Overview

The Umoja Community Education Foundation is pleased to host the second annual Washington Regional Symposium. This year's Symposium will be held in Des Moines, Washington, at Highline College, the first Umoja Community partner in the state. The Regional Symposium is a platform for Umoja students, practitioners, and guests to partake in a transformative experience that taps the intellectual, spiritual, and artistic voices of the African Diaspora. We are excited to bring together partner campuses in Washington: Bellevue College, Seattle Central College, and Highline College, plus neighboring campuses in the state. Symposium serves as a dynamic platform for collaborative learning and growth. Each regional event encompasses a rich array of activities, including workshop sessions, intentional engagement, connection to the African Diaspora, cross-regional support, and alliance building. Moreover, the symposium aligns with the elements of the UCEF Memo of Understanding (MOU), offering targeted training and development sessions to identify Umoja Practitioners and acknowledge students' contributions to establishing thriving Umoja programs.

Meals During the Event: Breakfast: Provided, Lunch: Provided, Dinner: Not Provided

 

REGISTRATION

Schedule

Schedule Description: 

 

AGENDA AT A GLANCE – Washington Regional Symposium:  

1-Day Event | May 8, 2025 | Host: Highline College - Des Moines, WA  

Umoja Community Education Foundation  

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM   

Registration and Breakfast  

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM  

Opening Umoja Elder Ritual

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM  

Umoja Practices Song Connection Icebreaker

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM  

Keynote Presentation: “Bootstraps & Breakthroughs: Elevating Leadership Through Self-Reliance” Dr. Damien Danielly

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM    

Lunch & Networking

AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS (TRACKS 1-4)

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM  

Track 1: “Stronger Together: Building Resilience and Thriving Through Social Support” Dr. Kiana Foxx  

 

Track 2: “Empowering Black Students Through African-Centered Education and AI-Driven Instructional Practices” Dr. J West 

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM  

Wellness Break

2:15 PM – 3:05 PM  

Track 3: “In-Tune to Thrive: Empowering Students for Academic, Health, and Wellness Success” Dr. Vernon Lindsay  

 

Track 4: “Occupy the Village: Cultivating Sacred Study Spaces for Community and Academic Excellence” Nia Bush 

3:05 PM – 3:30 PM  

Call to Action & Closing Ritual

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Informal Networking & Departure