Next Generation PFML: A Convening of Research and Practice Experts

Since 2020, the University of Washington and the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) have partnered to evaluate the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. As part of that partnership, we are excited to host a convening of research and practice experts on state PFML programs, particularly those implemented since 2020. Rebecca Grady, Research and Data Manager for Leave and Care at ESD, and Heather Hill, Professor at the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, will host the convening with support from the Perigee Fund and meeting facilitation by the Evans Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC).

We envision an interactive convening of state researchers & administrators, academic and non-academic researchers, and advocates, designed to foster learning across states and across research and practice. The convening will be a place to:

• Share lessons & challenges about the implementation and early outcomes of state PFML programs.
• Spark conversations about evidence we have and evidence we need across states.
• Create interest in ongoing connection and opportunities for collaboration.

Our agenda will put equity in access, use, and impacts of PFML front and center.

Details:

Location

University of Washington
wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House
4249 Whitman Court, Seattle, WA 98195

Date

Optional dinner: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6pm

Thursday, March 9, 2023
9am – 5pm
Breakfast and lunch provided.

Friday, March 10, 2023
9am – 12pm
Breakfast and lunch provided.

Travel & Lodging

If you are traveling from out-of-state, you will be reimbursed for flight costs associated within the dates of the convening (March 8-10, 2023). Travelers making their own travel arrangements must select the most economical option and exclude any fees due to personal preference or convenience. Receipts are required in order to be reimbursed. Email receipts to evansepic@uw.edu.

Ground transportation for in-state and out-of-state attendees will be reimbursed with receipt or mileage calculation.

Lodging Information:
University Inn
4140 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105

Lodging will be covered by the convening. Attendees are will be responsible for incidentals. If you’re in need of lodging, please indicate on your registration form and the conference will handle hotel registration.

Questions?

Email evansepic@uw.edu.

Facilitation Team:

Dean Jodi Sandfort is an international expert in social policy implementation and a leading proponent of the application of design methods in systems improvement within public administration. She will be the content lead on this project. Dr. Sandfort was the founder of the Future Services Institute at the University of Minnesota that worked with counties, nonprofits and state government on a range of program innovations and interventions in human services. She has studied on-the-ground implementation in early childhood education, cash assistance, workforce development, and child welfare policy in numerous states and is the author of many articles and a key textbook in the field, Effective Implementation in Practice:  Integrating Public Policy and Management (2015, Jossey-Bass with Dr. Stephanie Moulton). Her Ph.D. in Political Science and Social Work is from the University of Michigan. She’s an elected member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Keala Aronowitz is the Director of Innovation & Engagement at the Evans School. She has deep experience in event design and execution, community engagement, and partnership building. Her practice is rooted in convening conversations that center diverse voices and perspectives, focusing on outcomes that can motivate and guide action in response to public governance challenges.

AK Sterling is an EPIC Innovation and Engagement Manager. He has experience working in communications and community engagement in higher education, focusing on building deep relationships with stakeholders, students, and community members to advance access to higher education and close opportunity gaps.

Cali Jahn is an EPIC Innovation and Engagement Manager. She has 4+ years of experience working in project management and communications primarily for Georgia advocacy and policy-based nonprofits, along with several state agencies. She has conducted general data analysis and research in a variety of policy areas as well as led the strategy and implementation of multiple marketing campaigns.

Jessika Gill has a background in landscape architecture with a focus on design activism in relation to social issues. She has experience in management of design-build projects including community-led design for public spaces.