2025 Whitney M. Young, Jr., Leadership Conference
Empowering Our Affiliate Movement
2025 Whitney M. Young, Jr., Leadership Conference
October 27 - November 1, 2025 | New York, NY
The Whitney M. Young, Jr., Leadership Conference is our annual leadership immersion event for the leaders of our affiliate movement. We bring together our brightest minds and dedicated hearts to expand expertise, build community and share learnings for a stronger, more effective Urban League movement.
Watch the 2024 Recap
2024 Photo Highlights
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Keynote Sessions
October 27 - 30, 2025
Monday | October 27, 2025
Time Session Speakers 3:00 p.m. Registration Opens 6:00 p.m.. Welcome Reception
Tuesday | October 28, 2025
Time Session Speakers 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Breakfast 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch 4:00 p.m. Buses for Reception 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. President's Reception
Wednesday | October 29, 2025
Time Session Speakers 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Networking Break
Thursday | October 30, 2025
Time Session Speakers 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Awards Lunch
Board Development Track
October 28 - 29, 2025
The Role of the Board in Fundraising session is designed to empower Urban League Board members with the knowledge and tools needed to become active and effective participants in their Affiliate’s development efforts. We will explore the critical role that Board members play in fundraising, from leveraging their networks and personal connections to directly engaging in donor cultivation and stewardship. The presentation will cover practical strategies for Board members to deepen their involvement, enhance their fundraising skills, and align their efforts with the organization's overall goals. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how they can make a greater impact and help drive sustainable growth for their organization.
Tuesday | October 28, 2025
Time Session Speakers 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friendmaking: Turning Relationships into Fundraising Success Sean King
Vice President, CCS Fundraising6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Urban League Movement Reception
Wednesday | October 29, 2025
Time Session Speakers 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 a.m. Leadership Breakfast 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. The Governance Game: Oversight Without Micromanagement Amelia Adams
Chief of Staff ,New York State Executive Chamber10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Board Hot Seat: Real-World Challenges, Real-Time Solutions Herman Lessard
Senior Vice President, Affiliate Services, National Urban League
Sabrina Charles
Vice President, Affiliate Services, National Urban League12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. State of the Urban League & Movement Program Awards Luncheon Marc Morial
President & CEO
National Urban League
SVP, Affiliate Services, National Urban League
Chief Executive Officer Track
October 28 - 29, 2025
Tuesday | October 28, 2025
Time Session Speakers 9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. How Not to Get Bitten Marc Morial
President & CEO
National Urban League12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch 3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Break 5:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Wrap Up & Reflections 5:45 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. ULEC Tour
Wednesday | October 29, 2025
Time Session Speakers 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast Speaker 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Needs Assessment Session Mia Calamari
Research and Evaluation Analyst, BCT
Dr. Christopher M. Jones
Coaching and Organizational Development Leader
Nedra Johnson
Project Advisor, BCT10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Break 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Needs Assessment Session Mia Calamari
Research and Evaluation Analyst, BCT
Dr. Christopher M. Jones
Coaching and Organizational Development Leader
Nedra Johnson
Project Advisor, BCT12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Awards Luncheon 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Needs Assessment Session Mia Calamari
Research and Evaluation Analyst, BCT
Dr. Christopher M. Jones
Coaching and Organizational Development Leader
Nedra Johnson
Project Advisor, BCT2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Break
Chief Financial Officer Track
October 28 - 29, 2025
Tuesday | October 28, 2025
Time Session Speakers 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Smart Finance: Leveraging AI in Accounting and Compliance 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Navigating Performance Assessment: Understanding Criteria 2 – Organizational Vitality
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Time Session Speakers 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Guarding the Ledger: Cybersecurity Essentials for CFOs and Fiscal Staff
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Federal Funds in Focus: Best Practices for Grant Financial Reporting
Jennifer Keller, CPA
Principal, Clark Nuber Accounting and Consulting Services Group
Joseph Purvis, CPA
Shareholder, Clark Nuber, Audit and Assurance Services Group
WFDD Combined Track
October 28, 2025
Tuesday | October 28, 2025
Time Session Speakers 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Welcome & Framing the Day 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Plenary Session – Skills-Based Hiring as a Tool for Equity 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Digital Skills for Workforce Advancement Susan Biszewski-Eber
Interstate Renewable Energy Council12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Networking 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Breakout Collaboration - Solving for Workforce Challenges Joshua Brown
Vice President, Budgets and Grants, National Urban League2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Upskilling for the Future of Work & Closing Forum Susan Biszewski-Eber
Interstate Renewable Ener3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closing Forum
Education & Youth Development / Project Ready Track
October 27 - 29, 2025
Project Ready 3.0 is a culturally responsive, youth-centered curriculum designed to elevate the academic achievement, personal growth, and future success of Black and Brown youth. This 2-day training marks the official release of Project Ready 3.0 and offers an immersive experience through five core components. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, tool demos, peer collaboration, and scenario-based planning to ensure program excellence.
Tuesday | October 28, 2025
Time Session Speakers 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Opening & Welcome Darlene Marlin
Vice President, Education Access & Opportunity, National Urban League
Rebecca Tibbetts
Director, Education & Youth Development Programs, National Urban League
Joshua Meyer
Manager, Education and Youth Development, National Urban League
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Empowering Futures: The Impact of Reading Through Project Ready 3.0 John Robinson, Sr.
Champion for Families, Literacy, and Youth Development
Sherry Newton
Educator/Government Affairs and Community Engagement Strategist10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Academic Support & Literacy Robert Jones
Vice President, Urban League Greater Metropolitan Seattle12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Own Your Story: Identity, Expression, and Healing for Youth Leaders Robert Jones
Vice President, Urban League Greater Metropolitan Seattle2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Unlocking Potential while Keeping Your Peace 12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Closeout & Discussion 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. President's Reception
Wednesday | October 29, 2025
Time Session Speakers 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. From Exploration to Action: Leveraging Navigator for Career Readiness Savannah Cooper
Director, Partner Solutions, Kuder, Inc.
Felicia Allen
Partner Relationship Manager, Kuder Inc.10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Building Future-Ready Youth: Creativity, AI & Career Journeys Dr. Jessica Carless
Neuroscientist, Google11:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m. Strengthening Mentorship Systems: Research and Practices to Guide Your Mentoring Program Success Rebecca Stelter
Research Scientist II, IRT
Janis Kupersmidt
Senior Research Scientist12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30 p.m - 3:00 p.m. Data Management for Program Success: Leveraging Airtable for Project Ready Miranda Feldman
Director, Data, Equity & Impact
Education & Youth Development, National Urban League
Rebecca Tibbetts
Director, Education & Youth Development Programs, National Urban League3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Networking Snack Break *Optional 4:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Igniting Civic Leadership Ray Shackelford
Vice President, Equitable Justice Strategic Initiatives, National Urban League
Kendrick Kitchens
Educational Specialist, Houston Area Urban League4:45 p.m. From Reflection to Inspiration – WMY Closeout EYD Team 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Reception (Brooklyn)
Robert W. Jones
Vice President of Youth and Workforce Development, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Darlene Marlin
Vice President of Access and Opportunity, Education & Youth Development Division, National Urban League
Joshua Meyer
Manager, Education and Youth Development, National Urban League
Sherry Ann Newton
Educator/Government Affairs and Community Engagement Strategist
Entrepreneurship Center Program Track
October 28 - 30, 2025
This track will focus on topics that promote growth and development including advocacy, access to capital, development and fundraising strategies, improvement of business management systems, and grants management. Attendees will be asked to share best practices and challenges that may have impeded business performance and engage in peer-to-peer networking. Participants will be Entrepreneurship Center Staff.
Tuesday | October 28, 2025
Time Session Speakers 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.. President's Reception
Wednesday | October 29, 2025
Time Session Speakers 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Entrepreneurship Center Program Welcome & Update (Closed) Stephanie DeVane
VP, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, National Urban League
Kent Mills
Manager, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, National Urban League
Nancy Moran
Associate, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, National Urban League10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Entrepreneurship Center Director's Exchange (Closed) NUL Staff and Entrepreneurship Directors 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Entrepreneurship Center Program Welcome & Update (Closed) Stephanie DeVane
VP, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, National Urban League
Kent Mills
Manager, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, National Urban League
Nancy Moran
Associate, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, National Urban League2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Scaling Success: Innovative Funding Strategies from Grameen America Alethia Mendez
President, Elevate by Grameen3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Networking Break NUL Staff and Entrepreneurship Directors 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Appraising the Future: Trends Shaping a More Equitable Field Brian Cox
President, National Society of Real Estate Appraisers
Thursday | October 30, 2025 Time Session Speakers 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Navigating the Shift: Strategy, Systems, and Scalability for Small Business Resilience Kent Mills
Manager, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, National Urban League10:15 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Small Business Policy & Advocacy Priorities Imani M. Augustus
Director, Third Way
Welton Pride
Manager, Economic and Housing Policy, Washington Bureau11:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m. Using AI to Future-Proof Your Business Kenneth Allen
Co-Director, Los Angeles Urban League Entrepreneurship Center
Siddiq Bello
Executive Director of Strategy & Innovation, Baobab Development Corp.
Nancy Moran
Associate, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, National Urban League1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. LinkedIn Session: The Entrepreneurship Engine: Driving Economic Development NUL Staff and Entrepreneurship Center Directors 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Close Out & Wrap 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Grab & Go Snack Break
Stephanie DeVane
Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Business Development Division, National Urban League
Equitable Justice Strategic Initiative
October 29, 2025
The Equitable Justice & Strategic Initiatives (EJSI) division was established in direct response to the 2020 social justice uprising and leads the National Urban League’s state and local advocacy strategies, while providing rapid response support to our network of 90+ Affiliates. This year, EJSI will present on record relief efforts for justice-involved youth, working to open doors to opportunity and brighter futures. We will also deepen our focus on civics education, showcase a new curriculum, and emphasize the importance of cultivating a culture of civic engagement—particularly among young people—who are critical to shaping a more just and equitable society.
Wednesday | October 29, 2025 Time Session Speakers 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Unlocking Second Chances – Record Clearance and the Road to Reentry | Lecture: Record Clearance Across Age Demographics 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Panel Discussion: The Road to Reentry
Susan Gottesfeld
Director of Reentry Initiatives, Corrections and Reentry, The Council of State Governments Justice Center
Edwin Ortiz
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Returning Citizens Support Group Second Chance Developers
Messiah Ramkissoon
Associate Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Community Partnerships at Youth Justice Network
Housing & Community Development Track
October 28-30, 2025
The Housing & Community Development track will feature interactive workshops led by prominent advocates in the field. These sessions will focus on strategies related to Housing Access and Stability, Financial Supports and Wealth Creation, and Development Opportunities. Attendees will engage in sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and discussing local community engagement efforts, creating a collaborative environment for peer learning.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time Session Speakers 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. State of Housing Overview (Closed) Cy Richardson
Senior Vice President, Economics & Housing Programs, National Urban League
Michael E. Collins, Jr.
Vice President, Housing and Financial Capability, National Urban League
Silky Misra
Senior Director of Housing & Community Development, National Urban League
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Cohort Connections (Closed) 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Post-Purchase - Untangling the Roots Abraham Reyes-Pardo
Urban League of Greater Philadelphia
Paula Carey-Moore
Regional VP of Housing & Economic Empowerment, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Innovating housing Solutions: Partnerships for Affordability
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Networking Snack Break 4:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. State of Housing Overview : Policy Priorities (Closed) Angela Ohm
Vice President Appropriations, National Urban League Washington Bureau6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Reception
Thursday, October 30, 2025 Time Session Speakers 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Post-Purchase - Emergency Response & Disaster Preparedness Glenda Kizzee, Houston Area Urban League 10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Open Discussion: Current HUD Landscape (Closed) Cy Richardson
Senior Vice President, Economics & Housing Programs, National Urban League
Michael E. Collins, Jr.
Vice President, Housing and Financial Capability, National Urban League
Silky Misra
Senior Director of Housing & Community Development, National Urban League
Yanicke Harper
Associate, Housing Stability Counseling Program, Housing and Community Development Division, National Urban League
Sarah Franzini
Associate, Housing and Community Development Division, National Urban League11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Wrap-Up & Reflections 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch
Yanicke Harper
Associate, Housing Stability Counseling Program, Housing and Community Development Division, National Urban League
Paula Carey-Moore
Regional VP of Housing & Economic Empowerment, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Urban Youth Reentry Program Track
October 29, 2025
Best practices for comprehensive reentry programming, highlighting everything from delivering CBT, providing soft and hard skills training, job searching and job retention. Attendees will learn techniques for employer outreach, program retention and supportive wrap-around services.
Wednesday | October 29, 2025 Time Session Speakers 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Unlocking Second Chances – Record Clearance
and the Road to Reentry Lecture: Record Clearance Across Age Demographics10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Panel Discussion: The Road to Reentry 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Program Close-out
Urban Youth Pathways Track
October 29, 2025
Discussion of youth workforce trends and interests, the future of workforce, how to engage youth in conversations about career pathways, emerging careers, career exploration, and employment. Subject matter experts will share program efficiencies in Summer Youth Employment, Work-Based Learning, Project Based Work, Community, and/or Volunteer programs. This session will also brainstorm and strategize on best practices in community partnership development, engagement, and expansion.
Wednesday | October 29, 2025 Time Session Speakers 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Partnerships & Youth Workforce Trends
Guild Track
October 30 - 1, 2025
Friday | October 31, 2025 Time Session Speakers 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Workshop 1: Know yourself, Lead Others | Harnessing EQ to Lead Diverse Teams 10:35 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Workshop 2: From Paycheck to Legacy: Financial Decisions That Last Generations Kimberly Malone
Financial Services Professional and College Administrator1:30 p.m. - 2:50 p.m. Workshop 3: Data Drives Decisions… Our Stories in Numbers Bobby Scott
National Council of Urban League Guilds IPP3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Workshop 4: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Confidence Kickoff:
A Beginner’s Path for Busy LeadersAndrea Kellman
Andrea Akelli Brands, LLC
Saturday | November 1, 2025
Time Session Speakers 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Workshop 5: The Power of Branding: Elevating Your Impact Grace Chandler
National Council of Urban League Guilds Marketing Chair10:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshop 6: Health of the Guild Robin Browder, ESQ.
Attorney at Law1:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Workshop 7: Who is the Guild? Angela R. Simmons-Smith President, National Council of Urban League Guilds Marketing Chair 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Workshop 8: Candid Discussion | You, the NCULG
and Succession PlanningFrancine Allen Humphrey
NCULG Advocacy Chair and Director of Financial Counseling Services
Washington Bureau Track (Hybrid)
October 29, 2025
The Washington Bureau track provides policy and advocacy resources that can be utilized by Urban Leaguers at every leadership level to drive change and enhance the local program experiences of our more than 90 affiliates throughout the U.S.
Wednesday | October 29, 2025 Time Session Speakers TBD Strong Advocacy for Unprecedented Times
Urban Energy Jobs Program
October 29, 2025
The Urban Energy Jobs Program track will address foundational components to creating registered apprenticeship pathways in clean energy. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from energy leaders specializing in pre-apprenticeship development, clean energy workforce trends, and the establishment of registered apprenticeship programs. This session will also explore career pathways and credentialing in cybersecurity, highlighting its importance in the evolving energy sector.
Wednesday | October 29, 2025 Time Session Speakers 10:00 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. Welcome & Framing the Day
10:10 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. Panel Navigating the Registered Apprenticeship System 10:40 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. Q&A 11:00 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. Potholes & Pathways 11:25 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Sustaining Success 11:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Key Takeaways & Closing Remarks
Nicole Wyley
Senior Director, Urban Construction & Urban Energy Jobs Program
WFDD Growth Track
October 29, 2025
Join the Equitable Justice & Strategic Initiatives (EJSI) and Workforce Development teams for an engaging session focused on how record relief can transform the lives and expand workforce opportunities for young adults. The session will begin with a lecture by EJSI discussing the steps necessary to plan and implement a clinic for record relief targeting 18–24-year-olds. This lecture will leverage EJSI's experience in providing record relief though legal/expungement clinics at the League’s National Conference and its Urban Expungement Program (UEP) throughout affiliates in Ohio. Attendees will learn how to reach this age demographic, how to secure key legal partners, and any technical/legal considerations. Lastly, the lecture will also emphasize the importance of record relief to workforce development. The session will also include a dynamic panel discussion with UL affiliate representatives who are all participants with a Department of Labor Workforce grant or the UEP. They will also discuss how to connect this same population to jobs and the many workforce services the UL movement provides. Whether you’re looking to start a clinic or strengthen your own programming, this session offers actionable tools and firsthand insights to help give young people the second chance they deserve - and the brighter future they’ve earned.
Wednesday | October 29, 2025 Time Session Speakers 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Unlocking Second Chances – Record Clearance and the Road to Reentry | Lecture: Record Clearance Across Age Demographics 10:05 a.m. - 10:25 a.m. Deep Dive with Dennis Nicholson: Inside the Urban League of Greater Philadelphia's Jail-Based Programs Dennis Nicolson
Director of Re-entry Program, Urban League of Philadelphia10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Panel Discussion: The Road to Reentry
Susan Gottesfeld
Director of Reentry Initiatives, Corrections and Reentry, The Council of State Governments Justice Center
Edwin Ortiz
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Returning Citizens Support Group Second Chance Developers
Messiah Ramkissoon
Associate Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Community Partnerships at Youth Justice Network
WFDD Upskilling Track
October 29, 2025
The Upskilling/Reskilling track will undertake a comprehensive analysis of the current workforce’s capabilities, the immediate demands of the labor market, and the development of critical competencies essential for maintaining national competitiveness in the coming years. While not all knowledge workers will experience job displacement, many will find that advancements in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies have profoundly transformed their professional roles, effectively positioning them in entirely new fields. This track will provide a forward-looking framework for workforce development, equipping individuals with the requisite skills to navigate and excel in the evolving job landscape, ensuring they remain relevant and resilient in the face of technological disruption.