RVC-Hosts-2026-Culture-of-Belonging-Conference.php

RVC Hosts 2026 Culture of Belonging Conference

  • Community
  • 06/17/2026

Rock Valley College recently welcomed over 200 registrants representing over 40 organizations for its Culture of Belonging Academy Summer 2026 Kickoff Conference.

Pam Reidenbach, Dr. Keith Barnes and keynote speaker at CEB conference

Pamela Clark Reidenbach, CEO of NICNE; Dr. Keith Barnes, RVC VP of Cultural Excellence; and keynote speaker Dr. Terrell Strayhorn kick off the Culture of Belonging Academy Summer 2026 Conference on Thursday, June 11.

 

Held June 11–12 at the Physical Education Center, the two-day event focused on transforming conversations about belonging into meaningful action across the Rockford region.

Supported by a Healing Illinois grant through the Field Foundation of Illinois, the conference featured keynote speaker Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, a nationally recognized scholar on belonging and student success.

Strayhorn challenged attendees to recognize the power they each have to create communities where everyone feels valued and included.

"The light that the world needs is not on Amazon, on sale. The light that the world needs is not in someone else waiting to be birthed or brought into our space. The light that the world needs is in each and every one of us. So the work of belonging does begin and end with us, because the light is within us."

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in listening circles, panel discussions, and collaborative sessions designed to share ideas and strategies for building more welcoming and inclusive environments. The event also celebrated individuals and organizations whose work is creating lasting change throughout the community.

2026 Awardees:

Community Impact Award (Individual)

  • Ann Rundall, Co-Founder and Lead of the Education Action Team, Eliminate Racism 815

Community Impact Award (Organization)

  • YWCA La Voz Latina

Cultural Excellence Award (Individual)

  • Rebecca Francis, Founder and Lead Consultant, Ignite Change Solutions

Cultural Excellence Award (Organization)

  • Rockford Dance Company

Emerging Leader Award

  • Trinity Rucker, Auburn High School Student
  • The Hon. Tamir Bell, Rockford City Councilman

Legacy Award

  • Pamela Clark Reidenbach, CEO, Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE)

The conference reflected Rock Valley College's ongoing commitment to fostering connection, collaboration, and belonging throughout the region. By bringing together educators, nonprofit leaders, students, and community partners, the event created new opportunities to learn from one another and strengthen a shared vision of inclusive excellence.

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