2025 Symposium schedule

Featured artwork in the Rotunda for the IC Symposium

• “Always Here” by Francesca Neilson 
• “The Dichotomy of Spirals” by Dawn Butler 
• “Exploration of Housing in Dayton: Artistic and Informative” by Dayton Civic Scholars Seniors 
• “jumpstART conversations to end the stigma that kills” by GEM Art Contest Student Artists (Grades 6-12) 

Featured table in the GEM Space

“Brick by Brick: Solutions Safe Space,”* Mark Lammers 

*The table will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., April 3-4

April 3

8:30-9 a.m., The Rotunda

• Registration
• Art Exhibits and Poster Boards
• Networking

9-10:30 a.m., The Tank (048)

• Welcome by Mayor Jeffery J. Mims
• Introduction by Nancy McHugh
• Opening Dialogue with Charles F. Kettering Foundation Senior Fellows Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Mr. David Pepper, moderated by Charles F. Kettering Foundation Chief External Affairs Officer and Director, D.C. Operations, Brad Rourke

10:45-11:45 a.m.

The Tank (048)

“Catalyzing Change: Co-Creating a Stronger Northwest Dayton," Tracy Sibbing and Erica Fields

GEM Jade (065)

Intergenerational Activism: What Generations Need to Know and Do About Engaging and Advocating for Family, Parents', and Grandparents' Well-Being

GEM Sapphire (068)

“The Discerning Voter: Cutting Through Disinformation,” Lajmar Anderson

Lewis Room (156)

“From Digital Marketplace to Community Canvas: Evolving with Dayton’s Art Scene,” Dave Best

Upper Deck (342)

“An Invitation to the Conversation: Sharing Ideas About Climate Change in Our Region,” Danielle Quichocho, Jen Ptacek, and Stacy Allen

11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Lunch Break

Square Space

“Table of Plenty,”* Meaghan Crowley, Mary Niebler and Ronnie Barker

The Rotunda

Help build a Community Mosaic with the Mosaic Institute

Pick up lunch ordered from Boss Potatoes*+

*Requires pre-registration through the registration portal

+-Requires payment

1:15-2:15 p.m.

The Tank (048)

“Intersectional Humanitarianism: Leveraging the Collegiate Learning Experience to Promote Critical Analysis,” Faheem Curtis-Khidr, Trey Clements, and Leroy Long

GEM Jade (065)

“Reimagining Bravery for Transformational Education in Correctional Settings,” Susybell Kallsen and Molly Malany Sayre

GEM Sapphire (068)

“Foundational Open Public Data: From Raw Numbers to Community Impact,” Dave Best and Janet Michaelis

Lewis Room (156)

“Beyond Books: The Dayton Metro Library as the 21st Century Commons,” Debi Chess and Other DML Staff 

Upper Deck (342)

“The Psychological Cost of Identity Threat in Culturally Blind Learning Environments,” Sherman Gillums Jr. and Kimberly Freeman

2:30-3:30 p.m.

The Tank (048)

“Centering Community Voices: A Participatory Action Research Workshop,” Joy Kadowaki, Laura Mishne Heller, Joel Pruce, and Matthew Witenstein 

GEM Jade (065)

“Revealing How Intergenerational Collaboration Improves Innovation,” Donna Kastner and Lauren White 

GEM Sapphire (068)

“Empowering Communities: Addressing Literacy, Voting, and Equity Disparities,” Myla Cardona-Jones and Shirray Burnside 

Lewis Room (156)

“Advancing Brain Health Awareness: A Community-Centered Approach,” Brett Hart 

Upper Deck (342)

“Polarization’s Impact on Our World: What We Can Do,” Kelly Zimmerman and Beverly Horstman

3:45-4:45 p.m.

The Tank (048)

“Unearthing Strengths Through Storytelling,” Lisa Singh, Kevin Heath, and Shelly Hulce 

GEM Jade (065)

“Thriving Yet Barely Surviving–The Solution Isn’t Just Eating,” Brandon Spatz 

GEM Sapphire (068)

“Mapping the Montgomery County Voter,” Jennifer Bryant and Josiah Wahlrab 

Lewis Room (156)

“Empowering Immigrants and Refugees Through Community-Based Participatory Action Research,” Corinne Brion, Hubert Methode Matumaini, Kadiatou Touré and Ximena Silva-Aguirre  

Upper Deck (342)

“Well-Being and Democracy,” Peter Benkendorf and Karen Korn 

April 4

8:30-9 a.m., The Rotunda

• Registration
• Art Exhibits and Poster Boards
• Networking

9-10:30 a.m., The Tank (048)

“Creating Brave Spaces for Civic Engagement in Dayton and Beyond,” Presidents Panel featuring Ms. Sharon L. Davies of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, Mr. Brain Martin of the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Dr. Eric Spina of the University of Dayton, Michelle Riley, The Food Bank of Dayton and Rev. Dr. Vanessa Ward of Omega CDC. Nancy McHugh, The Fitz Center for Leadership in Community, Moderator.

10:45-11:45 a.m.

The Tank (048)

“Voices of Change: Advancing Human Rights in Dayton Through Collaboration,” Keslina Luoma, Tony Talbott, Julio Mateo, Maggie Burke, Caleb Floyd, and Alexandra Williams

GEM Jade (065)

“A Decade of Civic Tech: Lessons from Code for Dayton's Journey,” Janet Michaelis and Dave Best

GEM Sapphire (068)

“Cultivating Change: Collaborative Problem Solving for Inclusive Civic Engagement,” Christa Wheeler and Cheryl Wheeler 

Lewis Room (156)

“Disability Awareness and Advocacy–On Campus and Beyond,” Anna Mehendale, Beth Schulz, Elle Towle, Clarissa Breard, Francesca Neilson, Karlie Romer, Madeline Hodges, and Skylar Archer 

Upper Deck (342)

“Citizen’s Climate Lobby: Effective Engagement for Climate Action,” Steve Schlather and Marcia Lyons 

11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Lunch Break

The Rotunda

Help build a Community Mosaic with the Mosaic Institute

Pick up lunch ordered from Boss Potatoes*+

*-Requires pre-registration through the registration portal

+-Requires payment

1:15-2:15 p.m.

The Tank (048)

“Imagining a Rental Property Registry in Dayton,” Lamonte Hall, Samba Silla, Steve Gondol, James McDaniel, Sarah Weber, Destiny Brown, and Dayton Tenant Union Organizer, co-moderated by Miranda Brooks and Isabella Esposito 

GEM Jade (065)

“Voting: “All Politics is Local," Christine Corba and Susan DeLuca 

GEM Sapphire (068)

“Engaging Across Difference: Cultivating Cultural Competence & Humility,” Ashley Wright

Upper Deck (342)

“Empowering Communities Through Health Literacy: Addressing Inequities and Fostering Informed Decision-Making,” Laura Mishne Heller, Sarah Nix, Kendall Visco, Kendall Adams, and Olivia Turner

2:30-3:30 p.m.

The Tank (048)

“Braver Angels: A Civic Renewal Movement,” Kelly Zimmerman, Beverly Horstman, and David Lapp

GEM Jade (065)

“Rolling for Change: Using Dungeons & Dragons for Civic Engagement,” Game Masters Megan Garrison and Tony Talbott assisted by Sarah Naughton, featuring Alisha Hoke

Lewis Room (156)

“Mapping Environmental Justice: Using Open Source GIS Tools for Community Action,” Dave Best and Janet Michaelis

Upper Deck (342)

“Preventing Violent Extremism in Post-January 6th America: Lessons and Reflections from the PREVENTS-OH Project,” Jamie Small, Eden Michelson, Ella Donnelly, and Abby Ulery

3:45-5:15 p.m.

The Tank (048)

“What Can We Do? Everyday People Saving Democracy,” Charles F. Kettering Foundation 2025 Dayton Democracy Fellows