Event features education pioneer Geoffrey Canada

Geoffrey Canada, the founder of the Harlem Children's Zone known for his pioneering work supporting children and families and for his leadership in education reform nationwide, was featured speaker for The Rapides Foundation’s 2026 Symposium on Thursday, September 3.

Approximately 300 community leaders, partners, educators and families attended the event to explore Pathways to Success and what it takes to create opportunities for every child to thrive.

Canada shared his insights and inspired the audience to think about how communities can work together to support children and families.

Joe Rosier, President and CEO, said the Symposium is held each year to provide information on a topic of importance for the Central Louisiana community while also recognizing the creation of The Rapides Foundation on September 1, 1994. This year’s topic was Pathways to Success: Creating Opportunities for Children, Families and Communities to Thrive.