Community Connections Summit

In Amanda Allard’s (PhD) keynote speech, she will share personal experiences and academic insights to educate on the transformative power communication can have on an individual when mitigating feelings of loneliness. Drawing from her own journey, including overcoming the loneliness she felt as a 9-year-old girl as a result of her mother’s wrongful incarceration, she will delve into the principles of supportive communication, communal coping, and empathy that she has practiced and studied during her academic career at Michigan State University. Through interactive activities in the breakout session, attendees will have the opportunity to apply these concepts firsthand, fostering a supportive environment and equipping them with practical strategies to enhance their professional practice. With a blend of personal reflection and scholarly expertise, her aim is to inspire and empower professionals from all domains of the community, to forge deeper connections and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing disconnect and loneliness

Enjoy images that were taken at the event.