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The Symposium - 2025

Rising Together: Stories of Economic Mobility and Thriving Communities

Hosted by the YMCA of Greater Richmond

Address

6 N Laurel St, Richmond, VA 23220

Date

26/09/2025

Hours

9 a.m-4 p.m

Advance Community Through Participation.

register
register

Activities
include

  • RVA Rising Initiative Overview
  • Presentation by founders of Hidden in Plain Site
  • Interactive VR Sessions for Hidden in Plain Site
  • Overview and Partner presentation by Befriend Movement
  • Reflective Structured Dialogue in partnership with Share More Stories
Symposium - Eric Phillips Speaking
Symposium - Fireside Chat
Symposium - attendees smiling

Advance Equity Through Participation

The 2025 Symposium theme is Rising Together: Stories of Economic Mobility and Thriving Communities. We aim to highlight the RVA Rising regional initiative for upward economic mobility, guided by the Urban Institute’s framework. Throughout the event, we will ground our discussions in Richmond’s history of slavery—acknowledging how its legacy continues to shape the economic disparities present today.

Volunteer and help bring Richmond together

Behind every impactful event is a team of passionate leaders. We’re proud to have a planning committee of 30 dedicated community leaders guiding this year’s Symposium. Their commitment and vision are driving real change—and advancing our community every step of the way. We couldn’t do this without them! Contact us for information for future volunteer planning opportunities.

Support the advancing of equity 

Last year’s Community Conversations brought together 330 community leaders, fostering dialogue, connection and action. With a satisfaction rating of 4.5/5, these conversations reinforced our shared commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in our community. This year, we invite you to partner with us by sponsoring this transformative event and join us in advancing community.

Meet Our Speakers and Facilitators 

Ted Elmore Headshot

Ted Elmore

Dean Browell headshot

Dean Browell

J. Dontrese Smack Brown headshot

J. Dontrese Brown

james warren headshot

James WArren

Dr. Julian  Hayter 

Dr. Julian  Hayter

Mollie S. Reinhart

Mollie S. Reinhart

Sidney R. Edwards

Sidney R. Edwards

ITS TIME TO FIND YOUR Y

JOIN THE GREATER RICHMOND YMCA TODAY

Join today and gain access to all 18 of our locations throughout the greater Richmond area, with no contracts, no join fees, and access to income-based memberships.

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HERE. Thriving Starts

HERE. Thriving Starts

HERE. Thriving Starts

HERE. Thriving Starts

HERE. Thriving Starts