This plenary highlights the FamilyU Seal Exemplar Awards and the higher ed and nonprofit leaders driving family-inclusive innovation across the country. The session opens with recognition of 2024 honorees New Moms and Dallas College, showcasing how holistic support and bold institutional strategies transform opportunities for student parents.

Following the awards, leaders from Houston Community College and Virginia State University join in conversation about advancing equity for student parents at the campus level. From housing and childcare solutions to data collection and cultural change, the discussion underscores how colleges can center families as a measure of institutional success.

Speakers

• Traci Watson – Director of Learning & Innovation, Generation Hope
  

• Nicole Lynn Lewis – Founder & CEO, Generation Hope
  

• Amber Angel – Program Officer, ECMC Foundation
  

• Frances Villagran-Glover – President, Houston Community College, Southeast Campus
  

• Dr. Makola Abdullah – President, Virginia State University