Leaders are often asked to drive change without the conditions that make it possible. This session focuses on what actually supports people to shift practice over time. Grounded in the KBD approach, we explore five key drivers, Trust, Resources, Responsive Policies & Practices, Hope, and Celebration, and how they show up in everyday leadership decisions. Participants will reflect on their organizational or system context and identify practical strategies to strengthen these drivers to build cultures that support both accountability and growth.

Creating access is an important starting point, but it doesn’t always lead to belonging. Many environments remove barriers without fully addressing how people experience connection, participation, and identity. This workshop explores how to move beyond access toward true belonging using practical, “curb-cut” approaches that support all participants while centering those most often excluded. Participants will reflect on their own organizations, programs, classrooms, or systems to identify concrete shifts to strengthen inclusion, deepen engagement, and create environments where people feel seen, supported, and able to fully participate.

There is increasing clarity about what young people need to thrive, but less attention to how adult mindsets, systems, and structures shape those experiences. This workshop invites participants to examine not just what they do, but who they need to become to support well-being. Teams explore the key shifts, from deficit to assets, prevention to thriving, and programs to developmental experiences, and consider how these shifts can be applied across a range of settings, including those where safety, accountability, and structure are essential. Participants leave with a clearer understanding of how to align everyday practice and system-level decisions with a PYD approach.

Even in relationship-centered work, misunderstandings and difficult moments can get in the way of strong partnerships with families and caregivers. This interactive workshop helps participants build more trusting, authentic relationships with families. Participants reflect on assumptions that create barriers and learn practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations with care and confidence.

How can we create youth programs where teens feel motivated, connected, and empowered? In this interactive session, we explore strategies from Dr. David Yeager’s adolescent motivation research and principles from Dr. Shawn Ginwright’s healing centered engagement framework to design programs that are flexible, relevant, and responsive to the needs and interests of youth today. Through scenarios and discussion, we identify concrete strategies for building meaningful, impactful relationships and engaging programs. Together, we explore how staff can lead with a mentor mindset and healing-centered approach to foster young people’s sense of purpose, agency, and belonging. Participants will leave with practical tools and new ideas to promote a supportive, healing, and inspiring program for teens.