VCU Division of Community Engagement

Office of the Provost

Mary and Frances Youth CenterVCU Health Hub

2023 Connect: Community Engagement Conference

The 2023 Connect: Community Engagement Conference brought together more than 100 VCU faculty, staff, and community partners for a day of learning, collaboration and relationship-building. Hosted by the College of Humanities and Sciences and the Office of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success, the conference featured keynote addresses from Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D., and Lynn Pelco, Ph.D., highlighting principles of ethical, reciprocal community partnerships and VCU’s renewed commitment to impactful engagement. Panel discussions with local partners and opportunities for networking emphasized aligning efforts, strengthening collaborations and advancing the shared goal of creating meaningful, community-driven action.

More information on the 2023 CONNECT Conference can be found in this story from 2023's conference.

A visual summary created by a graphic recorder captured key themes from the 2023 Connect: Community Engagement Conference, highlighting principles such as partnership, equity, cultural humility, reciprocity, and transparency. The illustrations below reflect the ideas, conversations, and shared commitments that emerged throughout the event.

A hand-drawn graphic recording illustrating themes from the 2023 VCU Connect: Community Engagement ConferenceA hand-drawn graphic recording illustrating themes from the 2023 VCU Connect: Community Engagement ConferenceA hand-drawn graphic recording illustrating themes from the 2023 VCU Connect: Community Engagement Conference

A person stands at an easel-sized board drawing a large graphic recording filled with colorful sketches and text during a conference session.
A wide view of a conference room where participants sit at round tables while a group presents at the front beside a large projection screen.
A person speaks at a podium in a conference room while attendees seated at tables listen; a large screen with a presentation slide is visible behind them.
Conference attendees sit at round tables facing a large screen displaying the title “Connect 2023: Community Engagement Conference” as a panel speaks at the front of the room.
A closer view of conference attendees seated at tables watching a panel of speakers at the front of the room near a large presentation screen.