Monroe Community College
R. Thomas Flynn Campus Center | Building 3
November 21
8:15am Registration Opens, 9:00am-4:15pm program
Lunch Provided
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
Monroe County Office of Mental Health
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Krystyna Staub, Vice President of Development, KStaub@stabridgeinc.org.
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
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
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.”
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.