of us are raising white kids in predominantly affluent white communities, they will live their adult lives in a highly connected, very racially and culturally diverse globalized society. This talk examines questions like: How are our schools preparing kids for a diverse and inclusive society? How can parents and grandparents help suburban children understand, relate well to, and collaborate with people whose lived experiences, perspectives, and styles differ from their own?

Presenters

Reggie Jackson

Nurturing Diversity Partners

Reggie Jackson has been a much sought-after speaker, researcher, and writer for over a decade –regionally and nationally. His work helps institutions and individuals understand how our country’s racial hierarchy developed historically, its impact on our lives today, and how we... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 10:00am - 11:50am CDT
Ballroom B&C

Session 1

11:00am CDT

Awakened Justice: The Intersection of Mindfulness & Racial Justice

Limited Capacity seats available

Practitioners of mindfulness learn how to interact with their thought-lives differently. How does our heightened awareness allow us to interrupt, disrupt, and heal our thought patterns? Hear from two Middleton-Cross Plains educators who have co-created a curriculum that guides students through awakening to their inner wisdom and pain, for the purpose of healing.

Presenters

Betsy Delzer

Coordinator of Mindful Education and Leadership Development, Middleton Cross Plains School District

Antonio Hoye

Student, Family and Community Liaison, Middleton Cross Plains School District

Monday October 28, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
B4

Session 2

11:00am CDT

Poverty Informed Practice

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive presentation will discuss the reasons for understanding how to better serve people in the crisis of poverty as well as share practical strategies for improvement.

Presenters

Chad Dull

Vice President of Academics, Minnesota State College Southeast

Monday October 28, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
B3

Session 2

11:00am CDT

Radical Collaboration and An End to Homelessness - Piloting a Strategy for Resolving Complex Community Problems

Limited Capacity seats available

According to HUD's Annual Point In Time Count on a single night in January 2018 there were 17 individuals out of every 10,000 experiencing homelessness in the US. With the application of new strategies and funding sources the trend from 2010 through 2016 showed this population decreasing. But 2017 and 2018 saw the population increasing again. Programs and funding are not enough to solve the problem on their own. Communities successful at significantly reducing or ending homelessness understood that the solution lies not just in handing out rental subsidies and services to fulfill basic needs but in the provision of safe space for individuals and families to begin a journey of recovery and healing. This cannot be accomplished with "silo-ed" agencies and programs. It requires full community engagement and planning for maximum impact. La Crosse has been at the forefront in Wisconsin in recognizing this and for the past three years has had tremendous success in forming a radical collaboration of community partners that includes service organizations, funders, city and county government, police, school and faith organizations, and individual citizens. There's been a lot of progress but we still have a ways to go. Let's talk about how to push that radical collaboration to the next level!

Presenters

Julie McDermid

Project Manager, Coulee (formerly La Crosse) Collaborative to End Homelessness

In her role as Project Manager for the Coulee Collaborative to End Homelessness Julie McDermid works each day to coordinate the unprecedented collaboration it takes to solve complex social problems such as homelessness in our community. Working to end homelessness not just in La Crosse... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
B2

Session 2

11:00am CDT

Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Schools Through Partnerships: Examples & Tips

Limited Capacity seats available

As anchor institutions, Teri and Sarah will share programs and activities their health systems have been involved within their respective neighborhoods, how their involvement was initiated and how relationships have developed deeper understanding of overall needs. As a partner in the neighborhood schools, they will discuss efforts to connect the needs of the community with interventions designed for the students that are integrated with the great work already occurring, hoping to make an even greater impact for the students and their families.

Presenters

Teri Wildt

Director, Mayo Clinic Health System

Teri is the director of community engagement for Mayo Clinic Health System in Southwest Wisconsin. Her role includes building relationships and identifying opportunities for collaboration. She is engaged in several partnerships within the Washburn Neighborhood and at Lincoln and Hamilton... Read More →

Sarah Havens

Director, Gundersen Health System

As director of the office of population health at Gundersen Health System, Sarah leads strategic programming that is designed to meet the identified needs of our communities. She has been engaged with the Powell-Poage-Hamilton neighborhood and Hamilton School for several years, working... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
B1

Session 2

11:00am CDT

School District of La Crosse Equity Scorecard

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters

Dr. Michael Lichucki

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, La Crosse School District

Monday October 28, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Boardroom B

Session 2

11:00am CDT

The Good Fight

Limited Capacity seats available

The Good Fight’s charitable mission is to provide at-risk and disadvantaged youth with hope, encouragement, and a safe environment to develop personal goals, discipline, and values free from juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, truancy, crime gang activities, and other difficult challenges. Our vision is to instill discipline and values among at-risk and disadvantaged youth, to lift them out of poverty, to provide them with training and opportunities, and to motivate them to become productive members of society.

The Good Fight's primary focus is to give kids the tools to excel in the classroom and in life. We offer guidance for every path in our Larry Shapiro Education Program. This program covers all of the following areas:
Study groups for ACT/SAT testing
College application process
Military Options
Resume Development
Job Leads
Interview Techniques
Free assistance in employment goals

Presenters

Nathaniel Coleman, Jr

Founder and President, Good Fight Community Center Inc

Nathaniel Coleman, Jr., 52-year-old Founder and President of The Good Fight Community Center. United States Marine, honorably discharged, served in the Gulf war, as well as the peacekeeping mission in Somalia, Africa. Worked for The City Of Lacrosse, Wisconsin for 10 years. Worked... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Ballroom A

Session 2

11:00am CDT

What is Cia Siab, Inc.?

Limited Capacity seats available

Come to this workshop to learn more about the services of Cia Siab, Inc. A relatively new 501(c)3 non-profit created in 2016 with the vision to build a culturally vibrant Hmoob (Hmong) community. The mission is to provide culturally specific services to the Hmoob community in La Crosse County, through holistic support and advocacy services, with the revitalization of the Hmoob language and culture as the foundation.

Since then, Cia Siab, Inc. has been providing holistic support and advocacy services to survivors and victims grounded in Hmoob culture and language. Cia Siab, Inc's programs are unique that they build power with and for the Hmoob community in intersectional, multi-layered, multi-generational, cross-cultural, and non-linear ways.

Presenters

Xong Xiong, Ed.D

Executive Director, Cia Siab, Inc.

Xong Xiong holds a Doctorate in Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota Duluth, as well as Master's Degree in Education and a Bachelor's degree in Art and Philosophy and from the University of La Crosse-Wisconsin (UWL). In 2016 she help found Cia Siab, Inc. to continue... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Boardroom A

Session 2

11:00am CDT

Diverse Books To Save The World (Preregistration required for this session)

Limited Capacity filling up

Please register for this session if you signed up for a classroom book through the Diverse Books for a Better World Book Choice Form.

Diverse Books For A Better World is an innovative workshop that brings together the best UDL strategies with great literature. You will leave ready to bring these books to life in your classroom with iPad activities in Garage Band, Clips and Pages. Take home a new book for your classroom library and a packed toolkit for personalizing learning through technology.

Presenters

Melissa Murray

Principal, Lincoln/Coulee Montessori/SOTA II

Jeanne Halderson

Seventh Grade Teacher, Longfellow Middle School

Jeanne Halderson is a seventh grade teacher at Longfellow Middle School in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a 1:1 iPad school. She teaches ELA and social studies and strives to create an active learning atmosphere using proven literacy strategies, personalized learning, and an authentic and... Read More →

Lila Planavsky

LMC Director, School District of La Crosse

Josh Wolcott

Teacher, SchoolDistrictofLaCrosse

Monday October 28, 2019 11:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Boardroom C

Session 2

11:50am CDT

Lunch

Lunch will be provided courtesy of the La Crosse Tribune, School District of La Crosse and Festival.

Monday October 28, 2019 11:50am - 12:50pm CDT
South Hall A

Large Group

12:50pm CDT

Fierce Evolution (Afternoon Keynote)

Our afternoon keynote address will be Carolyn Colleen on “Fierce evolution: Transforming from fear into focus.” Colleen developed the “F.I.E.R.C.E 5 method,” which helped her grow from a downtrodden, scared and ragged victim standing in a food line at the Salvation Army, to the confident and successful person she is today, living a happy life she never realized she deserved.

Colleen is a fierce mother of three, author, international speaker, Life & Business Strategist and Founder of Fierce Academy. Her life story is one of personal and professional transformation. From standing in a food line at the Salvation Army to a Ph.D., Colleen’s life purpose is to provide hope and inspire people to move from fear into focus.

Presenters

Carolyn Colleen

Proud Mom of 3, Author, Speaker, Business Strategist, Gundersen Health System

Carolyn Colleen (Bostrack) was born and raised in the Midwestern United States. Carolyn’s life story is one of personal and professional transformation. From standing in a food line at the Salvation Army to PhD, Carolyn’s life purpose is to provide hope and inspire people to move... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 12:50pm - 1:35pm CDT
South Hall A

Large Group

1:45pm CDT

Better Together

Limited Capacity filling up

Hundreds of La Crosse County youth struggle with mental health challenges that can lead to depression and dangerous consequences. Better Together envisions a future in which mental wellness continually improves throughout La Crosse County and conversations about mental health are increasingly common and regarded as normal.

In partnership with key community organizations, Better Together seeks to help youth better understand mental wellness, feel a stronger sense of belonging and a greater sense of purpose, develop positive relationships with trusted adults and learn skills to enhance coping and resiliency.

This unique grant will also enable Better Together and its partners to help adults in La Crosse County best support youth in mental wellness and to create stronger communication pathways that encourage mental wellness throughout entire communities.

Together, we can help our youth live happier, healthier lives. Together, we can find solutions that help entire communities thrive. Because we’re Better Together.

Presenters

Bethany Thier

Project Coordinator, Better Together

With more than a decade of experience working as a community development professional in Green Bay, Bethany is a passionate advocate for multicultural diversity and inclusion. She has also led projects addressing food insecurity. Bethany specializes in relationship building and management... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
Ballroom A

Session 3

1:45pm CDT

Community, Justice and Faith

Limited Capacity filling up

What role do interfaith leaders play in creating a healthy, thriving and compassionate community? Through Community Conversations, Prayer Vigils, and public statements, the Interfaith Leaders’ Coalition of the Coulee Region challenges the community to think deeply about critical issues that affect our children, families, schools and community. In this workshop, we will engage in a conversation about the challenges we face and the dreams we embrace. We will also consider ways the faith community contributes to a vibrant, inclusive and trauma-informed community.

Presenters

Dr. Mark Solyst

Senior Pastor, English Lutheran Church

Senior Pastor - English Lutheran Church, La Crosse (1999 to present)Leadership and Service • WAFER Board of Directors (2004 to 2012) President • Rotary Club of La Crosse (2004 to present) – Paul Harris Fellow • Institutional Review Board (2005 to 2013) – Gundersen... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
Boardroom A

Session 3

1:45pm CDT

Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community

Limited Capacity seats available

Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community (CHMC) is a La Crosse regional program designed to widen the awareness, understanding, respect, and empathy for the lived realities of people with a wide range of racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. In September of 2019, twenty-four local racially and ethnically diverse small group facilitators were trained by Reggie Jackson and Dr. Fran Kaplan from Nurturing Diversity Partners. These facilitators, led by Reggie and Fran, were then matched with forty-eight community leaders for a series of four-three hour Deep Dive Dialogue Sessions over the course of two retreat weekends in October and November. The program included two Public Presentations the second of which will take place on Saturday, November 16th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at English Lutheran Fellowship Hall. (Flyers available)
CHMC is the first of three components for the 2020 Waking Up White Regional Community Learning Collaborative. The second component is a community reading of the book Waking Up White. To date over 1200 Waking Up White books have been purchased for a book read with 25 different organizations/groups and a large La Crosse Public Library Read is planned for next summer.
The final component is for La Crosse to host the White Privilege Symposium in October of 2020 at the La Crosse Center.
The tremendous collective effort to bring together this multiyear initiative and its impact on the La Crosse region will be discussed.

Presenters

Maggie Xiong

Part of the CHMC Co-Leader Team, Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community

Yer Maggie Xiong is the Social Justice Director at the non-profit agency called Cia Siab Inc., and she was the former Multicultural Advocate at the non-profit agency New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers with the Domestic Abuse Reduction Team (D.A.R.T.). Yer received her Bachelor’s... Read More →

Pat Lunney

Part of the CHMC Co-Leader Team, Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community

Patrick Lunney has lived in the Coulee Region for the last 30 years. He and his wife Lori have six children, are active members of La Crosse Area Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), and volunteer at the First Teen Clothes Closet. Pat is the Faith Alive Storytelling Coordinator... Read More →

Darrell Ferguson

Part of the CHMC Co-Leader Team, Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community

Darrell Ferguson is a Special Needs Paraprofessional in the Onalaska public school system. Darrell is also an actor for the Enduring Families Project. This Project uses reenactments of local African-American historical figures to portray their presence as part of La Crosse’s history... Read More →

Mary Nelson

Part of the CHMC Co-Leader Team, Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community

Mary Nelson is a retired physician who has lived in the La Crosse community for over 35 years. She has been motivated to join forces with people who are trying to make a change in this community and the world in part by the reading of Waking Up White. These are her words:"I consider... Read More →

Thomas Harris

2020 Waking Up White Regional Community Learning Collaborative, Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community

Thomas Harris is Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at UW-La Crosse.

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
B2

Session 3

1:45pm CDT

How Marine Credit Union is Advancing Lives

Limited Capacity seats available

Marine Credit Union is on a mission “to advance people’s lives from a place of financial need to a life of ownership and giving back in our communities.” Majel Hein, Marine’s Financial Literacy Counselor, and Liz Malott, Senior Vice President of Talent, will share how the company is making this mission a reality, through programs and practices designed to educate, serve and build community.

Presenters

Majel Hein

Financial Literacy Counselor, Marine Credit Union

Majel Hein has been with MCU since Feb 2018 and has been a financial counselor since 2013. She was the Program Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of La Crosse for 3.5 years where she was a certificated credit, HUD housing, and student loan counselor. Currently, she... Read More →

Liz Malott

SVP of Talent, Marine Credit Union

Liz Malott SVP of Talent, began her career 19 years ago on the teller line of Teachers Credit Union in La Crosse, one of credit unions that now make up Marine Credit Union. She has served in nearly every role on the retail side of the business, from teller to teller supervisor to... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
Boardroom C

Session 3

1:45pm CDT

La Crosse: Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization

Limited Capacity seats available

La Crosse’s neighborhoods desperately need both higher quality housing and more affordable housing- often two goals that can be at odds with one another. Learn about the innovative research and programs that the City of La Crosse and the non-profit Couleecap have undertaken to tackle these tough issues around fair and equitable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and affordable housing.

Presenters

Ashley Lacenski

Community Development Director, Couleecap, Inc.

Ashley Lacenski is the Community Development Director for Couleecap, Inc. Over the past eleven years,she has administered a variety of homeownership programs and affordable housing projects to helpfamilies with low-income access housing. Ashley works to identify community needs and... Read More →

Caroline Gregerson

Community Administrator, City of La Crosse

Caroline Gregerson is Community Development Administrator for the City of La Crosse. She oversees approximately $2 million in annual expenditures on neighborhood revitalization initiatives, affordable housing, and community development for the City of La Crosse.

Hetti Brown

Executive Director, Couleecap

Hetti Brown is Executive Director for Couleecap. Hetti oversees more than 20 programs and 50 federal, state, and private grants to serve clients in Western Wisconsin. As a Community Action Agency, Couleecap develops innovative solutions to poverty in response to community needs... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
B1

Session 3

1:45pm CDT

Southside/Northside Moms United

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will consist of a panel of racially diverse women who have come together to address inequities; create opportunities for themselves and their children; and empower and support each other. History, accomplishments to date, and the vision for these groups will be shared.

Presenters

Bridget Todd-Robbins

System of Care Administrator, La Crosse County

Bridget Todd-Robbins is in her 4th year as the Youth System of Care (SOC) Administrator, a shared position between La Crosse County and the School District of La Crosse.

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
B3

Session 3

1:45pm CDT

Trauma Sensitive Sports Programming & Activity Centered Trauma Support

Limited Capacity seats available

This presentation discusses how to use sports as a way to help high-risk youth who have been affected by trauma develop the social skills necessary for success. The presentation also shows how activity centered learning environments can create a support system that allows those effected by trauma, learn how to navigate complex social structures, regulate emotions, and promote prosocial behavior that leads to community connection and greater success.

Presenters

Coach Rob! (James Robertson)

National Program Director, Sports Mentorship Academy

James Robertson, also known as Coach Rob, is a dynamic presenter, who effectively uses his 20+ years’ experience as a trainer, coach, and facilitator to engage others in thoughtful and meaningful discussions about cultural awareness, and other issues pertaining to social justice... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
B4

Session 3

1:45pm CDT

White Fragility

Limited Capacity seats available

Exploring the work of Robin DiAngelo (2018) on White Privilege. What is it, how does it present in schools, and why we need to understand it so we can finally talk about race in a way that will yield more equitable outcomes for students of color.

Presenters

Ben Burns

Principal, School District of La Crosse

Benjamin Burns began his career as a school psychologist before transitioning to principal. His professional degrees include a PhD in Educational Leadership from UW-Madison. His professional interests center on educational equity and culturally responsive and trauma informed practices... Read More →

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
Ballroom B&C

Session 3

1:45pm CDT

Widening the Circle: Creating Learning Environments for Native American and Hmoob Youth

Limited Capacity seats available

Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Conference in La Crosse now going into its 16th year. The conference is designed to follow traditional values in bringing people together to provide a culturally responsive model of multicultural and Indigenous education to assist all teachers and students in developing a critical consciousness.
The conference provides participants with interpersonal interactions, presentations and multiple opportunities to meet with native and Hmong elders and educators to build relationships that will provide a solid basis through which to learn about Native and Hmong cultures, contemporary and historical issues, sovereignty, Indigenous educational practice and educational policy.
Come hear the background of how Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Conference began, how it's continued and the impact it's had.

Presenters

Tracy Littlejohn

Widening the Circle Co-Founder and Planner, YWCA Racial Justice

Tracy Littlejohn, is one of the founders and continues to help plan the Widening the Circle Indigenous Education Conference in La Crosse. Tracy dedicates her time on racial justice with a focus on supporting Native American youth and their families. Ok

Monday October 28, 2019 1:45pm - 2:35pm CDT
Boardroom B

Session 3

2:45pm CDT

Fighting The Good Fight (Closing Keynote)

Inside details of the need, idea, planning, and execution of The Good Fight Community Center.

Presenters

Nathaniel Coleman, Jr

Founder and President, Good Fight Community Center Inc

Monday October 28, 2019 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
South Hall A

Large Group