2026 Santa Clara County Children’s Summit

Santa Clara County Children's Summit

Friday, April 17, 2025 - 8:30am-2:30pm Villa Ragusa in Campbell

Hosted by Kids in Common

The 2026 Children’s Summit brings together cross‑sector leaders from government, education, health, and community organizations to align around shared, data‑driven goals that advance equitable outcomes for children and families. Featuring the release of the 2026 Annual Children’s Data Book and the formal release of Kids in Common’s Policy Agenda, along with keynote speakers, targeted presentations on children’s issues, interactive workshops, youth performances, and youth‑led panels, the Summit serves as a catalyst for coordinated action across the county. Through collaborative conversations, celebrations of youth voice, and recognition of community changemakers, the event strengthens partnerships and accelerates policy and systems‑change efforts grounded in documented disparities and community‑voiced priorities. 

2026 Summit Theme: Elevating Youth Voices

From youth‑led panels that frame the day’s major conversations, powerful presentations, and moving artistic performances, young people will be guiding attendees through the issues most impacting their generation. Their stories and solutions will anchor discussions around equity, systems‑change, and community priorities. It’s shaping up to be a powerful day.

​​​​​Children's Summit | Kids in Common

Agenda:

8:30am - 9am: Check‑In & Light Breakfast

9am - 9:20am: Opening & Welcoming Remarks​

• Welcoming Addresses

  • Kids in Common Executive Director & Board of Directors

  • District 5 Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga

  • District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong

  • City Councilmember Pamela Campos

9:20am - 10:40am: Morning Program 

• Children’s Data Book Release Highlights & KiC Policy Agenda
  Presenters: Joy Murrieta (ED) & Policy Advisory Committee (PAC)

• Project Report: Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
  Presenter: Applied Survey Research (ASR)

• Project Report: KiC Social-Emotional Well-being (SEW) Initiative
  Presenters: SEW Workgroup & Joy Murrieta (ED)

• Youth Panel: YMCA Project Cornerstone Youth Participants

       Moderator: Ziem Neubert

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10:40am - 11am: Keynote Address 

• Keynote Speaker: Sarah L. Rudman, MD, MPH

      Public Health Officer & Director, Santa Clara County Public Health Department​

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11:00am – 11:45am – Workshop Sessions

• Workshop 1: Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action - “Climate Change as a Driver of Youth Disparities” - Climate change disproportionally affects children and youth. Its impacts amplify many disparities, including housing stability, food security, health, environmental justice, and access to climate literacy.

      Youth Presenter: Mani Bekele, YCA Policy Director​

Mani Bekele received the 2026 Santa Clara County President’s Community Hero Award, as well as the 2026 Youth Climate Smart Champion of the Year by the City of San José.

• Workshop 2: SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network) - "Centering Our Why" - This youth co‑led, art‑based workshop invites community leaders, caregivers, and youth‑serving adults to pause, reconnect with their purpose, and approach youth with renewed empathy and intention. Through creative reflection, participants will explore how to balance patience, grace, and lightness with high expectations—reinforcing belief, respect, and care for young people navigating today’s complex realities.​

12pm – 12:45pm - Lunch

12:45pm - 2:30pm: Afternoon Program

• Youth Keynote Speaker: Kurn Sundaram, Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate

      The Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate Program

• Youth Panel — South County (Gilroy & Morgan Hill) 

• Youth Performance — On One Studios “SnackPack” Dance Group

• Awards Presentation

  • Bold Steps for Children Award — Jóvenes Activos, SOMOS Mayfair

  • Changemaker for Children Award — Sacred Heart Community Service

• Silent Auction Winners Announced​

  • Bay FC Tickets 

  • San Jose Giants Tickets 

  • San Francisco Giants Signed Ball 

  • The Santa Cruz Warriors item

  • San Jose Earthquakes Tickets 

  • SJ Sharks Jersey

  • Chocolate and Wine Baskets

• Children’s Agenda Pledge & Adjourn