Cultivating Compassionate Communities Conference
Annual Convening
Saturday, February 1, 2025
9am – 4pm
Boise State University, Interactive Learning Center
How can we transform fear into compassion? Join us on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 9am – 4pm at Boise State University to collectively deepen our understanding of human rights and develop strategies and skills to foster compassionate communities where we can all belong and thrive.
The Wassmuth Center is pleased to host the Cultivating Compassionate Communities Conference each year. Students, educators, and community members from across Idaho are invited to join us for a day of connection and learning.
Sessions
You will have the opportunity to attend four of the following sessions.
Teaching The Children of Willesden Lane with Testimony-Based Resources
Overview
This program prepares educators participating in the Willesden READS program with a unique and flexible approach for teaching this text with students. Teachers explore key historical events leading up to the Kindertransport – rising antisemitism, Nazism and the Kristallnacht Pogrom – to build professional confidence and awareness. Teachers will be introduced to standards-aligned classroom resources exploring universal themes such as generational legacy, resilience and the power of the arts to build empathy across communities. The content is designed to foster cognitive skills, music appreciation, digital skills, SEL aptitudes and to broaden student perspective. Professional development programs are delivered by Echoes & Reflections, Hold On To Your Music’s partner in professional development.
Target Audience
3-12 grade educators
Presenter
Rebecca Keel is a committed Holocaust and genocide educator dedicated to supporting teachers in navigating the sensitive history of the Holocaust while prioritizing the emotional well-being of both students and educators. As Program Director at the Hold On To Your Music Foundation (HOTYM), Rebecca leads impactful programs like Willesden READS, which has reached over 300,000 students and 3,000 educators, blending storytelling, music, and social emotional learning to foster empathy and resilience. In her work with the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education, the USC Shoah Foundation, and Echoes & Reflections, Rebecca has designed professional development experiences that equip educators with the tools to teach Holocaust history with sensitivity and relevance. Driven by her belief in the power of education to inspire understanding, Rebecca empowers teachers to engage with this history in ways that promote healing, reflection, and meaningful connections for their students.
Rebecca holds a BA in Sociology from the University of North Carolina Asheville, focusing on the intersection of race and poverty, a MSEd in School Leadership from Baruch College, and a MS in Interior Design from Pratt Institute, with a focus on K-12 school architecture. Rebecca’s passion is to create space – physical and interpersonal – in communities, schools, and organizations that inspire the better humanity in each of us. She currently resides in New Orleans, LA.
A Journey from Hostility to Hospitality: Becoming Agents of Welcome
Overview
Americans are experiencing a historically high level of division and hostility. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center revealed that divisions along party lines have reached record levels. The average partisan gap has increased from 15 to 36 percentage points and the percentage of Americans who strongly dislike the opposition party has gone up by about 400% in just the last two decades. This workshop is based on the notion that the growing trend towards greater and greater polarization has uncovered a collective desire for something better in our relationships and connectedness to each other, and that we can be active agents of creating welcome and hospitality and become participants in healing the division of hostility we are currently experiencing.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
Presenters
Reshma Kamal, International Rescue Committee and the Islamic Center of Boise
Reshma serves as a senior community advisor for the International Rescue Committee and the program director for the Islamic Center of Boise. In these roles she has worked to build connections and understanding with organizations such as Glocal Community Partners, Peace Catalyst International, and the Boise Police Department. Reshma serves on the Board of Trustees for the Boise Public Library. She joined the board to bring awareness of the diversity of experience that is found in our community and is deeply committed to working collaboratively to ensure everyone in Boise can benefit from the Library.
Laura and Nick Armstrong
Laura and Nick serve as Co-Directors of a non-profit organization called Glocal Community Partners which cultivates welcome and connection with refugees who are resettling in the Treasure Valley so that they can not only survive, but thrive and become an integral part of their community. Glocal partners with the refugee resettlement agencies in Boise and Nampa as well as a wide network of other organizations who are walking alongside our new American friends, including the Islamic Center of Boise.
Life At The Intersection: How Individuals Can Foster Compassionate Collective Identity
Overview
This session will explore the powerful role of intersectionality in fostering compassionate communities. By examining both our similarities and our differences, we can find strength in diversity and deepen our sense of collective identity. Participants will learn to identify and celebrate individual differences, not as barriers, but as unique contributions to a shared and supportive community.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
Presenters
Amanda Bladt, LCSW (they/she) brings years of experience as a licensed social worker, nonprofit trailblazer, and grassroots activist to the table. With a career shaped by advocacy, care, and a knack for flipping the status quo, they’ve organized from the heart and led with a fierce commitment to human rights. Whether in the boardroom or on the ground, Amanda is a dynamic force for change, empowering communities and creating space for voices that refuse to be silenced.
Joel Camacho, PCMX Consulting (he/him) specializes in tactical finance, deploying growth strategies that empower small businesses and strengthen communities. As the founder of LatinX Pride and a passionate advocate for queer activism, Joel thrives at the intersection of culture, identity, and innovation. Joel is dedicated to meaningful work that uplifts marginalized voices and fosters authentic connections. Joel’s approach goes beyond numbers, focusing on transformative impact where cultures meet and communities flourish.
Terry Scraggins (he/they) is a queer Black social worker, therapist, and advocate from Boise, Idaho. A Navy veteran and foster care alum, they bring lived experience to their work, fostering resilience and advocating for social justice. They serve as President-Elect of a local Boise-based nonprofit and is passionate about supporting marginalized communities, through education and resource connection. Currently, they are completing their memoir, which highlights their journey of navigating identity, trauma, and advocacy in a conservative state.
Ownership in Uncertain Times: One small step for you, me, and we
Overview
Complex challenges don’t require complex solutions! In times of rapid change and perceived uncertainty, fear and paralysis often become a default response, inhibiting connection to others in our community. But small intentional actions and mindset shifts provide us with opportunities to take an ownership role as stewards of our community. This session explores how each individual (“me”) holds the ability to influence change within themselves, for others (“you”), and across their communities (“we”). Drawing from other cultural perspectives and experiences, attendees will gain practical tools to transform fear from uncertainty into curiosity, knowledge, and compassion – fostering greater connectivity and building inclusive spaces where positive change can grow.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
Presenter
Mike Krause is an executive coach and mental performance strategist with Global Bound, LLC where he works with C-suite leadership and their talent to harness mental performance hurdles and enhance psychological wellbeing in-and-out of the workspace. Mike has over 25 years of executive experience in the nonprofit sector, including serving 4 ½ years with the US Department of State in Southern and Central Africa, focusing on public health initiatives. Additionally, Mike serves as a coach for the “Idaho Leads” program through the Idaho Nonprofit Center. He co-hosts the weekly podcast “A Coach, A Nutritionist and an Expert Walk into a Podcast.” Mike travels the region speaking about workplace wellbeing, meeting our foundational needs, and the power of mental fitness.
The Art of Seeing: Cultivating Compassion through Our Perceptions
Overview
How we perceive the world shapes our interactions with others and influences the level of compassion we extend. In this presentation, we will explore the profound connection between perception and compassion. We will delve into the cognitive biases that can hinder our ability to see others with empathy and discuss practical strategies to cultivate a more compassionate mindset. By understanding the power of perception, we can learn to foster deeper connections, build stronger relationships, and create a more compassionate world.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
Presenters
Sunny Smart is a student at Boise State University pursuing a BS in Social Work and certificates in both Human Rights and Conflict Management. After completing a Master’s in Social Work, Sunny plans to work internationally as a medical social worker serving displaced and resettled populations. As a long-time medical patient advocate, she is dedicated to assuring all people have equitable access to care and resources. A trained facilitator in conflict resolution with the Arbinger Institute, Sunny is also interested in understanding how conflict occurs at personal and systemic levels and how its resolution can improve outcomes for individuals, communities, and societies. A former wilderness survival instructor, Sunny can often be seen disappearing into the deserts of the southwest for long stretches of solitude or paddle boarding the lakes of the Sawtooth wilderness area.
Ashley Nichols, Director of the Conflict Management Program at Boise State University and co-owner of Sisu Training and Consulting, isn’t your average conflict resolution expert. With over 15 years of experience, she brings a unique blend of academic expertise, from a MA in Conflict Resolution from Portland State University, and practical know-how to help individuals and groups navigate even the toughest challenges. Ashley loves facilitating conversations between people with opposing viewpoints, guiding them towards productive resolutions. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to build strong relationships, manage emotions effectively, and develop the tools they need to thrive in collaborative environments. She also loves to teach and has designed and delivered workshops for diverse audiences, from university students to community organizations, equipping them with the skills to approach conflict constructively in both personal and professional settings. When she’s not delving into the complexities of human interaction, you might find Ashley nurturing her backyard garden or embarking on adventures with her family. It’s this adventurous spirit and genuine passion for human connection that fuels her work.
Connect Cultures through an Intercultural Living Library
Overview
The Intercultural Living Library (ILL) fosters compassionate communities by embracing the dignity of various cultures and lived experiences. This session provides an opportunity for attendees to learn about the methodology and best practices of conducting an ILL. Participate in a mini session and reflect upon the impact of storytelling and respectful discourse. Similar to a local library, visitors are ‘Readers’ who consider a list of available titles, choose an interesting ‘Book’ title, and ’check it out’ within a small group setting for a limited time frame. However, at an ILL, Books are people and Readers are those who listen, ask questions, and build bridges of understanding through respectful dialogue. This session provides a positive framework for fostering nonjudgmental conversation and contributes to greater cohesion across social divisions.
This session is a hands-on workshop where attendees learn about the ILL format, participate in a mini-session and reflect how the Intercultural Living Library experience might foster connection within their community.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
Presenters
Salome Mwangi is an accomplished speaker, trainer, and culture broker. Salome provides services that bridge the cultural divide for refugee and immigrant communities through Mwangi’z Inc. She advocates for intentional cross-cultural living through language interpretation and translation and training that addresses cultures, their beauty and their challenges. Salome is passionate about bringing more voices and flavors to the table—figuratively and literally. You can learn more through her nuggets on culture through her TEDx Boise 2020 talk entitled “Being a Cultural Broker.”
Thérése Woozley, M.A. is a Visiting Lecturer at Boise State University and Adjunct Faculty at College of Western Idaho. Thérése teaches Intercultural Communication and Media Literacy courses for the Departments of Communication and Media at Boise State University, as well as the Communication and Marketing Department at the College of Western Idaho. Thérése incorporates discussion based learning and practical application that encourages intercultural competence and positive communication habits via narrative media creation and enhanced civic engagement.
Community-Care, Place, and Empathy
Overview
What does it feel like to truly be heard and seen? How do we address the silences that cannot be shared or known through storytelling? Join us to transform your community and classroom through holistic learning. Together we will create a place for community care, dialogue, and active collaboration to power student-led action and address inequities. We will investigate narratives misunderstood and misrepresented; the relationship between language, narrative, place, and community engagement; and traverse intergenerational connection as a method of community care. Participants will strengthen their abilities to engage in and lead collaborative educational processes to imagine new possibilities in themselves, each other, and communities. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have a rough draft plan to build a sense of place and power loving community action.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
Presenters
Zaudi Guzman is Majoring in Film and Television, a Peer Mentor for TRIO, and a McNair Scholar. She is currently working on integrating documentaries with her research and serves as the Events/Fundraising officer for the Narrative 4 chapter at Boise State.
Abigail Jenkins is learning about community-care and community-based research. She is a student in Humanities & Cultural Studies at Boise State University and a Narrative 4 story exchange facilitator. Abigail is excited about the ways storytelling and place-making can power social change.
Representation, Identity, and Self Awareness
Overview
This workshop will guide participants in thinking about representation and why it matters. We will talk about our own awareness of which voices are represented in the spheres we are a part of, what kinds of representation we notice, and how our identity impacts our awareness of representation. The goal of this workshop is to practice and develop tools in thinking critically about our own identities and awareness of diverse representation, and reflect on how our implicit biases might affect awareness. This workshop will include tools for recognizing and addressing biases and enhance skills in practicing compassion and thriving within community.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
Presenter
Calvin Udall (he/him/his) is a senior at Boise State University, majoring in Sociology. He has been a student program assistant for the Office of Community Engagement and Belonging and the Center for Teaching and Learning at BSU for over two years. During his time as a student and community member within these roles, he has developed passion for and skills in strategic planning, program development, and facilitating learning opportunities for program participants.
Transforming Guilt into Compassion: Navigating Career and Education Opportunities
Overview
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the feelings of guilt that arise when accessing educational and career opportunities that others may not have, examining the impact of privilege and systemic inequality. The session will guide attendees through the process of transforming guilt into compassionate action by fostering empathy, understanding barriers, and leveraging success to advocate for inclusion and equity. Through reflective exercises, group discussions, and hands-on activities like the “Privilege Walk” and “Compassionate Reframing,” participants will leave with actionable strategies to support systemic change and create equitable opportunities for all. This workshop directly aligns with the conference theme of “cultivating compassionate communities” by empowering individuals to use their experiences to advocate for others and promote social justice in their communities.
Target Audience
Students, educators, and professionals in higher education or career development, especially those interested in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within their communities or organizations. This session is ideal for individuals who want to understand privilege, address guilt, and take actionable steps toward supporting systemic change.
Presenter
Sadia Abdulkadir is an advocate for equity and inclusion with current lived experience in higher education, social justice, and community development. With a background in facilitating workshops, Sadia works with individuals and organizations to create inclusive and intentional spaces. She’s equipped with a passion for social justice and a commitment to empower those in need. She’s driven to make a meaningful impact in her community – contributing empathy, advocacy, and resilience to create a more inclusive and supportive society.
Gentle Easy Yoga and Effortless Meditation Techniques: Conscious and Compassionate. Community
Overview
Community and self-compassion are beautiful protective factors when navigating challenges. The practice of mindfulness through meditation and gentle yoga is both compassionate to the self and it cultivates authentic, compassionate communities. This workshop is designed for all levels (including beginners) and is a combination of yoga and meditation. This workshop is experiential, so participants go home with tools they can use to effectively calm their nervous system, raise their consciousness, create a stronger sense of authentic community and self-compassion, and meet that part of yourself that is whole and unchangeable no matter previous experiences and current challenges. Additionally, participants will leave feeling less alone and more connected in this fast paced world. Every breath is a chance to surprise yourself and fearlessly choose what feels true to you. This conscious choice heals the self and the world.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
This yoga and meditation workshop is designed in a unique way. It is accessible to all – no mats or special clothing required. We will be doing the practice from a chair and the full range of movements can be completed in any outfit.
Presenter
Sangam Stanczak is originally from India/Nepal where she was immersed in Eastern philosophy during her formative years. She carries a deep desire to cultivate community, connection, and peace. She loves to bring people together for introspection and growth. She was an environmental engineer, then a stay-at-home mom, and is finally pursuing her passion – a life as a social worker. She is dedicated to serving humanity – enlightening all and shining a light on those disempowered by society.
The Spirit of Our Names: Stories That Shape Us
Overview
Our names are doorways to connection—rooted in ancestry, culture, and the stories that shape who we are. In this guided session, participants will reflect on the origins and energies of their names, share personal stories in a welcoming circle, and explore how our names carry meaning, memory, and magic. Together, we will honor the unique vibrations of each name and embrace the wisdom and beauty held within them.
Target Audience
Community Members, Students, and Educators — all are welcome
This session is for those seeking deeper self-connection and collective healing through storytelling. Ideal for individuals drawn to reflection, identity exploration, and the sacred art of sharing personal truths.
Presenter
Chelsea Gaona Lincoln (she/they) is a queer Chicana, wife, and mother to two beautifully wild boys. With a BA from the College of Idaho and an MA in Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Idaho, Chelsea brings over 20 years of experience in community and political organizing. As the founder of MG Strategies, she works as a government affairs and advocacy consultant, adult facilitator, reiki practitioner, and birth doula. Her work centers on cultivating belonging, inspiring collective action, and leading from abundance to co-create the world we wish to see.
Building Compassionate Classrooms through Dialogue and Writing
Overview
In this interactive session, secondary educators will explore how to foster compassionate classroom communities using two complementary strategies: Philosophical Chairs discussions and collaborative paragraph writing. Philosophical Chairs provides students with a structureId framework for engaging in meaningful, respectful dialogue about diverse perspectives, cultivating empathy and critical thinking. Participants will learn how to facilitate these discussions effectively, creating a safe space where all voices are valued. To extend the learning, we’ll integrate a collaborative paragraph writing strategy that synthesizes key ideas from the discussion. Join us to discover how dialogue and writing can transform your classroom into a compassionate, inclusive, and intellectually engaging community.
Target Audience
Grades 6-12 educators, coaches, and community educators
Presenter
Leslie Younger is passionate about empowering students to become critical thinkers and positive forces in their communities. As the Coordinator for K-12 Social Studies and 6-12 ELA at the Idaho Department of Education, she works to support educators in creating inclusive and impactful learning experiences. With 16 years of experience teaching English Language Arts in grades 6-12, Leslie has inspired students to engage deeply with literature and the complexities of the human experience. She is dedicated to advocating for human rights and enriching education across Idaho. Outside of work, Leslie enjoys traveling, biking the Greenbelt, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
No Fear Discussions
Overview
Many students, regardless of age or context, need more than an opportunity to participate in classroom discussions. They need a protocol designed to invite their participation while keeping them safe from the unpredictable pressures of traditional, whole-group discussions and Socratic Seminars. This session will blend close reading of a challenging text with an active, low-pressure discussion strategy designed to involve every student while building community.
Target Audience
Educators, K-12 and beyond and anyone who hopes to facilitate discussions that foster full participation
Presenter
After teaching high school English in Idaho for 36 years, Laurie Roberts retired in the spring of 2024. She loves sharing her passion for building a grace-filled classroom. Laurie is a storyteller, runner, singer, and enthusiastic learner, who recently started working on her second graduate degree.
Compassionate Classroom Conversations
Overview
This session models strategies to use in classroom and community settings that teach and practice collaborative discussions which build up and include diverse ideas and voices. We will explore several dialogic strategies which can be used across teaching settings to support and scaffold compassionate conversations that lead to increased understanding. Based on the work of Jeff Zwiers (2019), we will explore Core Conversation Skills, Building up Ideas, and Collaborative Arguments. We will also apply Core Conversation Skills (Johnston, 2004; 2014) to notice how the words we choose impact learning and cultivate compassionate communities and classrooms. Participants will leave with resources to duplicate the strategies in their own settings.
Target Audience
Educators, all levels and content areas
Presenter
Serena Morales, Ph.D, serves as Associate Clinical Professor in the College of Education at Boise State University. Serena teaches pedagogy, assessment, and secondary social studies methods for the College, as well as consults around issues of curriculum development, assessment alignment, and inclusive teaching practices. Prior to teaching at Boise State, Serena was a middle school English Language Arts teacher, specializing in Response to Intervention and scaffolding curricula for diverse learners. She currently nerds out about GenAI in education and meeting students’ cultural and linguistic needs.
Building School Wide Collaboration for Human Rights Art Projects
Overview
Laron Johnson, Kerry Thomas, and Dave Reeser have spent their careers fostering community engagement in Rigby and Rexburg, Idaho, through intensive Holocaust education programs. These initiatives encourage students to create culminating art projects that reflect their understanding of human rights and the Holocaust, using diverse artistic mediums developed across electives and core classes.
Students have produced remarkable works, from welded sculptures depicting the harsh realities of camp life to intricate oil paintings symbolizing resilience and joy. This cross-disciplinary collaboration—uniting departments such as English and Fine Arts—has cultivated a culture of creativity and learning, leading to the establishment of Holocaust Art Museums at both Rigby and Madison High Schools.
Join this session to explore how two rival schools came together to inspire students to express powerful human rights messages through art. Student projects will be on display, showcasing the impact of this unique, community-driven program.
Target Audience
Educators, all levels and content areas
Presenters
Laron Johnson has been an educator in the Jefferson School District in Rigby, Idaho, for 28 years, specializing in integrating human rights education into social studies. He has participated in prestigious programs, including the Trans-Atlantic Outreach Program to Germany, the Toyota International Teacher Program to Costa Rica, and the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Teachers Program in the U.S., Israel, Germany, and Poland. Laron also completed fellowships with the Wassmuth Center and the Olga Lengyel Institute. He extends these experiences to students, leading biennial trips to Central Europe to study the Holocaust. A two-time District Teacher of the Year (2007, 2019), Laron has visited 62 of America’s 63 National Parks and enjoys ice fishing Idaho’s lakes.
Kerry Thomas has been teaching social studies in Jefferson County School District #251 for 22 years. A graduate of the University of Idaho, he currently teaches U.S. Government to seniors and Holocaust and Genocide Studies to upperclassmen. Kerry has participated in numerous professional development programs, including visits to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem in Israel, and sites in Germany, Poland, and New York through the Olga Lengyel Institute. In June 2024, he and colleagues led students on a Holocaust education trip to Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. An avid outdoorsman, Kerry enjoys exploring nature with his wife of 30 years, Becky, and their four children.
Dave Reeser is a veteran educator with 33 years of experience, currently teaching American Government and Holocaust Studies at Madison High School in Rexburg, Idaho. A Museum Teacher Fellow with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, he has collaborated extensively with the Wassmuth Center and participated in global Holocaust education initiatives. Beyond the classroom, Dave serves his community as a member of the Madison District Library Board and the Rexburg City Council. He and his wife, Brenda, have four adult children and remain committed to fostering community engagement and education.
Inspiring Compassion Through Creativity: The Human Rights Art & Writing Awards Program
Overview
Discover how art and writing can cultivate compassionate communities and empower students to explore human rights themes creatively. This interactive workshop will provide educators with practical resources to integrate the Human Rights Art & Writing Awards Program into their classrooms, encouraging student participation in this impactful contest.
Learn how to inspire your students to use their voices and talents to address human rights issues while also exploring your own creative potential. Through engaging activities and examples, this session will equip you to foster empathy, critical thinking, and artistic expression—key components in building a more compassionate and inclusive community.
Target Audience
Educators, all levels and content areas
Presenters
Ashley Quinn is a Hillside Junior High ELA teacher who strongly believes in the power of creating change through education. She strives to assist young people in developing critical thinking skills and participating in civil discourse to gain the confidence to tackle real world problems. Ashley has consistently selected diverse and challenging texts to help students build a broader worldview, experience a variety of writing styles, and confront the complexities of the human condition. When she’s not teaching you can find her biking, cooking something overly complicated for a weeknight, or relaxing in her garden.
In the 20 years he has been teaching middle school English, Kevin Murphy has had the opportunity not only to teach and learn from his students in rural communities in Idaho, but he has also traveled the country to learn from and teach his peers about educational practices. He has led professional development on brain development, grading and assessment, and mastery education; he has also served as a board member of the Idaho Middle Level Association. In the fall of 2024, Kevin and his team of teachers will open Synergy Middle School in Kuna, ID: an Integrated, Problem-Based, Individually-Paced learning environment in which students spend their three years learning about the real world, how it works, their place in it, and what they can do to make it better for everyone.
Michelle Weickum has worked in the Boise School District for 6 years, 3 years as a community school coordinator and 3 years as a licensed MSW at Riverglen Junior High. She enjoys teaching students how to regulate their nervous systems and empowering them to take on life’s challenges. She also enjoys providing support to families so their children can come to school ready to learn and find community. Prior to working in the schools, Michelle worked in a variety of local organizations serving populations such as: refugees, domestic violence survivors, and other populations at risk.
Chelsey Ueno is a teaching fellow at Future Public School. She has been in the education field in various capacities for the past four years and enjoys working with students in lower elementary the most. She also teaches enrichment for the afterschool program where students learn about music through a human rights lens. Chelsey is passionate about continuing to learn about other cultures and educating others about her Hawaiian heritage. She enjoys being active outdoors, exploring museums, and library hopping with her son.
Lilyanne Lucas is new to the education scene, but don’t let that fool you. She is currently working as a paraprofessional at Sage International School in Middleton and attending education classes at CWI. She considers herself to be very artistic and loves to add a creative touch to anything in the classroom. She is excited to see everything that her teaching career has in store.
Own Your Voice: Advocating for Yourself and Building Belonging
Overview
This interactive workshop empowers high school and university students to actively foster a sense of belonging within their classrooms, communities, and beyond. The session emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, empathy, and education in creating supportive environments through individual and collective actions. Participants will explore strategies to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and connected, regardless of their lived experiences. Through engaging activities, reflection, and discussions, students will learn how to recognize and build their own sense of belonging, advocate for their needs, and support the well-being of others. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools and insights to create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, contributing to a culture of empathy and collective growth.
Target Audience
High school and university students
Presenter
Annie Ponce holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Catholic University of Honduras, a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Salamanca, Spain, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Boise State University, Idaho. With rich experience in community capacity-building, project management, and higher education, she has worked for government institutions such as the Department of State and has participated in numerous national and international programs and conferences. She served as an Adjunct Professor at Boise State University and currently is a Human Rights Education Fellow at the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. Either through volunteering or work, Annie is dedicated to fostering just and educated communities where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves.
Advancing Civic Participation through Holocaust Education
Overview
Studying the Holocaust imparts essential lessons of civic values, including justice, tolerance, and the importance of democratic liberties. This program examines how lessons of history can instill the importance of civic action in young people from all backgrounds. By using Echoes pedagogical approach and examining the rise of the Nazi party, participants bridge memory into action and inspire students to participate in political processes in their community.
Target Audience
Secondary educators
Presenter
Rebecca Keel is a committed Holocaust and genocide educator dedicated to supporting teachers in navigating the sensitive history of the Holocaust while prioritizing the emotional well-being of both students and educators. As Program Director at the Hold On To Your Music Foundation (HOTYM), Rebecca leads impactful programs like Willesden READS, which has reached over 300,000 students and 3,000 educators, blending storytelling, music, and social emotional learning to foster empathy and resilience. In her work with the California Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education, the USC Shoah Foundation, and Echoes & Reflections, Rebecca has designed professional development experiences that equip educators with the tools to teach Holocaust history with sensitivity and relevance. Driven by her belief in the power of education to inspire understanding, Rebecca empowers teachers to engage with this history in ways that promote healing, reflection, and meaningful connections for their students.
Rebecca holds a BA in Sociology from the University of North Carolina Asheville, focusing on the intersection of race and poverty, a MSEd in School Leadership from Baruch College, and a MS in Interior Design from Pratt Institute, with a focus on K-12 school architecture. Rebecca’s passion is to create space – physical and interpersonal – in communities, schools, and organizations that inspire the better humanity in each of us. She currently resides in New Orleans, LA.
Teen Voices: Building Compassionate Communities Together
Overview
In this interactive reflection session, High School students will come together to share their insights, ideas, and experiences from the day’s workshops. This session will be a space to reflect on the importance of compassion in their communities, explore challenges they may face, and brainstorm actionable steps they can take to foster empathy and inclusion in their schools and beyond. Students will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a collective vision for creating a more compassionate world.
Target Audience
3-12 grade educators
Presenter
Calley Sunderman serves as the Education Specialist for Youth Learners at the Wassmuth Center. She is a passionate learner and dedicated teacher, finding endless inspiration in the boundless curiosity of youth. Specializing in environmental education, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Resources from Arizona State University, where she was also committed to resilence and joy as a member of the Track and Cross Country teams. Calley is deeply committed to building communities through her involvement, advocacy, and partnerships, and works towards connections and collaborations. Her teaching extends beyond the classroom, encompassing and sharing a love for the outdoors. Calley, along with her husband and son, enjoys exploring new places, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery.