FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Providence Leader Toni Akin Brings Acclaimed Strengthening Safety, Wellness & Community Resilience Workshop to Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia to Host the Final Stop of Toni Akin's 2026 Workshop Tour Featuring an Interactive Experience for Students, Educators & Community Members  

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Toni Akin, Commissioner of Public Housing for Providence, Rhode Island, former School Board member, and active member of the New England Educational Opportunity Association (NEOA), will bring her personally designed interactive workshop, Strengthening Safety, Wellness & Community Resilience, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.  

A respected leader in education, public service, and community engagement, Akin also serves on numerous boards and advisory panels throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Her signature workshop equips students, educators, parents, community leaders, nonprofit professionals, and organizations with practical tools and strategies to strengthen school safety, improve wellness, foster resilience, and build stronger partnerships through an engaging, hands-on learning experience.

The Philadelphia presentation marks the final session of this school year's tour following two successful conference presentations. Earlier this spring, Akin presented the workshop at the 50th Annual New England Educational Opportunity Association (NEOA) Conference, attended by former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona. She also presented at the Safe School Conference on the West Coast, where former California Secretary of Education Dr. David W. Long was in attendance. The Philadelphia event will serve educators, students, youth leaders, nonprofit professionals, public officials, and community members from across the Northeast region.

Designed to be both stimulating and action-oriented, Strengthening Safety, Wellness & Community Resilience provides participants with practical strategies that can be immediately implemented in schools, organizations, and neighborhoods. Through collaborative discussion, interactive activities, and real-world scenarios, attendees will explore ways to enhance personal well-being, strengthen community partnerships, and build resilient learning environments where everyone can thrive.

Event Details

Strengthening Safety, Wellness & Community Resilience

An Interactive Hands-On Workshop for Students, Educators & Community Members

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Workshop Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Event Schedule

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Regular PhillyCAM studio programming hosted by Joey Calvo 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Strengthening Safety, Wellness & Community Resilience Interactive Workshop presented by Toni Akin 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Networking Meet & Greet with Joey Calvo, Toni Akin, and guest attendees

Location

PhillyCAM Media Studio
699 Ranstead Street (between Market & Chestnut Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Registration: Seating is limited to 50 participants. Advance registration is required.

Registration Fee: $51.95

Purchase Tickets: https://square.link/u/7kVEmdkY

This immersive, hands-on workshop is designed to empower students, educators, school leaders, parents, and community members with practical strategies for strengthening school safety, advancing health and wellness, building individual and organizational resilience, and fostering stronger partnerships across schools, families, and communities. Through interactive exercises, guided discussions, and collaborative problem-solving, participants will leave equipped with actionable tools they can immediately apply in their schools, organizations, and neighborhoods.

"Having lived in public housing for nearly one-third of my life during the Boston bus riot era, I understand firsthand how essential safety, belonging, and community resilience are to a person's ability to thrive," said Toni Akin. "Those experiences shaped my lifelong commitment to education, public service, and community advocacy. This workshop provides practical tools that participants can immediately use to strengthen collaboration, improve well-being, and create environments where students, educators, families, and communities can succeed together."

Community organizations, educators, school administrators, higher education professionals, parents, students, youth advocates, nonprofit leaders, public officials, and community members are encouraged to register early. Attendance is limited, and the workshop is expected to reach capacity.

About Toni Akin

Toni Akin serves as Commissioner of Public Housing for Providence, Rhode Island, where she is committed to advancing equitable housing opportunities, strengthening resident engagement, and promoting healthy, resilient communities. She is a former School Board member and continues to serve on the district's Health and Wellness Subcommittee, advocating for policies that support student well-being and academic success.

As an active member of the New England Educational Opportunity Association (NEOA), Akin is a passionate advocate for first-generation and low-income students. Drawing from her own lived experience, she believes every student deserves access to educational opportunities, supportive resources, and safe learning environments that foster achievement and belonging.

Having spent nearly one-third of her life living in public housing, Akin understands the challenges many families face, including stigma, limited access to resources, and barriers to safety, wellness, and opportunity. Those experiences continue to shape her leadership and inspire her commitment to developing practical, community-centered solutions.

With more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning public education and public housing consecutively, Akin serves on numerous boards and advisory panels throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Her leadership roles include Secretary of the Board of Directors for TerraCorps, serving Rhode Island and Massachusetts; Board Member of Volunteer Services for Animals (VSA) of Rhode Island; and Democratic City Committee Member for Ward 4 in Providence, Rhode Island. Through her leadership, advocacy, and collaborative approach, she continues to champion initiatives that expand educational opportunity, strengthen public education and public housing, build community partnerships, and promote safety, wellness, and resilience for individuals, families, and communities.

Media Contact

Phone: 401-332-4930

Email: [email protected]