If I had to be brief, I would sum up SELC 2025 in one word: Hope.
This year’s Social Equity Leadership Conference (SELC) was more than a convening—it was a call to action, a moment of reflection, and a blueprint for the future. Held during a time of great societal pivot, SELC 2025 brought together leaders of all ages and isms, united by a shared commitment to freedom, justice, and the enduring work of public service.
From seasoned public administration icons like Ike and Catherine Leggett, to students just beginning to distinguish the difference between public policy and administration, the conference was a vibrant tapestry of experience, passion, and purpose. The message was clear: taking care of each other is not just a value—it’s a strategy for survival and progress.
Michael Jacobson captured the spirit of the moment when he spoke about the purpose of the conference, “The Standing Panel wondered if we were ‘just preaching to the choir,’ but in these times the choir needs some attention and appreciation and to connect with others doing this important work!” In a world grappling with inequality, climate change, and institutional distrust, the decision to hold SELC 2025 was itself an act of courage and conviction. It was a declaration that we must keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain.
The theme of debate in a time of pivot resonated throughout the sessions. Conversations were not always easy, but they were necessary. Aparna Rae, the Frederickson lecturer, reminded us that “the tools alone are not going to solve the problems.” It takes more than policy frameworks and data dashboards—it takes people, relationships, and a deep commitment to equity, the often-overlooked “third E” in the triad of efficiency and effectiveness.
Dr Ralph Hall’s simple yet profound question—“How are we today?”—echoed through the halls, grounding the conference in humanity. It was a reminder that leadership begins with empathy, and that checking in with one another is a radical act of care.
One of the most powerful moments came when Ike Leggett shared, “I was protesting the Vietnam War while going to fight in the war.” His story was a poignant example of the complexity of public service and the moral courage it demands. Kate Stewart of the Montgomery County Council followed with a heartfelt thank you: “Thank you public administrators for working in the institutions you do.” It was a moment of gratitude that acknowledged the often invisible labor of those who keep our systems running.
The concept of cathedral thinking—building for a future we may never see—was a recurring motif. Whether discussing climate resilience, racial justice, or educational equity, speakers emphasized that leveling the playing field is possible, but it takes strategy and time.
Academy CEO and President James-Christian Blockwood concluded the conference by outlining what we’ve all been thinking: “We're all talking about how difficult a time it is for these types of issues. But the reality is it's more than just difficult. This was painstaking to think about. It is without a single doubt or question how important this work is, but how do you do that work in an environment where people are questioning the work?”
SELC 2025 was not just a conference. It was a moment of reflection, of questioning, or thinking about the future. A space where hope was not just spoken, but felt. A place where the future was not feared, but forged—together.
And so, we move forward. With hope. With equity. With each other.
“Thank you all for showing up. I've seen leadership, courage, and dialogue on full display. I encourage you to think deeply about what you've learned here and what you intend to do about it." - James-Christian Blockwood
