It Takes All of Us

It Takes All of Us: Building Power, Pathways, and Dignity in the Expanded Learning Workforce

This strand is a call to action. Across four sessions, participants will challenge dominant systems, reclaim workforce power, and co-create a bold future for expanded learning. Explore leadership practices, map meaningful career pathways, and advance strategies for equity and justice. Together, we build workforce dignity and sustainable pathways to ensure thriving professionals and high-quality opportunities for all young people.

The It Takes All of Us Mini-Strand will take place in the Sierra room. 

Wednesday, April 29

10:30AM-12:15PM

Leading With Dignity: Counter-Dominant Leadership in Practice
Kim Cabais, Program Manager, California School-Age Consortium, El Sobrante, CA

Leaders are often asked to deliver results within systems shaped by hierarchy, urgency, and compliance—conditions that can unintentionally undermine worker dignity and trust. This workshop explores counter-dominant leadership as a practical approach to using power with clarity and care. Participants will examine how everyday leadership practices can either reinforce dominance or uphold dignity, and will explore strategies to orient towards dignity.
E, M, MLA, CB
Strand: It Takes All of Us Strand; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership

2:45PM-4:45PM

Exploring Career Mapping in Expanded Learning
Maria Ramirez, Senior Program Manager – Workforce, Partnership for Children and Youth, Sacramento, CA; Virgtrese McGee, High School Program Manager, Girls Inc. of Alameda County, Oakland, CA; Marlyn Alas, Director of Programs, Torrance, CA  

This interactive workshop invites expanded learning professionals to reflect on and explore their career journeys in the expanded learning field. Participants will identify what motivates themselves and their teams, examine how expanded learning roles cultivate transferable skills, support professional growth, and open pathways for long-term careers. Participants will explore how to use storytelling to strengthen staff retention, motivation, and professional development strategies.
E, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: It Takes All of Us Strand; Staff Leadership; Sustainability

Thursday, April 30

10:00AM-12:00PM

It Takes All of Us: A Call to Transform the Expanded Learning Workforce
Lupine Reppert, MPA, Executive Director, California School-Age Consortium, Pittsburg, CA; Maria Ramirez, Senior Program Manager – Workforce; Aleah Rosario, Co-CEO, Partnership for Children and Youth, Sacramento, CA

A stronger future for young people requires a stronger, more just workforce. Join us to shape a bold vision for expanded learning and elevate strategies that advance workforce dignity. Together, we can build a respected, visible profession with living wages, clear pathways, aligned systems, policy alignment, and shared leadership across California’s expanded learning ecosystem—ensuring all young people access high-quality, culturally affirming opportunities.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: It Takes All of Us Strand; Staff Leadership

1:15PM-2:30PM

Linking, Learning, Leading: Workforce Development Strategies Across California
Maria Ramirez, Senior Program Manager – Workforce, Partnership for Children and Youth, Sacramento, CA; Hada Guzman, Girls Inc. of Alameda County, Oakland, CA; Tia Anzellotti, VP of Programs, arc, San Diego, CA; Destiny Lopez, Program Manager, Partnership for Children and Youth, Sacramento, CA

Participants will learn organizational effectiveness tools and collaborative strategies through projects such as developing data-informed retention strategies and building buy-in for professional development pathways. Attendees will leave with actionable, tested ideas to apply in their organizations while supporting a stronger, more equitable expanded learning workforce.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: It Takes All of Us Strand; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Sustainability

https://partnerforchildren.org/ittakesallofus