2024 Monthly Virtual Learning Subscription

2024 Monthly Virtual Learning Subscription

The 2024 Monthly Virtual Learning Subscription includes 12 on-demand education Talks, one per month, and is free to Premier Members. These on-demand talks (previously known as Premier Webinars) will be released on the first Monday of the month unless otherwise noted. The full 2024 Monthly Virtual Learning Subscription is worth a total of 1.2 CEU.

NRPA's virtual education Talks feature knowledgeable subject matter experts presenting on timely insights from research and practice. Each Talk is approximately 45 minutes to one hour long and is worth 0.1 CEU

Each month's virtual subscription Talk will be available for registration in advance, but the contents themselves will go live during the month of release. Navigate to the Contents tab to see what Talks are included for this 2024!  

These talk is available for 1 year from their release date!

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released January 2024! Unlock the path to success in your park and recreation career! Release Your Niche: Pursuing Success in Your Park and Recreation Career will help professionals who are in a specialized field to broaden their experiences, knowledge and network to work at higher levels, overseeing multiple divisions/departments.

    Released January 2024! Success is a concept defined differently for every person, yet something everyone aims to achieve to some degree. Regardless of how you define success, you cannot reach the noun without action. Success requires you to set and accomplish goals, take a leap of faith, and jump into new challenges that push you personally and professionally. The journey requires hard work, humility, risk and even failure. In this session, we explore the journey of three recreation professionals who despite starting their careers in very specialized areas decided to break away from their niche to achieve individualized levels of career success. 

    After watching this talk, the audience will leave with an understanding of the shared experiences two professionals used to reach their own, self-identified levels of success. Numerous examples and specific ideas are presented for how professionals can take charge of their own careers. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Gain knowledge in career progression and get tips to achieving success in your park and recreation career.

    2. Identify three different ways to take charge of your career by diversifying experience and taking risks. 

    3. Learn strategies on how to break out of your specialized area of focus and achieve broader career experience and success. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    Errin Koon

    Recreation Manager

    Programs Town of Parker

    Errin was raised in Idaho where she was actively engaged in recreational activities, sparking her passion for Parks and Recreation. She has participated as a recreational player, official, student, intern and full-time professional. In 2007, Errin moved to Colorado to work for the Town of Parker starting as the Assistant Facility Coordinator at the brand new Parker Fieldhouse. Fifteen years later, she has worked in both facilities (3 years) and Sports programming (11 years) with the Town and is now the Program Manager for the Recreation Division. Errin manages the Sports, Fitness, Youth and Enrichments Divisions and oversees the Registration Coordinator. She is also involved in forming the Town’s first Youth Commission and serves as a CAPRA Lead Visitor for NRPA. Throughout her career she has been actively involved with professional organizations, including earning her CPRP, her CYSA, serving on a variety of committees through NRPA, CPRA and CARA and acting as the CARA Chair and CPRA Board Secretary/Treasurer. Errin was the recipient of the CPRA Young Professional of the Year, NRPA Young Professional Fellowship, CARA Professional of the Year and CPRA Presidential Awards.

    Hillary Roemersberger (she/her/hers)

    Director, Recreation Services

    Apex Park and Recreation

    Hillary Roemersberger has worked in Parks and Recreation for 16 years. She currently works as the Director of Recreation Services with Apex Park and Recreation District located in Arvada, CO. In her role she is responsible for the oversight of Fitness and Wellness, Licensed programs, and Aquatics as well as multiple recreation centers. Hillary holds a BS in Health and Exercise Science, a Masters in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released February 2024! Join subject matter experts as they share the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where and Why) of telling your organization’s story in an engaging and cohesive way — all while keeping crisis management in mind.

    Released February 2024! In the ever-evolving landscape of event promotion and crisis management, effective communication serves as the linchpin that can elevate success or mitigate potential damage. This online learning event delves into the intricate art of promoting programs and events through diverse channels, including social media and print. It will also equip learners with the invaluable skill of crisis management. Rooted in expertise in communications and public relations, our speakers Jovanny Huerta and Johnathan Skinner, will empower your team to create impactful promotional campaigns and adeptly navigate unforeseen challenges.  

    After watching this talk, the audience will leave with tips on how to confront the monsters and quench the fire, knowledge on takeaways used to create and grow community programs such as transforming the Mariachi Fest into the Premier Mariachi Fest in the Inland Empire  and how to identify the common goals of partners to achieve success through cross-marketing. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Facing Social Media Monsters: These are the keyboard warriors that have limited knowledge of the topic yet still try to manipulate the narrative. This session will offer tips on how to confront the monsters and extinguish the fire. 

    2. Creating Magic! From Idea (Dream) to Reality: Through trial, error and triumph, speakers will offer takeaways used to create and grow community programs, such how the Mariachi Fest transformed into the Premier Mariachi Fest in the Inland Empire! 

    3. Leveraging Partnerships for a Common Goal: Identify the common goals of partners to achieve success through cross-marketing. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    Johnathan Skinner

    Director of Community Services

    City of Lake Elsinore

    Johnathan O. Skinner is the Director of Community Services for the beautiful City of Lake Elsinore, in Lake Elsinore, California.  He holds Associates degrees in Liberal Arts and Recreation, as well as graduate degree from California State University at Northridge – Leisure Service Recreation Management.  Noted as an Alum “Outstanding Alumni Leisure Service Management”, he also received his Masters of Public Administration, also from California State University at Northridge.

    A lifelong learner and mentor, Johnathan has served the California Parks and Recreation Society in various capacities over the years including Vice President, President and Past President; the Nevada Recreation and Parks Society (NRPS) State Board positions including President.  Currently, he participates on the National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA) Conference Session Selection Committee, and has spoken at the National Conference on motivation and celebration of staff from the bottom to the top.

    During his time in the field, Johnathan has experienced the good, bad and ugly of "telling the story" of his department and the municipalities he has worked for. His insights, though not unique to himself, in dealing with positive and "less than positive" experiences will be helpful for those who are new to communicating to various groups, and those seasoned recreators that have experienced similar situations and are able to view for a different perspective.

    Jovanny Huerta

    Public Information Officer/Special Events Manager

    City of Lake Elsinore

    Jovanny Rivera Huerta, an esteemed news reporter with a 20-year career, has left an indelible mark on Lake Elsinore. Renowned for his journalism and community service, Jovanny's accolades include 6 RTNA Golden Mic awards and 4 Television News Emmys. He has covered major events, from the 9/11 attacks to high-profile interviews with figures like President Barack Obama, Donald Trump and other dignitaries.

    In addition to his reporting prowess, Jovanny serves as Lake Elsinore's Special Events Manager and Public Information Officer, enhancing the city's public relations initiatives. As the Executive Producer of the Mariachi Fest, he celebrates the region's cultural heritage, making it a premier event. Jovanny's leadership extends to the Lake Elsinore Little League, where he is President, driving significant growth and fostering community spirit.
    Jovanny Rivera Huerta is not just a journalist; he is a dedicated community leader. His multifaceted contributions, including event management, public relations, and youth baseball development, showcase his commitment to excellence and service. Jovanny's impact on Lake Elsinore goes beyond reporting; it embodies a holistic dedication to community betterment.

    With Jovanny's multifaceted background, he brings experience of communication from the local level to major leaders of countries.  His experience both as a journalist and as a provider of recreation programs, brings a unique perspective that will be helpful to all levels of Parks, Recreation and Community Services department.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released March 2024! This session on park and recreation system planning will provide an overview, methods, and best/next practices for park and recreation planning. This includes long-range system (master) planning, strategic planning, visioning and comprehensive planning for parks, recreation facilities, trails, open space/natural areas, recreation programs and services, public art, etc. The goal is to help agencies shift from rote plans that are the same for every community to customized, community-based and outcome-driven park and recreation planning.

    This comprehensive discussion delves into vital aspects to empower park agencies in steering effective planning initiatives. Beginning with the essential question of why planning is crucial, the exploration covers key factors such as Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) accreditation, grant eligibility and funding prioritization, while providing an insightful overview of various plan types and emphasizing the significance of inclusive and equity-based planning. This online learning event further delves into engagement techniques geared towards delivering community-supported outcomes, followed by a focus on the technical analysis involved in a needs assessment. Subsequently, this discussion explores recommendations and policy development, delving into the intricacies of Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) and action planning. Additionally, it addresses crucial facets like implementation strategies and offers practical insights on how to initiate the planning process, including Requests for Proposal (RFPs), consultant hiring, in-house planning, scheduling and more. This comprehensive guide equips park agencies with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and succeed in their planning endeavors. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Learn best practices for conducting an outcome-driven long-range planning process. 

    2. Describe 3-5 tools and techniques that will ensure your park agency is successful in increasing community, political, and funding support for implementation. 

    3. Identify ways to champion resiliency, economic vitality, equity, access, and community connections through planning and urban design. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released April 2024! Discover innovative water conservation strategies in park and recreation management as Spokane, Washington, showcases a creative funding solution. Learn how investing strategically not only saves millions of gallons of water annually but also enhances park system quality, ultimately boosting revenues.

    In a world where 71 percent of the Earth's surface is water, the imperative for water conservation resonates daily in cities across America. This holds especially true for park and recreation departments that heavily depend on water for greenscapes, urban treescapes, facilities and programming. Uncover the success story of Spokane, Washington, where a pioneering funding solution was implemented, resulting in the preservation of millions of gallons of water annually. The initiative not only contributes to sustainable water usage but also elevates the overall quality of the park system, proving that strategic investment can yield both environmental and financial dividends. Join us in exploring this case study, where the seemingly paradoxical concept of spending money to save money and make money becomes a powerful strategy in the realm of water conservation for parks and recreation. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Identify water conservation opportunities, strategies and partnerships to form a water conservation plan in your community. 

    2. Identify creative funding sources to build out your strategic capital plan. 

    3. Identify ways to implement the plan and measure success. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    Jason Conley (he/him)

    Interim Parks and Recreation Director

    Spokane Parks and Recreation

    Jason currently serves as the Interim Parks and Recreation Director for Spokane Parks and Recreation Department and has over 24 years of employment history with the City of Spokane. Prior to re-joining the City, Jason was the Director of Safety, Security, Transportation and Risk Management and was the District’s Safety/OSHA/WISHA Officer with Spokane Public Schools for over 8 years. During this time, Jason worked on 7 GC/CM school projects for Spokane Public Schools as a member of their Capital Projects team. Jason has a double major Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Washington University in Management, and Human Resource Management. As a career public servant, Jason has a passion for enriching leisure opportunities in his community.

    Fianna Dickson (she/her)

    Communications Manager

    Spokane Parks and Recreation

    Fianna is the communications manager for City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. Her prior public relations and marketing experience includes non-profit air medical, heart disease research/education, and healthcare risk management. She holds a master’s degree in communication and is an adjunct professor of public relations at Gonzaga University.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released May 2024! Family Health & Fitness Day is all about promoting health and wellness through parks and recreation. This online learning event will inform agencies of the importance of NRPA's Family Health & Fitness Day campaign and provide examples of how they can celebrate and promote this day in their local communities.

    Celebrated the second Saturday in June, NRPA's Family Health & Fitness Day campaign is a celebration of the essential role local parks and recreation plays in keeping individuals, families and communities healthy and active. This online learning event will describe the importance of Family Health & Fitness Day, including how this day promotes the lifelong health and well-being benefits parks provide. This webinar will also share best practices and tips around elevating the recognition of this celebration in local communities, as shared through the lens of NRPA's Marketing Specialist, Christina High. Lastly, this online learning event will share "from the field experience" from Sacramento County Regional Parks, which will share fun and creative ways park and recreation agencies can celebrate Family Health & Fitness Day in their communities. 

    Visit NRPA's Family Health & Fitness Day webpage to engage with our resources around Family Health & Fitness Day. https://www.nrpa.org/events/fa...  

    Learning Objectives:

    1. The learners will be able to describe the essential role park and recreation professionals play in keeping communities healthy and active. 

    2. Attendees will be able to plan, promote and implement programs and events in celebration of Family Health & Fitness Day in their own communities on June 8. 

    3. Participants will be able to reference the Family Health & Fitness Day Outreach Toolkit for further information on planning, promoting and measuring the impact of Family Health & Fitness Day events. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    Cina Makres (she/her/hers)

    Program Specialist

    National Recreation and Park Association

    Cina Makres (she/her) is a Program Specialist with the National Recreation and Park Association. Currently, Cina supports NRPA grantees and provides technical assistance within the organization's youth mentoring and nutrition security portfolios. Cina also manages NRPA's Family Health & Fitness Day campaign efforts to ensure that park and recreation professionals have the tools and resources needed to promote healthy living in their local communities.

    Prior to joining NRPA, Cina completed her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Maryland. Cina has previous experience working with maternal health, global health, and physical activity and nutrition.

    Christina High (she/her/hers)

    Marketing Specialist

    National Recreation and Park Association

    Christina High is NRPA’s marketing specialist, overseeing NRPA’s social media channels. Additionally, Christina is co-host of the Open Space Radio podcast. Through her role, she is responsible for creating content, storytelling, managing campaigns, and using tools to optimize marketing strategies across platforms. Christina is a passionate advocate for equitable outdoor access and nature connectedness. This drives her creativity and allows for quality, engaging storytelling.

    Liz Bellas (she/her/hers)

    Director

    Sacramento County Regional Parks

    Liz Bellas has been a parks professional for over 29 years.  She was appointed as Director of Sacramento County Regional Parks in January 2019, but has served many roles within the Department, including recreation operations, master planning, budget and fiscal officer, and park management.  

    She possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Administration and a minor in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento.

    She has been married to Cliff Bellas for 24 years, and they have three adult children. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, and trail riding.  She is passionate about fulfilling the mission of Sacramento County Regional Parks: enhancing the health, enjoyment and quality of life in the region by acquiring, managing, and protecting park and open space lands; educating the public on the uses and values of leisure time activities, and the cultural and natural history of the County; growing and linking a system of regional parks, trails and open space in Sacramento and neighboring counties; providing a broad range of recreational activities for the community’s diverse populations; and providing stewardship and protection of Sacramento County’s regional park system through partnerships, planning and community involvement.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released June 2024! Embark on a journey with a diverse panel of three seasoned professionals to explore how to establish a more inclusive park and recreation system, rooted in the ideals of the diverse communities served. This initiative begins with strategic investments in each community with the goal of fostering positive change, engagement, mutual respect, and addressing the unique needs of all constituents.

    Join us in the pursuit of creating a welcoming and diverse park and recreation system that reflects the ideals of the communities it serves. Our approach involves a targeted investment in each community and laying the foundation for transformative change, heightened engagement and the cultivation of mutual respect. This endeavor is dedicated to identifying and meeting the specific needs of all constituents, ensuring that our services are inclusive and comprehensive. Attendees will have the invaluable opportunity to be guided by a panel of three professionals, which presents a wealth of diversity in education, cultural backgrounds and professional experiences. Together, we will explore innovative strategies for professionals and their organizations to invest in services that truly cater to the diverse tapestry of people within their communities, fostering a more connected and inclusive society. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Learn how to effectively use your provided services to reinvest in your diverse constituents, employees, community partners and policymakers.

    2. Gain new ideas and strategies to avoid categorizing services, instead developing and investing in a range of diverse community services to meet the needs of all residents.

    3. Identify tools that will help you develop an organizational philosophy to guide your services, basing it on the idea that all people need opportunities that inspire and improve their quality of life.

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    John Stutzman (he/him)

    Recreation and Leisure Service Director

    City of St. Peter

    John Stutzman is a Parks & Recreation practitioner with over 16 years experiences, at various levels of leadership, for both large and small Minnesota communities. He takes great pride in sharing his passion and enthusiasm for recreation, leadership development, and the outdoors and with others, especially the future work force. He is a professional who sees the importance of creating innovative and inclusive ways to meet the needs of a community. John holds a BS in Recreational Sports Programming, a Masters in Recreation Management–Professional Development, and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

    Maria Cepeda (she/her/hers)

    Downtown Events and Facility Coordinator

    Huntersville Park and Recreation

    Young professional working as a Special Events Coordinator for Town of Huntersville Park and Rec Recreation in North Carolina. Previously worked for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation as Senior Recreation Specialist, creating programs and events for the community of Charlotte. After undergrad, she did her internship with the Woodlands Township in Texas. Board member of Hispanic Professionals in Park and Recreation advocating for Hispanic/Latino professionals in the field.

    Hillary Roemersberger (she/her/hers)

    Director, Recreation Services

    Apex Park and Recreation

    Hillary Roemersberger has worked in Parks and Recreation for 16 years. She currently works as the Director of Recreation Services with Apex Park and Recreation District located in Arvada, CO. In her role she is responsible for the oversight of Fitness and Wellness, Licensed programs, and Aquatics as well as multiple recreation centers. Hillary holds a BS in Health and Exercise Science, a Masters in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released July 2024! As park and recreation professionals, it can be difficult to understand analytics and how you can improve your content based on past performance. Learning what does and does not matter will help you advance your overall skills in social media management.

    Released July 2024! In the realm of social media, it all starts with content creation. But how do you quantify the results of your posts? It's important to collect data and format it properly for future use and potentially expanding your skills. With more than three years of social media management experience, the leader of this session will provide useful information for beginner-level content creators on formatting your data and understanding what information is most important to glean from with analytics. 

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Learners will better understand basic analytic terminology and the metrics to track at the beginner level. 

    2. Learners will be able to craft summaries of past post-performance data to share with their team. 

    3. Learners will gain insight on which overlooked analytics to track and watch to improve content. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    Adam Kelly (he/him/his)

    Marketing, Branding, and Design Assistant

    City of Goose Creek

    Adam Kelly is a two-time award-winning Marketing Assistant for the City of Goose Creek – South Carolina’s eighth-largest municipality. Adam plays a key role in the promotion of City Recreation events, and creates content for a wide range of programs. Specializing in digital photography, social media management and branding, Adam is passionate about creating timely, fun content as he uses his creativity to reach every City resident. 

    The 2020 North Greenville University graduate was an intern for the City of Charleston Recreation Department’s marketing team before joining Goose Creek. He enjoys sharing his experiences in parks and recreation, and especially enjoys helping every City reach its potential in leisure, entertainment and recreational messaging.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released August 2024! In this learning session, Ms. Mellen will inform attendees about her cross-agency position and guide them through the yearlong planning process that the Wilmette Park District embarked upon over the past year. This planning process involved an assessment of current District practices, an external assessment of nearby communities, patron outreach via surveys, table talks, feedback forms, and the formation of an internal staff steering committee – all of which culminated in the creation of the district's inaugural sustainability plan.

    Released August 2024! In February 2023, the Wilmette Park District welcomed its first sustainability coordinator, Lucy Mellen. Explore the unique breadth of a sustainability coordinator role, extending beyond the Park District to encompass the Village of Wilmette, the public library, the local township, and the school district. Discover how Wilmette Park District was able to utilize this role to partner with diverse stakeholders over the past year to develop the district's inaugural sustainability plan, fostering a holistic approach to environmental stewardship and community engagement. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Analyze the components involved in developing a comprehensive sustainability plan for a park district, considering the interconnectivity with other community entities. 

    2. Understand the key components and methodologies involved in developing a comprehensive sustainability plan, including assessing current practices, conducting external evaluations, engaging stakeholders through various outreach methods, and forming internal committees to facilitate the planning process.  

    3. Analyze the collaborative strategies used by the Wilmette Park District to leverage the sustainability coordinator role in partnering with various stakeholders to develop a comprehensive sustainability plan.  

    Lucy Mellen

    Sustainability Coordinator

    Wilmette Park District

    Lucy Mellen graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. Following graduation, Ms. Mellen was the heat relief coordinator for the City of Richmond, IN, where she managed the city's grant funded Beat the Heat Program. In this role, Ms. Mellen created the city's first Heat Management Plan.

    Ms. Mellen started her role in Wilmette in February 2023. Her responsibilities are divided among five entities in Wilmette: the local township, the library, the school district, the Park District, and the Village government, with the majority of her time dedicated to the latter two entities. Since starting, her primary focus with the Park District has been developing their first Sustainability Plan.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released September 2024! By using data from our community, we can see where our programming behaviors are excelling and where we need to focus to provide a truly equitable experience. Special events have the opportunity to bring people together, but we need to know who is left out of these experiences and why. Using data to help us make these decisions, we can connect more people to our resources and, ultimately, the fun of special events!

    This presentation addresses how to build special events equitably throughout the entire process; it is suitable for professionals at the start of their careers or for those looking to increase their knowledge base. Drawing from expertise in both programming and special event planning, the presenter will deliver a clear roadmap and planning checklist for special events and equitable decision making. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the topic, empowering them to apply their newfound knowledge confidently in real-world scenarios. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    Learning Objectives: 

    1. The learners will be able to define what special event equity means in parks and recreation and use that definition throughout the planning process.

    2. Learners will recognize the various elements that contribute to special event equity, such as accessibility, representation, diversity, inclusion and cultural sensitivity. 

    3. Learners will be able to apply principles of special event equity to the design, implementation and evaluation of future events, considering factors such as venue selection, programming, communication and resource allocation. 

    Amanda D'Agostino (she/her)

    Special Events Coordinator

    City of Evanston Parks and Recreation

    Amanda D'Agostino is a dedicated Special Event Coordinator with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a talent for meticulous planning. With four years of hands-on experience in the realm of special events, she has honed her skills in orchestrating a diverse range of occasions, from fundraising events to community gatherings in parks and recreation settings. Amanda's approach to event coordination is distinguished by her commitment to equity and inclusivity, ensuring that each event is tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of the community it serves.

    Currently serving as a Special Event Coordinator for the City of Evanston Parks and Recreation Department, Amanda oversees a dynamic portfolio of over 80 events of various scales. Her responsibilities include liaising with stakeholders, securing permits and venues, coordinating vendors and entertainment, and managing budgets to ensure the successful realization of each event.

  • Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits

    Released October 2024! Presenters will discuss youth mentoring in parks and recreation and how tools from NRPA’s Equity in Practice work can be applied to programs to build diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Learners will leave knowing where to find resources for youth mentoring in parks and recreation, what the Equity in Practice core competencies are and examples from the field of how these ideas can be applied to everyday interactions.

    This webinar will examine how park and recreation agencies are supporting young people’s well-being through mentorship opportunities and offer tools for program coordinators, directors and other professionals to build equity and inclusivity into programs. Speakers will include NRPA’s senior education manager for DEI, a program manager from NRPA’s youth mentoring portfolio, and a park and recreation professional from Burlington, North Carolina, who manages their youth mentoring program. Speakers will share examples of how local park and recreation agencies are offering mentorship opportunities through standalone programs and group-based formats such as youth sports or after-school programs. This webinar will also explore how the competencies for Equity in Practice (self-awareness, direct communication, relationships across difference, and race equity analysis) can be applied to mentoring programs to build a more equitable and inclusive experience for youth, staff and volunteers. 

    Learning Objectives: 

    1. Learners will be able to identify strategies and resources for creating more inclusive and equitable youth programs. 

    2. Learners will be able to describe the competencies for Equity in Practice to build more inclusive and equitable youth programs. 

    3. Learners will be able to apply examples from the field related to incorporating DEI principles into youth mentoring programs. 

    This talk is available for 1 year from release date!

    Bobbi Ruffin-Alston

    Recreation Superintendent

    Burlington Recreation & Parks

    With over 10 years of experience in the education field, Bobbi brings a passion for helping individuals, bridging community gaps, and programming with an equity-focused lens in her current field of local government. In addition to her career endeavors, Bobbi is also a loving wife, mother of two, and an accomplished inspirational singer/songwriter. 

    Zion Cash (he/him)

    Community Center Director

    Burlington Recreation and Parks

    I'm Zion Cash, recent graduate from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2021. I am coming up on my second year as a Community Center Director here with the City of Burlington. I also officiate college football and high school basketball. I enjoy spending time with family / friends, playing video games, working out, and buying sneakers!

    Olivia Peterson (she/her)

    Program Manager

    National Recreation and Park Association

    Olivia Peterson (she/her) serves as a Program Manager at NRPA for the Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Substance Misuse grant, which supports 20 agencies around the country in developing mentoring programs within a parks and recreation setting. Olivia began her career as an AmeriCorps member working with youth in Massachusetts on food access and farming initiatives and has since spent time working at a volunteer mobilizing organization in Boston and the National Association of Community Health Centers supporting their training and technical assistance program. Olivia earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies from Dickinson College and completed her Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. She lives in Washington D.C. and enjoys hiking, going on runs, and trying out new recipes.

    Tiff Cunin (they/them)

    Senior Education Manager for DEI

    National Recreation and Park Association

    Tiff Cunin (they/them) is the Senior Education Manager for DEI at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) where they oversee diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professional development and education programs like NRPA’s Equity in Practice Certificate Program. Using their extensive background in physical activity, public health and translational research, Tiff weaves recreation, physical activity and play together to transform public health’s commitment to social justice and the elimination of health equities. 

    Tiff is also a Ph.D. candidate at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences where they are exploring the intersection of race, age, and transgender identity in the context of social participation (e.g., recreational activities) across the lifespan. 
    Tiff is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves to surf, snowboard, hike, camp, and more. They have lived all over the world and currently call Cape Elizabeth, Maine home where they live with their partner and 2 cat children, Hobie and Sprinkles.