Earlier this month, Bloom Kentucky convened for the first-ever Together We Bloom Summit that included an incredible lineup of speakers: Dr. Robert Sege, Dr. Wendy Ellis, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers with Pantsuit Politics Podcast, and Criscillia Benford and Anna Marie Trester with Frameworks Institute. We also welcomed over 20+ local child and family-serving organizations as exhibitors from across the Commonwealth focused on mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences and cultivating Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) through policy and systems change.


We also hosted a panel featuring Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Committee Executive Director Chris Evans, state Representative Ken Fleming, and Kentucky Department of Public Health Deputy Commissioner of Clinical Affairs, Dr. Connie White which focused on ways in which hope is in action within their respective fields. 

Representative Fleming discussed the importance of collaboration, information sharing, building relationships with elected officials, and the value of advocates sharing their stories. Dr. Connie White shared how Partnership for a Resilient Kentucky is illuminating practices that prioritize PCEs and Director Evans described how partnerships with clearly defined goals help make progress in an organized and effective way. 

During our time together, we laughed (yes, there was a dance off), we were inspired (amazing keynotes, live doodles, and engaged attendees), and we were caffeinated (we had a surprise coffee bar!). More than just that, we left the day feeling hopeful about the possibilities for Kentucky.

As we wrap up post-summit activities, we hope you stay engaged with Bloom Kentucky and seek ways YOU can use your voice to create change in your communities and across the Commonwealth with the tools you gained from the day.

  • If you attended the summit, we would love to hear your feedback. Complete this short, quick survey by May 30! 
  • Check out photos from the day! Videos of speaker presentations will be available soon. All registered attendees will receive an email with access details once the recordings are ready to view.
  • Register for Bloom Kentucky’s upcoming webinar on June 18th: “The Economic Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Kentucky” at 11:00 AM ET.
  • If you enjoyed the summit and would like to see more opportunities take place, consider making a donation.
  • Sign up for email updates from Bloom Kentucky. 

Couldn’t Make It? 

If you were not able to make it, but you are interested in access to recordings and materials from the day, for $25, you can purchase access to those materials here.

Check out a recap video of the day!