The event will blend science, storytelling, and strategy, highlighting real-world examples of communities “getting it right” while addressing emerging challenges—from AI data centers and plastics production to environmental justice and climate impacts.

Join us for breakfast, networking opportunities, fireside chats and discussion panels with child health champions, and lunch. This event is free, but registration is required due to capacity limitations.

Reviewing children’s environmental health successes and setbacks
The importance of healthy places in which children live, learn, and play
Data centers, plastics production, and emerging environmental threats
Stories of Change: Communities and advocates driving action
Looking Ahead to building a healthier, more equitable future for children
Getting ready for elections and acting to protect kids’ health in turbulent times

Alissa Mwenelupembe- Chief Early Learning Quality and Research Officer, National Association for the Education of Young Children
Amanda Reddy- Executive Director, National Center for Healthy Housing
Claudia Persico- Associate Professor of Public Administration and Policy, American University's School of Public Affairs
Daniel Fiorino- Director, Center for Environmental Policy at American University's School of Public Affairs
John Reeder- Executive Director, Healthy Schools Network
Kristie Trousdale- Deputy Director, Children's Environmental Health Network
LaTricea Adams- Founder, CEO, and President, Young Gifted and Green
Leah Defenbaugh- Director of Youth Development Projects, Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board
Leslie Fields- Chief Federal Officer, West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT for Environmental Justice)
Nsedu Obot Witherspoon- Executive Director, Children's Environmental Health Network
Sadie Yoder -Student, American University
Staci Hartwell- Energy Advisor and Unapologetic Disruptor of the Status Quo
Tom Pelton- Director of Communications, Environmental Integrity Project

8:30 am- Breakfast
9:00 am- Welcome, Opening Remarks
9:10 am- A Decade of Children’s Environmental Health
9:30 am- Fireside Chat: Changemaking at the Local Level
10:15 am- Break
10:30 am- Panel: Healthy Places to Live, Learn, and Play
11:30 am- Lunch
12:45 pm- Panel: The Future We’re Building
1:45 pm- Closing Remarks

Provisional agenda, subject to change.

The Future We're Building Symposium