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November 21 All day

Monroe Community College
R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center | Building 3

November 21

8:15am Registration Opens, 9:00am-4:15pm program

Lunch Provided

Bridging the Hope and the How Conference demonstrates the profound impact of hope as the bridge connecting our present circumstances to our desired destinations.

Through engaging discussions, interactive workshops, inspiring keynotes, and expert speakers from diverse backgrounds, attendees will leave feeling inspired to ignite change, pursue passions, and build connections to make meaningful contributions in their communities.

$149/per person

Register Early- Space is limited!

Limited Scholarships available for family members and students.

If accommodations such as language translation is needed, please register at least 2 weeks prior to the event so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

For any questions, please contact JHutkowski@starbridgeinc.org

Sponsors

Innovation Sponsors

Pacesetter Sponsors

Monroe County Office of Mental Health

Sponsorship Opportunities

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Krystyna Staub, Vice President of Development, KStaub@stabridgeinc.org.


Event Schedule

9:00am – Welcome Remarks, Nikisha Ridgeway President & CEO, Starbridge

9:15am – Keynote- Dr. Cross

10:10am – Break

10:30-11:45am – HOPE Breakout Sessions

11:45am – Lunch

12:15pm – Lunch; Keynote Adrian Hale

1:15pm – HOW Breakout Sessions 

2:30pm – Break 

2:45pm – Panel discussion


Keynote Speakers

Morning Keynote

The Healing Power of Hope

Presented by Dr. Ashley Cross

Hope Theory posits that hope is essential for overcoming adversity and achieving goals.The Hope Theory defines hope as “the belief that the future will be better, and you have the power to make it so.” Hope is based on three main ideas: desirable goals, pathways to goal attainment, and agency (willpower) to pursue those pathways. The objective of this Keynote is to give professionals an understanding and appreciation for the Science of Hope and the role it plays in developing hope in the people they serve.

Dr. Ashley Cross
Founder and Executive Director of HOPE585

About Ashley:

Dr. Ashley Cross is the Founder and Executive Director of HOPE585, an organization that focuses on providing a relationship-centered community where marginalized youth and their families hope, heal, and thrive. Ashley has dedicated her life to working in the community to build and sustain hope with a heart and passion to heal and restore families. She sits on the board of Bivona Child Advocacy, Causewave Community Partners, and Mona’s House. She is also a 2023 Forty Under 40 Honoree. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Master’s in Non-Profit Management and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, all from Oral Roberts University


Lunch Keynote

A New Possible

Presented by Adrian I. Hale

A problem doesn’t become a challenge until we’re willing to take it head on.

Hope can be our most powerful weapon against the doom and gloomism that makes many cede that our nation, as we know it, is the best we can do. Adrian will discuss how a new vision for public education is the key to unlocking a new possible for America by helping us discovering the keys within us.

Adrian I. Hale
Regent, 7th Judicial District NYS Board of Regents

About Adrian

Adrian Hale is a proud son of Rochester, NY, and a civic leader throughout the greater Rochester community. He the immediate past Director of Economic & Community Development at Foundry. And previously served as Senior Manager of Workforce Development, Talent Strategy, and Education Initiatives at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Adrian has been driven by a deep belief in leadership through service and has been a passionate advocate for advancing equity and opportunity for all!

Adrian’s life in public service began in the United States Marine Corps. Adrian was an active-duty Marine for five years. As a Marine, he made two combat deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Adrian re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where he served for three years.

Adrian started his collegiate education at SUNY Monroe Community College (MCC), where he graduated with an A.S. in Liberal Arts, with distinction, while concentrating his coursework in the Social Sciences. While at MCC, Adrian became a leader in student government and maintained a 4.0 GPA, earning him the 2014 SUNY Chancellors Award for Student Excellence before transferring to Yale University, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science and studied politics.

As a Chamber of Commerce executive Adrian worked to improve the educational outcomes for greater Rochester’s youth, enhance the quality of its regional workforce, and promote a more inclusive economic development strategy. For his efforts at the chamber of commerce in 2019, he was awarded the Center for Teen Empowerment’s Champion for Youth Leadership award, and in 2020 Adrian was recognized by Rochester Business Journal (RBJ) and the Association for Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) as a member of their 40 Under 40.

Adrian joined the Foundry team because he believes in the socio-economic problem-solving power of decentralized infrastructure and emergent technologies, particularly for communities such as Rochester. At Foundry, Adrian worked to build community relationships and lead efforts to enable users and democratize access to future-focused technology.

As a thought leader, Adrian has and continues to serve on committees throughout the community, such as co-chairing the NYS FLREDC Regional Economic Development Council’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the NYS Governor’s Workforce Development Initiative Committee, the Democrat and Chronicle Editorial Board, and currently the New York State Board of Regents.

For Adrian’s contributions toward the progress in Rochester, he was a 2024 recipient of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s Ignite Award, an award annually bestowed upon one young professional who strives toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment in their given fields. Adrian lives by the ethos of “Do what you can today until you can do more tomorrow.”


Breakout Sessions

There will be several breakout sessions addressing the significance of hope in human services and improved outcomes, as well as exploring the methods for delivering services to maximize impact.

Morning

Failing Forward: How Hope Propels Us Forward

Presenters: Lia Festenstein and Khaled Alkaissi

In this session, we will explore the transformative power of hope and resilience through the story of an OACES student who turned adversity into success. This individual came to the United States as a refugee, facing the immense challenges of starting over in a new country. Despite the hardships and trauma of leaving behind everything familiar, he refused to let his circumstances define his future.

Through sheer determination, he has not only opened multiple restaurants and small businesses but has also become a beacon of hope for others. By mentoring and supporting fellow refugees, he helps them navigate their own journeys of rebuilding and thriving in a new environment.

Joining him will be the Executive Director of OACES, who has witnessed firsthand the impact of hope in overcoming grief and trauma. Together, they will share insights on how hope serves as a critical force in moving forward, even when the path seems insurmountable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding the concept of “failing forward” and how it can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
  • Learning how hope can be harnessed to overcome significant life challenges, including grief and trauma.
  • Hearing firsthand experiences of resilience from a refugee who turned obstacles into opportunities.
  • Gaining insights into the importance of community support and mentorship in fostering hope and success.

This session is a must-attend for anyone interested in the power of human resilience, the impact of hope, and the importance of supporting others in their journey towards a brighter future. Whether you work with refugees, are navigating personal challenges, or simply want to be inspired by a story of success against all odds, this session will provide valuable lessons and actionable insights.

Dr. Lia Tinkelman Festenstein, with nearly 30 years of educational experience, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Adult and Career Education Services (OACES) in the Rochester City School District. In this role, she manages adult education programs serving 2,500 students annually, focusing on ESL, GED programs, and job training initiatives.

Dr. Festenstein has held various leadership positions within the district, including Assistant Principal, Director of Special Programs, and Teacher Incentive Fund Coordinator. Her work has involved improving special education, developing bilingual programs, and collaborating with local agencies to support refugee resettlement and employment.

Before her career in Rochester, Dr. Festenstein served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Poland, where she taught English in a rural high school.

Dr. Festenstein earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester, where her dissertation focused on program evaluation. She also holds a CAS in School Building and School District Leadership from the State University of New York at Brockport, an MS in Education with ESL Certification from the University of Rochester, and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Hope College. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at the University of Rochester, contributing to the development of future educators.

Khaled Alkaissi is a resilient entrepreneur who moved to the United States at 18 with his family, assuming the role of the older son without a father. Arriving in a new country where he didn’t speak English, Khaled faced significant challenges. His high school counselor informed him that he wouldn’t be able to obtain his high school diploma, but this did not deter him. Determined to succeed, Khaled attended OACES to learn English and participated in the MAC (Making a Connection) Program for young refugees. Through this program, he learned about the community, built a strong network, and obtained his driver’s license. Khaled remains deeply grateful to his MAC Coach, Alla DeWolf, for her unwavering support.

After working full-time at a restaurant for two years, Khaled embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. Although his first restaurant venture was short-lived, his perseverance led him to open another restaurant- Master Falafel, which he successfully ran and eventually sold as a profitable business. Khaled’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there—he went on to open yet another restaurant Jasmin, where he has made it a priority to hire refugees, helping others like himself build a new life. Recognized as a young leader in the Syrian community, Khaled continues to make a positive impact both in his industry and within his community.

The Science of Hope and Why it Matters

Presenters: Oni Colon and Dr. Ashley Cross

Hope is the single best predictor of well being. Throughout the workshop we will review the science of hope and why hope matters, the 6 principles of hope, measuring and increasing hope scores as well as fostering collective hope among families. This session will leave attendees seeing themselves as “hope givers” possessing the ability to nurture hope in themselves and others.

Oni Colon is the Manager of Family Services with HOPE585. Oni has dedicated her career to serving in the non-profit sector working with children, families and community stakeholders. As the Manager of Family Services she is responsible for the development, implementation and management of programs that provide resources and support to system-involved families and young adults aging out of foster care. Oni received her Bachelor’s in Biology from Hamilton College and a Masters of Public Health from the University of Buffalo.


Afternoon

Transformative Systems of Care

Presenter: Dr. Ruth Turner

In an ever-evolving social landscape, traditional systems of care often struggle to meet the complex needs of diverse populations. This workshop, “Transformative Systems of Care,” aims to explore innovative approaches that prioritize holistic, inclusive, and equitable care solutions.

Participants will delve into the principles of transformative justice, community-based care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities,

attendees will examine how to dismantle systemic barriers and create nurturing environments that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

This session is designed for social workers, educators, community organizers, and anyone passionate about reimagining care systems for Youth. Together, we’ll explore strategies for implementing transformative practices in various settings, fostering resilience, and empowering individuals and communities.

Join us to learn, share, and collaborate on building a future where care systems are responsive, adaptable, restorative, and rooted in empathy and justice.

Ruth B. Turner is known as a champion of children and families in Rochester, NY, which she calls home. As an educator, she has committed herself to the principles of Restorative Practices, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under her administrative leadership with Rochester City School District (RCSD), she worked to support the

most vulnerable students and was an advocate for all students and families. She has led the district in adopting restorative justice initiatives in terms of student discipline and is a key leader in anti-racism work for the district.

For over 16 years, she served the Rochester City School District as a social worker, Director, Executive director for student support service, and Chief for student support and social-emotional learning. She is currently the Deputy Superintendent at the Rochester City School District.

As a DEI and racial equity consultant and educator, Ruth has over 15 years of experience partnering with government agencies, organizations, educational institutions, faith-based initiatives, and communities seeking to advance their mission and focus by promoting DEI values for the benefit and development of their workforce and communities served while helping them to enhance their practices and decision- making processes.

Ruth’s commitment to the intersection of social work, social welfare, and education began very early in life rooted in her experience immigrating to the US as a political refugee from Eritrea. It was the kindness and diligence of a social worker who aided her successful transition during one of the most challenging periods in her life. Through the support and advocacy of individuals like this social worker, Ruth graduated from the RCSD and attended college as a 1st generation college student. She has never forgotten the power of support in mitigating the effects of adverse events in childhood, which can aid in helping the individual to reach their fullest potential.

Ruth B. Turner served on the New York State Board of Regents from 2020-2023 and is an adjunct professor at Nazareth University and State University at Brockport.

Mrs. Turner is married to Dr. William R. Turner Jr., Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies at SUNY Brockport. Together, they have three children: John, Lydia, and Ava.

Navigating the Journey of Hope through Network Collaboration: Introduction to MyWayfinder®, powered by TogetherNow.

Presenter: Sara Volz-Rogers, Community Engagement Lead, Together Now

Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight, so what keeps systems change work going through every challenge? Hear from TogetherNow’s Community Engagement Lead about how the tenacity and determination of hope have led to a years-long effort by like-minded service providers, funders, legislators, and community members to create a better system of social care delivery. Learn about MyWayfinder, an online integrated care platform developed

with community input, and discover a growing network of people and organizations who believe better outcomes are possible when we build solutions together.

Sara Volz-Rogers serves as the Community Engagement Lead at TogetherNow in Rochester, NY, where she provides crucial support to her team in applying human-centered design principles to improve service delivery models, workflows, and policies across various community services. Her efforts are directed towards ensuring that these services are aligned with the needs and voices of the community, demonstrating a deep commitment to equity in all aspects of her work. Additionally, in her capacity as the co-facilitator of the Equity Review Board, Sara ensures the integration of equitable practices into all organizational initiatives.

Beyond her leadership role, Sara is a dedicated collaborator, working to ensure that those most affected by systemic issues have a significant voice in TogetherNow’s initiatives. She actively engages with community members to incorporate their perspectives and experiences into meaningful changes and improvements.

Sara’s extensive background in the non-profit sector, with a focus on serving youth, young adults, and families, underscores her commitment to community well-being through active involvement in local committees and boards. Notably, she serves as a Board Member for F.I.G.H.T. Village, advocating for essential resources and support for those in need.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a certification in Childhood Education from SUNY Brockport, Sara leverages her academic background and extensive experience to champion community needs and drive initiatives that bring about positive, lasting impacts.


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