Loyola Center for Equity, Leadership, and Social Justice in Education to host inaugural research symposium

The Center for Equity, Leadership, and Social Justice Education (CELSJE) at Loyola University Maryland’s School of Education is hosting its inaugural spring symposium on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 4th Floor Program Room of the Andrew White Student Center. The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is encouraged.

Titled “Bridging Research & Community Voices for Educational Impact,” this symposium will highlight the critical role of amplifying the voices of community leaders and practitioners for research-informed practices that shape outcomes in schools, non-profits, and other social institutions. Featuring an esteemed lineup of speakers, the event will bring together experts from academia and the field to discuss challenges, strategies, and opportunities for bridging the gap between research and practice.

Featured speakers include:

• Stephanie Flores-Koulish, Ph.D., Margarita Gómez Ph.D., Leah Saal, Ph.D., and Lisa Schoenbrodt, Ed.D., Loyola School of Education faculty and researchers committed to advancing evidence-based educational practices.

• Sedrick Smith, Ph.D., ’05, M.Ed. ’14, and RaShawna Sydnor, M.A. ’12, M.Ed. ’17, 

  administrators from Baltimore City Public Schools, sharing firsthand insights on promoting and implementing research-informed strategies in urban schools.
• Owen Andrews, English Language Learner instructional specialist from Anne Arundel Community College, bringing expertise on supporting multilingual learners. 

“At CELSJE, we believe that meaningful change happens when schools, community organizations, and universities come together with a shared purpose,” said Qi Shi, Ph.D., CELSJE’s director. “The inaugural research symposium is an opportunity to foster collaboration that strengthens learning environments and expands opportunities for all students. By sharing research, strategies, and lived experiences, we can build stronger pathways toward a future where every learner thrives. We are honored to host this convening of thought leaders and changemakers, and we look forward to the collective impact we can create in 2025 and beyond.”

About the Center for Equity, Leadership, and Social Justice Education
The Center for Equity, Leadership, and Social Justice Education at Loyola University Maryland’s School of Education brings faculty, students, and Loyola alumni funding assistance for engaged research through grants and administrative/research assistance, provides a collaborative platform and space to the community, an opportunity for attracting larger funding sources, and offers exposure and promotion of impactful work in the area of equity, leadership, and social justice education.