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A Letter from Leadership
Dear Colleagues,
As the organizers of the 2025 Social Equity Leadership Conference, we are excited to welcome you to this year’s event, hosted by the National Academy of Public Administration and The Universities at Shady Grove in Montgomery County, MD.
Fairness, justice, and opportunities for all. Some may see this call-to-action as aspirational. But we see practitioners, scholars, students, and business and civic leaders who are leading this charge right now. We know because it’s a theme we invited you to rally around – and you answered.
We asked you to focus on this theme keeping in mind evidence of impact, where we have “moved the needle” toward more fairness, a stronger sense of justice, and expanded opportunities across multiple areas of impact; and where democratic practices have been enhanced through participation and the evolution of institutions in ways that are reflective of and responsive to people and place.
Your thoughtful responses have resulted in a two- and a half-day conference packed with sessions that highlight the breadth and depth of leadership in your respective fields. There’s something for everyone — researchers, policymakers, advocates, students, and civic leaders alike. Whether you're drawn to entrepreneurship, sustainable solutions, community wealth-building, or democratic innovation, this program invites you to engage, share, and shape the future.
This year’s conference couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment. Federal action on equity and leadership is reshaping institutions and policy across sectors from housing and health care to AI and economic development. Together, we can meet this moment, and that’s why it’s essential we gather. The conference presents an opportunity to challenge ourselves, think differently, and collectively move forward in new ways.
We’re also honored to welcome two exceptional keynote speakers: Vernon Wall, a nationally recognized leader in social justice and education, and Aparna Rae, an equity strategist who brings insight to talent development and organizational change.
The Social Equity Leadership Conference is a space to confront challenges, celebrate progress, and build replicable solutions grounded in evidence, community voice, and the values we share. Now is the time to dig in. This work matters. We’re excited your voice is in the conversation.
Warm regards,
James-Christian Blockwood
President and Chief Executive Officer, National Academy of Public Administration
Anne Khademian, Ph.D.
Executive Director, The Universities at Shady Grove (USG), Associate Vice Chancellor, University System of Maryland
Michael Jacobson
Chair, NAPA Standing Panel on Social Equity in Governance