About this Event
**This Summit is a HYBRID event, this link is for IN-PERSON registration. Virtual registration coming soon!
Hosted by Siembra Today in collaboration with the Columbia School of Social Work Latinx Caucus.
This event is sponsored by the CSSW Office of Student Life and the CSSW DEI Office.
Date: April 4th, 2025 6:30PM-9PM
Location: Teachers College, Columbia University
Grace Dodge Hall, Room 177/179
Are you a social work student or professional looking to expand your career beyond traditional roles? Do you want to learn from trailblazers in social work, policy, and entrepreneurship who are breaking barriers and building new opportunities?
The Planting the Seeds of Hope Summit is a free annual gathering connecting students with leaders in social work, advocacy, and business. This year’s theme, "Building Bridges & Breaking Barriers," will highlight diverse career paths, empower emerging professionals, and celebrate innovation in the field.
Why Attend?
🔸 Engaging Panels & Discussions – Hear from renowned social workers, policy experts, and entrepreneurs
🔸 Free 2.5 Continuing Education (CE) Credits for Licensed Social Workers – Enhance your professional development
🔸Networking Opportunities – Connect with like-minded students, professionals, and mentors
🔸Career Growth Insights – Learn how to navigate leadership, policy, private practice & entrepreneurship
🔸 Inspiration & Empowerment – Discover how you can break barriers and create change in your field
Speakers:
Erica Priscilla Sandoval, LCSW, SIFI, a powerhouse in mental health, social work, and community healing as the Summit moderator. The founder of Sandoval CoLab and Executive Director of Siembra Today, she is dedicated to uplifting Latinx/e voices through storytelling, therapy, and advocacy. An award-winning clinician, author, and speaker, Erica brings a deep commitment to fostering healing spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Harleny Vasquez, LMSW, Founder of yourEVOLVEDmind, LLC as the master of ceremonies.
💡 Jessica Ramirez, LMSW– Clinician for Mount Sinai Hospital’s Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention
💡 Jacqueline Aviles-Torres, MSW, LSW, SSW– Founder of Core Family Solutions LLC
💡 Maria Lizardo, LMSW – Executive Director of Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC)
💡 Arlys Tineo, LMSW – Social Justice Leader & Organizer
💡 Natalie Gutierrez, LMSW – Program Coordinator for Emotions Matter
💡 Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC – Chief Executive Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan in East Harlem
💡 Laudy Burgos, LCSW-R – Associate Director at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Department of Social Work Services.
💡 Elizabeth Conde, LMSW, SIFI – School Social Work Professor
💡 Cristino N. Chavez Jr., LMSW – Professor at NYU Silver School of Social Work, as well as an Immigration Court Mental Health Evaluator
💡 Madeline Maldonado, LCSW-R – President and Owner of Madeline Maldonado, LCSW Consulting P.C.
💡 Jean Carlos Osorio, LCSW-R, CDBT, SIFI – CEO and Clinical/Executive Director at Minds Together, LCSW.P.C.
Summit Target Audience: This summit is designed for social work students, early-career professionals, mid-level practitioners, and social work administrators, particularly those interested in leadership development, professional growth, and networking within the Latinx/e community.
📩 For More Information & Sponsorship Opportunities: Contact [email protected]
CE Approval Information:Please contact Hibbah at [email protected] for information about continuing education credits for social workers.
Instructions for Accommodations: We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all participants. If you require any accommodations due to a disability, please email us at [email protected] by March 20th, 2025.
Instructions for Grievances: For any inquiries or grievances, please email us at [email protected]. We will respond to all concerns within 72 hours.
Sandoval Psychotherapy Consultation, LCSW, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0759.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, New York, United States
USD 0.00
