Networking for the Community
For the past six years we have been elated to bring together individuals from across the metroplex to the Community Engagement Day. This year Community Engagement Day will offer the opportunity for nonprofit organizations to meet and connect in person four times throughout the year.
You are invited to attend the next quarterly Annual Community Engagement Day Luncheons for 2025. This is your chance to connect with other nonprofits in order to share resources and discover new opportunities to collaborate. Submit your information below and instruction on attending and parking will be emailed to you soon.
2025 Community Engagement Day
When: January 22, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center at Fair Park
1403 Washington St.
Dallas, Texas 75210
Topic: In today’s dynamic environment and ever-evolving landscape, understanding and nurturing mental health is paramount. “Cultivating Wellness: Strategies for Supporting Strong Mental Health” delves into essential aspects of mental well-being. Participants will gain insights into the definition of mental health and unravel the intricate connection between the mind and body. Attendees will also engage in an exploration of tools and strategies designed to bolster mental resilience. From strategies that nurture the brain and body, mind, and relationships, attendees will discover actionable methods to support strong mental health.
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Meet Our Guest Speakers
Vanessa Stuart
Vanessa Stuart is the Director of Educational Program Innovation at Momentous Institute, where she leverages her extensive background in public education to enhance educational frameworks and mental health education. Holding a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Vanessa is also advancing her expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. focused on teacher studies. Her career in education has spanned various roles, including teacher, diagnostician, curriculum coordinator, and principal, with her leadership earning her schools’ recognition as models of best practice. A two-time finalist for Texas in the National Elementary Principal’s Distinguished Principal Award, Vanessa’s contributions to education have been published widely, particularly on topics such as professional learning communities and fostering positive school cultures.
Dr. Meroudjie Denis
Dr. Méroudjie Denis is a licensed psychologist, school psychologist and licensed social worker with 16 years of experience working in the mental health field. She obtained her doctorate in psychology, with a specialization in school neuro-psychology from Texas Women’s University, a Master of Science in social work from the University of Texas in Arlington, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Dallas. Dr. Denis joined the Momentous Institute in 2014 and currently serves as the Director of Clinical Program Innovation. Her clinical expertise is centered on adolescent mental health, specializing in the treatment of complex trauma. Her diverse educational background reflects her passion for working at the intersection of mental health and education. Dr. Denis’ mission is to help communities reduce stigmas around mental health, aiming for a world where our mental well-being is as valued as our physical health. Dr. Denis is a trainer and public speaker specializing in the neurobiological impact of stress and trauma. She has delivered training sessions across the United States and internationally, including in the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. Her expertise is highlighted in her TEDx talk, “Breaking the Myth of the Bad Student,” which delves into the neurological effects of stress and trauma on students. Dr. Denis is dedicated to changing the course of education by empowering professionals with the knowledge to create mental health-informed and trauma-sensitive environments where every child and educator can thrive.
To be added to the Community Engagement Day Resource Guide, please register by January 14th.