2025 Shape of the Region Conference

Mar 25, 2025 7:30 AM

Our Children

Creating Safe, Supportive Futures for Northern Virginia’s Youth

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | Hybrid Event

7:30 am: Breakfast & Registration (in-person)
8:30 – 11:30 am: Conference Program (hybrid)
Valo Park Auditorium
7950 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22102

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION - $75: in-person. Breakfast begins at 7:30am. **Online in-person registration is closed, but there will be space in-person Tuesday morning.
VIRTUAL REGISTRATION - $25: Zoom Webinar (Link to be shared upon registration)

EVENT PROGRAM

The well-being of Northern Virginia’s youth is at a critical juncture, presenting both challenges and opportunities for meaningful change.

According to the 2023 Virginia Health Survey, 13.2% of students avoided school due to safety concerns, and 17% of high school students reported bullying. Death by suicide is now the second leading cause of death for children aged 10-14.

On March 25, 2025, the Shape of the Region Conference will address how to create safer spaces for youth, combat bullying, prevent substance abuse, and improve mental health access. Insight Region^®, our center for community research, will present data and research findings about Northern Virginia’s youth. Join with youth representatives, community members and experts as we explore solutions that can help our region’s youth thrive and build a brighter future in Northern Virginia.

The Community Foundation’s annual Shape of the Region conference is a cross-sector platform where more than 400 guests join to create a Northern Virginia that works for everyone.

PRESENTERS

HOST

Drew Wilder
NBC4 Northern Virginia Reporter

A PORTRAIT OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA'S YOUTH

Denise Bellows, PhD
Senior Director of Insight Region^®, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

FIRESIDE CHAT

MODERATOR

Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, CST, FAOSW Chief Philanthropy Officer and President, Inova Health Foundation and Acting President, Inova Behavioral Health Services

PANELISTS

Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq.
Executive Director
American Psychiatric Association Foundation

Melanie Kay Wyatt, ED.D
Superintendent
Alexandria City Public Schools
Mark Shriver
President, Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School and Senior Advisor, Save the Children
Gregory Washington, PhD
President, George Mason University