The 2025 National Urban Education Leaders (NUEL) Conference, held in vibrant Durham, North Carolina, marked a transformative milestone in the national dialogue on equity, leadership, and innovation in urban education. Hosted in North Carolina, the event brought together over 1,200 extension leaders, scholars, 4-H agents, and community stakeholders from the southern region.

With the theme "Leading for Justice: Innovation, Identity, and Impact in Urban Education," the conference featured more than 75 interactive workshops, keynotes, and panel sessions that addressed urgent challenges facing urban programs. The highlight of this year's conference was when the 4-H team was able to receive the program innovator award. I was able to secure the award by highlighting the results of an effective program that has been going on for over 20 years. The information that was turned in showed how effectively an urban program could be run in an urban area. With over 425 participants and numerous surveys done, the results showed how effective the program has been. Over 85% of the participants said that they enjoyed the program and wanted to know more about STEM/Ag. 

Attendees left the 2025 NUEL Conference not only inspired, but wanting to implement the program in their state. The attendees are also equipped with concrete strategies, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose to advance equity and excellence in urban education. Now this program can be produced at other institutions.