Conversation held to highlight pathways work in the region

Before addressing an audience of 300 people at The Rapides Foundation’s 2026 Symposium last week, nationally recognized education advocate Geoffrey Canada met privately with 23 Central Louisiana individuals who are working to create opportunities for children, families and communities across the region.

The private conversation, held September 3 at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria, brought together individuals representing a range of organizations and programs focused on children and young people, including school readiness, K-12 education, youth programs, career and postsecondary readiness and other efforts that support residents from birth through adulthood.

The guests were selected because of their work to strengthen pathways to success for children, young people and families in Central Louisiana.

The conversation was hosted by The Rapides Foundation President and CEO Joe Rosier, who introduced Canada to the guests and discussed how their work connects to the Foundation’s efforts to create pathways that help individuals succeed throughout their lives.

Canada, founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone, shared his perspective on the importance of comprehensive cradle-to-career supports and the role communities can play in breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for lasting success.

“Bringing together people who are doing this work every day with someone who has spent his career building opportunities for children was a valuable part of this year’s symposium,” Rosier said. “These individuals are local champions doing this work in our schools, communities, and across many stages of child journey to adulthood. And while we recognized this select group as champions, we recognize there are hundreds right now who are in classrooms and in their communities doing that very same work throughout the region. They are champions too.”

Following the private conversation, the guests joined guests for the symposium luncheon and Canada’s keynote presentation. The 2026 Symposium, themed “Pathways to Success: Creating Opportunities for Children, Families and Communities to Thrive,” explored the connections between the conditions in which people live, learn and work and their ability to achieve long-term success.