27th International Families and Fathers Conference
Next Generation: Leading Legacies, Building Futures
April 13–16, 2026 | Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel | Los Angeles, CA | In-Person Only
Opening Message
Welcome to the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference, proudly hosted by the Fathers and Families Coalition of America (FFCA).
Building on the tremendous success of our 26th Building Bridges Conference, this year’s theme—Next Generation: Leading Legacies, Building Futures—challenges and inspires us to look ahead. Our 2026 conference will offer an even more dynamic experience designed to empower professionals, parents, and leaders to elevate outcomes for children, families, and communities worldwide.
In a time when the needs of families are more complex and the opportunities for innovation are greater than ever, this conference stands as a beacon of hope, leadership, and transformation. Each session, credential program, and networking opportunity is crafted to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to help shape a healthier, stronger future for the next generation.
Join us for this unique gathering of cutting-edge training, evidence-based credential programs, powerful workshops, and meaningful cross-sector collaboration. Together, we will forge new pathways of healing, leadership, and community empowerment.
Who Are the Stakeholders We Value and Want to Join?
Who Are the Stakeholders We Value and Want to Join?
The 27th International Families and Fathers Conference brings together a diverse and dynamic community of individuals and organizations committed to advancing the well-being of children, families, and communities. We welcome stakeholders from across sectors and around the world who are dedicated to creating sustainable change and building a better future.
- Parents & Caregivers
- Social Workers & Counselors
- Mental Health & Healthcare Professionals
- Fatherhood & Family Program Providers
- Child Support, Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Professionals
- Educators, Early Childhood & Head Start Professionals
- Policy Makers & Advocates
- Academic Researchers & Students
- Faith-Based & Community-Based Leaders
- Corporate & Philanthropic Partners
- Youth & Young Adult Leaders
Call for Workshop Proposals & Call for Credential Program Proposals
Call for Workshop Proposals & Call for Credential Program Proposals
The Fathers and Families Coalition of America invites dynamic, impactful proposals for the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference. We seek presentations that inspire deep thinking and future-forward practices to cultivate leadership, healing, and innovation for the next generation.
This year, we are curating up to 15 workshops daily, blending professional, academic, and parent/community-focused learning across a broad spectrum of topics and innovative practices.
Submission Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2025
Call for Credential Program Proposals: New for 2026, we are opening a limited Call for Credential Program Proposals. Selected programs will offer Certification and Credential training to registered attendees, with a requirement to bring at least five (5) registered participants per selected proposal.
All sessions must align with the 2026 theme Next Generation: Leading Legacies, Building Futures and support the conference’s three daily intentions:
- Day One: Embrace & Evolve
- Day Two: This One Moment
- Day Three: The Beauty Within Practices
Proposals will be considered based on conference needs, timeliness, and overall inspiration, influence, and impact on attendees. We welcome proposals that are clearly written, relevant, and aligned with our mission and values.
Featured Credential and Certification Programs
Featured Credential and Certification Programs
At the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference, we are deeply committed to offering credentialed and certified training opportunities that empower all attendees—leaders, direct service providers, and parents alike—to bring high-quality, evidence-based practices back to their communities and organizations.
Our Credential and Certification Programs are designed to deliver transformative learning experiences that support leadership development, workforce advancement, family engagement, and sustained community impact.
OAR Leadership Institute™
Pre-Conference Credential Day – Monday, April 13, 2026
Full-Day Program: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
FFCA DiSC Model Training Program
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Afternoon Half-Day Program (includes three follow-up virtual sessions)
QPR Suicide Prevention Program
Thursday, April 16, 2026 – Closing Day Special Workshop
Learn More About QPR Suicide Prevention Program
Conference Schedule Highlights
Conference Schedule Highlights
The 27th International Families and Fathers Conference offers a dynamic schedule of credential programs, workshops, and networking opportunities. Here is a preview of our conference flow:
Sunday, April 12th
- Early Check-In & Registration: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Vendor Set-Up (Pacific Ballroom Expo Area): 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Monday, April 13th – Pre-Conference Credential Day
- Conference Registration Check-In: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm; 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- OAR Leadership Institute: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Featured Certificate Programs: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tuesday, April 14th
- Conference Registration: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshops & General Sessions: Full day
- Networking Luncheon (hosted): 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Wednesday, April 15th
- Conference Registration: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Workshops & General Sessions: Full day
- Lunch on Your Own
Thursday, April 16th – Closing Day
- Conference Registration: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Special Closing Workshops:
- The Power of Kintsugi 金継ぎ
- QPR Suicide Prevention Program
- Closing General Session:
- Awards Moment of Celebration
- Inspirational Keynote
- Hosted Reception & Dinner (Included for registered attendees — no additional fee)
Men2Men Cafe
As a special gathering during the conference, the Men2Men Cafe will bring together fathers, grandfathers, mentors, leaders, and men from all walks of life in a unique space dedicated to dialogue, healing, leadership, and community building.
Led by Bishop Henry W. Hearns, MSEgr, Chairperson of the Fathers and Families Coalition of America Board of Directors, in collaboration with Dr. Chacko Abraham, the Men2Men Cafe is an opportunity to foster deeper connections and promote a culture of positive masculinity and leadership. This forum honors the strength and contributions of men while creating safe space to address challenges and opportunities facing today’s fathers and male caregivers.
When: Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: La Jolla A
Women2Women Cafe
The Women2Women Cafe will provide an inspiring space where women—mothers, grandmothers, daughters, caregivers, professionals, and community leaders—can come together in reflection, dialogue, and empowerment.
This gathering is designed to honor the voices and experiences of women, to strengthen connections, and to foster leadership and self-care within the context of family and community well-being. The Women2Women Cafe will run simultaneously with the Men2Men Cafe, creating parallel opportunities for healing and leadership among both women and men.
When: Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: La Jolla B
Conference Highlights
Conference Highlights
The 27th International Families and Fathers Conference will offer a dynamic blend of credentialed learning, expert-led workshops, and unique networking experiences designed to empower all attendees—leaders, professionals, and parents alike.
- New Credential Day
- Expanded Parent + Professional + Youth Engagement
- Global Collaboration and International Speakers
- The Power of Kintsugi Gold Closing Moment
- QPR Suicide Prevention Training
- Dynamic Keynotes & Fireside Panels
- Special Closing Celebration Dinner
- Networking with Leading Change Agents
- Men2Men Cafe — Led by Bishop Henry W. Hearns and Dr. Chacko Abraham (April 15, 5:00–7:00 PM, La Jolla A)
- Women2Women Cafe — Simultaneous Circle of Healing & Leadership (April 15, 5:00–7:00 PM, La Jolla B)
Meet Our Conference Leadership Team
Meet Our Conference Leadership Team
Bishop Henry W. Hearns
Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Fathers and Families Coalition of America
For over 60 years, Bishop Henry W. Hearns has been a dedicated champion of families, leading with purpose, faith, and resilience. Born on April 23, 1933, to Earnest and Birdie Hearn on a farmer’s plantation in Byhalia, Mississippi, Bishop Hearns grew up in a segregated South, where he experienced both educational disenfranchisement and racial discrimination. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, earning two engineering degrees from Tennessee State University in 1959. However, upon graduating, he was met with a segregated job market, finding it nearly impossible to secure work as a Black engineer in Mississippi or Tennessee.
Determined to succeed, Bishop Hearns set out for California, where he eventually found his first engineering position in San Fernando. He began a trailblazing career, becoming the first African-American civil engineer to work for the Department of Agriculture’s Soil Conservation Service. He would later go on to serve as the first African-American City Councilman and Mayor of Lancaster, CA, where his leadership transformed the community.
In 1965, Hearns moved with his wife, Essie, and their five children to Sun Village, California, where he became the Senior Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church (now Living Stone Cathedral of Worship). His commitment to the community was unwavering. Bishop Hearns was a driving force behind the establishment of the Black Chamber of Commerce and the Black Town Council, and he played a crucial role in developing Jackie Robinson Park.
Through this park, he created a place where “people cared about their community” and where his own children, along with countless others, were raised in a village that exemplified love beyond hate. Bishop Hearns led his congregation to hold services and celebrations in the park, including Juneteenth and Black History events. These gatherings unified the community in faith and purpose, offering strength in the face of exclusion from surrounding areas.
For over five decades, Bishop Hearns has profoundly impacted the Sun Village area, building three church buildings, establishing a charter school, and giving back to the youth through scholarships. His dedication to community development led to paved roads, street lights, and the first commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Antelope Valley. His influence inspired generations of Living Stone youth to pursue education and careers in engineering, embodying his legacy of resilience and achievement.
Even after retiring as Senior Pastor in 2016, Bishop Hearns remains active in ministry and service. He sits on several executive boards, including United Way, Boys and Girls Club, and Fathers and Families Coalition of America. In 2016, he published his autobiography, How Odds Even Through Grace, which has touched lives nationwide.
As Mayor of Lancaster, he initiated the city’s annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, a tradition now nearly 30 years strong. He continues to mentor young pastors and civic leaders and preaches wherever he is called. As he often says: “I’m just The Lord’s equipment…He can use me any way He wants, and I love it!” His legacy is a testament to a life led by faith, purpose, and the unwavering belief that love transcends hate.
Dr. Chacko Abraham
Conference Registration & Strategic Oversight
Dr. Chacko Abraham is a distinguished educator, scholar, and advocate with over two decades of experience shaping the future of education both in the United States and internationally. A relentless commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and the transformative power of parental engagement in student success has defined his career.
Dr. Abraham holds a Doctorate in Education from The George Washington University and a Master’s degree in Education from Temple University, credentials that have equipped him with a deep understanding of educational systems, curriculum development, and leadership strategies. His impact extends beyond the classroom, having served as a Professor at the Universidad de San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, where he played a pivotal role in fostering academic growth and cross-cultural learning.
A passionate advocate for parental involvement in education, Dr. Abraham has dedicated his career to emphasizing the critical role of fathers in shaping their children's academic success. His doctoral dissertation focused on the profound impact of paternal engagement on student performance, a theme that resonates not only in his research but in his personal journey as a devoted father to Elias, Maya, and Zara. His work serves as both a professional mission and a personal testament to the power of engaged fatherhood in education.
As a thought leader in educational leadership, Dr. Abraham continues to inspire educators, parents, and policymakers to build stronger, more inclusive learning environments. His vision is one of empowerment, ensuring that every child has the support, guidance, and encouragement they need to thrive academically and beyond.
Dr. Alicia L. Jackson
Conference Program Oversight & Executive Fellow
Dr. Alicia Jackson is a native of Quincy, FL. Dr. Jackson graduated from James A. Shanks High School in 1997. She then went on to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at Florida A&M University. In 2001, after graduation, Dr. Jackson continued her education at FAMU and obtained a Master of Science in Community Psychology in 2004.
Dr. Jackson was the first FAMU student to be accepted into the University of Georgia’s Counseling Psychology doctoral program. She completed her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Georgia in 2008. She is currently employed at her alma mater FAMU, where she has served as a Coordinator of Clinical Services and Research Coordinator in the Office of Counseling Services for 7 years.
Dr. Jackson has been an adjunct professor for FAMU since 2019 and Tallahassee Community College for the past two years. Dr. Jackson enjoys working in the community and serves as a board member on the Community Economic Development Organization (CEDO) Board of Directors for Crossroad Academy, a charter school in Quincy, FL. She also serves on the School Advisory Board and is a newly appointed board member of Day of Dialogue on Minority Health, Inc.
Dr. Jackson has been a guest speaker on the Journey Chronicles podcast "Moments by AJ," which discusses Christian faith and mental health topics. She leads the radio ministry at Midway Unity Fellowship Church and is awaiting her new role as Associate Pastor. Dr. Jackson is passionate about teaching others about mental health and the Christian faith, and she is also a muscle car enthusiast.
Ms. Thao Vanessa Tran
Innovation, International Engagement & Executive Fellow
Based in Australia, Thao Tran is the Founder of Ditox. Ditox is a wellness entertainment social enterprise that helps youths, families, and businesses learn how to use technology in a healthier way. With their 7-Step Digital Wellbeing framework, Ditox provides engaging workshops, programs, and events to help individuals overcome digital overwhelm and balance technology with confidence.
Thao promotes digital wellbeing to help reduce mental health issues worldwide. She has presented at Google DevFest, Women Coders, and at The International Families & Fathers Conference in Los Angeles, California, to name a few. As a marketing professional for over 15 years, Thao earned her Bachelor of Business & Commerce degree from Monash University in Australia. While studying, she worked in digital content marketing and strategy for over 15 years in global organizations including Keypath Education, Maybelline New York, Pearson, and Qatar Airways.
She has lived and worked in Melbourne, Sydney, and Qatar, and has seen and experienced first-hand how mental strength leads to not only confidence and resilience, but also greater happiness and life fulfillment.
In her spare time, Thao is a music artist known as "tha0ie" and an emerging actor. As 'tha0ie,' she is an enthusiastic pop rap music artist and songwriter who has performed at various open mic nights, music and business events. She has trained with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Script Analysis at The Acting Career Center with Kurt Yue (Cobra Kai), and the Melbourne Playback Theatre. Thao has been featured in the Australian tourism campaign "Every Bit Different," the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Sports Entertainment Network, and has appeared in TV series "White Fever" and NBC Universal's "All Her Fault." Thao seeks to connect with people who have an interest in wellness or technology.
Dr. James C. Rodríguez, MSW, CADC President & CEO
Ready to Shape the Next Generation?
Ready to Shape the Next Generation?
The 27th International Families and Fathers Conference is rooted in a powerful Ikigai — the convergence of our Purpose, Passion, Vocation, and Profession. We are driven to give the world what it needs most right now: hope, healing, leadership, and love for families and communities.
In addition to inspiring General Sessions, this conference will host over 50+ workshops presented by experts in early childhood education, social work, family studies, child support, and child welfare. These workshops will unite researchers, executive leaders, practitioners, and parents, fostering collaboration to develop effective programs and services that strengthen families and elevate fathers' engagement.
All sessions will align with FFCA’s core values — our “Three I’s”: Inspiration, Impact, and Influence. Every element of this experience is designed to equip you to return to your community with tools, knowledge, and renewed purpose.
Are you passionate about making a positive difference in families and communities?
We invite you to join us at the 27th International Families and Fathers Conference, where you will have the opportunity to:
- Impact Lives: Share your knowledge and skills to help others nurture self-awareness, break the cycle of trauma, and support personal and professional growth.
- Network with Peers: Connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. This is not just a conference — it is a place to build lasting relationships with professionals who share your passion and commitment.
- Enhance Your Reputation: Gain recognition as a leader in your field and showcase your work to a diverse audience. This is an opportunity to be seen and celebrated for your contributions.
- Contribute to Change: Join a movement that values all people and promotes noological and cognitive frameworks for sustained healing and growth. Your participation helps drive real change for families and communities.
Primary Conference Themes
We have received over 100 workshop proposals aligned with our mission, including but not limited to:
- Engaging Parents in the Classroom
- Fatherhood Program Curriculums and Models
- Foster Care & Child Welfare
- Health & Mental Health
- Practitioner Engagement with Parents
- Research Related to Working with Fathers & Families
- Collaborating with Fathers in the Justice Systems
- Youth & Young Parent Programs
- Collaboration as the Key to Success
- Child Support Services and Father Engagement
- Working with Dads, Moms, Families, and Teaching Children
- Extending Your Hand: Helping People Stuck in Adverse Situations
- Breaking the Cycle of Bonds and Trauma
- Nurturing Others with Noological Frameworks
- Self-Awareness and Service Before Self
We also remain committed to affordability and access. Through our modest fee structure and commitment to impact over profit, we strive to ensure that leaders, practitioners, and parents from all walks of life can attend and grow with us.
Empowering Families. Strengthening Communities. Building a Legacy of Leadership.
© 2025 Fathers and Families Coalition of America
www.fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
Email: james.rodriguez@fathersandfamiliescoalition.org
Phone: 1-424-225-1323