WORKSHOPS
2026 Keynote Speaker:
Bryan Rojas-Arauz
Dr. Bryan Rojas-Araúz is a bilingual, bicultural Afroindigenous immigrant of Costa Rican and Panamanian descent. He is a psychologist, educator, and scholar-activist whose work challenges dominant narratives in mental health. His work focuses on trauma, immigration, culturally responsive and decolonial healing, and the social conditions that shape wellbeing. He is the founder of In Lak’ech Counseling, Education, & Consulting, a Clinical Assistant Professor in the International Disaster Psychology program at the University of Denver, and a co-author of the Workbook for Social Action for Counselors, Psychologists, and Helping Professionals. At the heart of his work is a commitment to dignity, belonging, and collective care.
WORKSHOPS
Workshop Block 1 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Cultural Responsiveness & Relationship Building -
Dr. Bryan Rojas-Arauz, In Lak'ech Counseling, Education, & Consulting
Inspired Thinking - Randall Daniels, BOBO The Champ
Understanding Substance Use: Prevention and Harm Reduction -
Rashida Pearson, Walls of Wellness Consulting
Managing Social Media (Take Control) - Braxton J. Simmons & Jordan Dean, Youth at the Center
Workshop Block 2 - 11:00am - 11:50am
Panel - Hear Me Out: Let's Communicate More Effectively - HEY! & Youth at the Center
Panel - Help Me Understand: Don't Assume I Already Know - HEY! & Youth at the Center
Panel - Beyond the Label: A Day in the Life of Systems-Involved Youth - Found Village
"I LOVE ME: Reclaiming Identity, Voice, and Mental Wellness in Today's Youth Culture" -
LaKeisha Lowery, BeeLieve the Promise Inc.
Workshop Block 3 - 2:00pm - 2:50pm
Music Production (Youth Only) - Elementz
Visual Arts (Youth Only) - Arts Equity Collective
What Does Recent Legislation Mean for Young People? - Shawn Jeffers, Youth at the Center
Write to Belong: Embodied Writing for Identity, Wellness, and Youth Voice -
Dr. Tiffany Noelle & Annie Melzer, M.A., Black Girls Stay Lit
Workshop Block 4 - 3:00pm - 3:50pm
Bucket Drumming (Youth Only) - Arts Equity Collective
Dance (Youth Only) - Elementz
How to Be A Trusted Adult - Ashley Gray, 1N5
You Got This - Katina Anderson, Tea with Tina