USU Institute to Celebrate Leadership in Community Engagement at Second Annual Conference

PRICE — Preparations are nearly complete for the second annual Utah Conference on Community Engagement, happening May 11-13 at Utah State University Eastern. Hosted by the Transforming Communities Institute, this two-and-a-half-day event will showcase innovative, community-driven work happening across the state.

Last year’s conference welcomed more than 170 attendees representing over 35 organizations and nine colleges and universities statewide. This year’s conference will feature 30 sessions on a broad range of topics — from public health and rural service delivery to community-engaged research, storytelling, evaluation and cross-sector partnerships — all focused on strengthening communities and growing impact across Utah. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect more deeply with the Price community through field trips exploring local history, sites and initiatives. Registration for the Utah Conference on Community Engagement is currently underway.

A highlight of the Utah Conference on Community Engagement is the awards ceremony and dinner to recognize outstanding individuals whose leadership and advocacy exemplify community engagement at its best. On the evening of May 11, the conference’s planning committee will present the Local Change Maker of the Year and Utah Community Advocate of the Year awards.

The Local Change Maker of the Year Award honors an individual or group that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication to making a tangible difference in their local community. This year, the award is presented to the Heart of the Basin Governing Board, which established a warming center in Vernal to serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness across the Uintah Basin. In its inaugural nine-week season, the warming center served more than 20 individuals, providing 439 nights of shelter.

“The warming center would not have happened without the support of the Uintah Basin community,” said Teresa Larsen, vice chair of the governing board. “The people who came out to volunteer, donated food or other products, or gave money are the only reason we were able to have a successful first season. We are so excited to see how we can continue to grow this organization and build an even stronger community in the Uintah Basin.”

The Utah Community Advocate of the Year Award is a statewide recognition that highlights an individual who has elevated community voices and co-developed initiatives that positively impact communities across Utah. This year, the award is presented to Destiny Garcia, executive director of Clean Slate Utah. Her work has expanded access to justice by helping individuals clear their criminal records and move toward greater stability and opportunity. Through her leadership, Clean Slate Utah has increased awareness of the state’s Clean Slate law, connected individuals to free and low-cost legal resources, and helped remove financial barriers associated with expungement. Her work centers the voices and experiences of directly impacted individuals and families and strengthening communities across Utah.

“Receiving this honor is incredibly meaningful because this work comes from lived experience and a deep belief that people deserve the chance to rebuild their lives. I am grateful to be part of creating that opportunity for others,” Garcia said.

To learn more and register for the Utah Conference on Community Engagement, visit ucce.usu.edu. Questions can be directed to Erin Jensen at erin.jensen@usu.edu.