The Clark Neighbors Food Project has been building community and sharing food in Clark County since 2017. Created by neighbors to combat a growing divisiveness in the neighborhood and an erosion of a sense of community and civility, we focused on building connections between people. With a goal to make it easy for neighbors to connect to share food with those in need, the Food Project has grown community-wide from four volunteers to 125 independent neighborhood coordinators with 2000+ food donors who regularly supply high-quality food to food pantries and schools across the county. Recipient 2021 Clark County Neighborhood Leadership Award and 2022 Finalist National NUSA Neighborhood of the Year Multi-Neighborhood Partnership.

How to Change the World in 3 Steps: Being a visionary takes rigor. Changing the world takes work. Keep at it. And remember, no one has ever changed the world by staying in their comfort zone. Heidi Johnson Bixby shares her journey - and the steps she took along the way - to help us all feel empowered to change the world in our own ways.

What if we could create the fantasy football for economic mobility? How a new school concept is increasing upward mobility for youth.

Bio: Jonathan Johnson is the driving force behind the Rooted School Foundation. RSF is a non-profit network of four schools across four states and other projects focused on increasing upward mobility for youth faster than local projections. Since 2017, Rooted has been nationally recognized as one of the most innovative public school models in the U.S. Jonathan also spearheads "The $50 Study" in partnership with The Center for Guaranteed Incom Research which is the first and most extensive study exploring the impact of direct cash transfers to teens. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys skiing, winemaking, and cooking.

Climate Toothpaste combines art, design, activism and humor to educate new climate activists.

Bio: Heidi Cody is a passionate community engagement specialist who uses her art and design skills for the greater good. She is the Coalition Manager for Alliance for Community Engagement SW WA (ACE) and the Community Organizer for SW WA for Washington Conservation Action. She created Climate Toothpaste in 2016 to bring more volunteers into climate activism. In her spare time she enjoys hip-hop dance, gardening and reading science fiction.

Vancouver Free Fridge Project (VFF) makes it possible for community members to give and take good nutritious food for free, completely anonymously, 24/7, in multiple Vancouver neighborhoods.

Bio: Ashley Blose helped create, and continues to help manage, the Vancouver Free Fridge Project. After spending her adulthood struggling at jobs where sufficient accommodations for her autistic needs were almost non-existent, Ashley has found that she thrives in volunteer activism and

mutual aid work, both of which she's been very active in for about three years. Her sense of organization, attention to detail, and great communication skills make her a natural leader in helping people come together to facilitate positive change. She's also a proud cat mom, and loves her partner, Ember.

Empowering communities for equality and growth. This approach leverages privilege for collective benefit, champions inclusive leadership, and welcomes discomfort as a catalyst for transformative change in community development.

Bio: Program Director at Partners in Careers, Operations at Soul River, 2023 recipient of the General Marshall Leadership Award, and a 2022 Graduate of Leadership Clark County. Chairman for Washougal School District’s Career & Technical Education General Advisory Committee, serves on the Board of Directors for Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group, and Leadership Clark County’s Engagement Committee. Josh also volunteers with the Community Military Appreciation Committee, coaches Flag Football in Clark County Youth Football, and most importantly, is a Father and spouse.

In a world as diverse as ours, it's time for Vancouver, WA to shine! Let's come together, celebrate our unique cultures, NOT JUST ONE, and create events, training, and programs that reflect the voices in our community. Dunia will be sharing her vision for the future of a culturally connected Vancouver.

Bio: Meet DUNIA, a 26-year-old single mom and thriving business owner. As the daughter of an immigrant, her Latina heritage infuses passion and determination into everything she does. She's not just making change for herself but for her kids' brighter tomorrow and your kids.