December 10-11, 2026 • Virtual

2026 BPDA Winter Conference

Leading with Power, Defending Our Communities

The BPDA Winter Conference is a dynamic learning experience that equips Black public defenders and allies with the knowledge, skills, and leadership needed to transform public defense and advance racial equity.

REGISTRATION INFO

EARLY BIRD: $175

Available until October 11, 2026

REGULAR: $200

Available until November 19, 2026

LATE REGISTRATION: $225

Available until December 3, 2026

Through three integrated learning tracks—Leadership that Transforms, Defending Our Communities, and Race-Conscious Advocacy Skills—participants will engage in practical, interactive sessions that address the realities of public defense and prepare them to meet the profession’s evolving challenges.

Whether developing leadership capacity, enhancing trial and advocacy skills, or advancing community-centered strategies, attendees will leave with concrete tools, innovative ideas, and a renewed commitment to creating equitable systems and delivering client-centered representation.

MEET THE COMMITTEE

Kelli Howard

Administrative Officer, Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Christina Tavares

Director of DEI, The Defender Association of Philadelphia

Guy Lang

Director of Youth Programs and Community Outreach, The Defender Association of Philadelphia

Joshua White

Trial Attorney, New York County Defender Services

AGENDA

Subject to change*

DAY 1: Thursday, December 10

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ET | Opening Plenary

Session title and speakers: TBD

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET | Session 1

From Advocate to Architect: Black Leadership and Institutional Power in Public Defense

Speaker: Amari Harris

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM ET | Break

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM ET | Session 2

Investigating While Black & Brown: Perspectives from Black and Brown Public Defense Investigators and a Former Investigative Intern

Speakers: Omishia Jackson, Nabil Valencia, and Morgan PaceSpeakers: Omishia Jackson, Nabil Valencia, and Morgan Pace

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM ET | Lunch Break

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM ET | Session 3

The Assault on Black Families: Child Welfare Disproportionality as a Civil Rights Crisis

Speakers: Josephine Vanderhorst and Shannon Felder

2:15 PM - 2:30 PM ET | Break

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM ET | Session 4

How to Start Tracking Police Misconduct: Building an Infrastructure of Accountability at Your Office

Speakers: Summer D. Farrar and Julie Ciccolini

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM ET | Break

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM ET | Session 5

Beyond the Courtroom: Storytelling and Media Strategy as Tools for Justice

Speaker: Dr. Kevin Beckford Co-presenter: Josie, pending confirmation of full name and role

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM ET | Break

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM ET | Virtual Networking Event

Facilitated rooms organized around topics, practice areas, and shared interests.

DAY 2: Friday, December 11

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM ET | Session 6

Never Woke, Always Waking: Leading Anti-Racist Practice From the Inside OutNever Woke, Always Waking: Leading Anti-Racist Practice From the Inside Out

Speaker: Ali Bloomquist

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM ET | Break

10:15 AM - 11:15 AM ET | Session 7

Fortifying Community Defense InfrastructureFortifying Community Defense Infrastructure

Speaker: Christian Snow

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM ET | Break

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM ET | Closing Plenary

Session title and speakers: TBD

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM ET | Lunch Break

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM ET | Community Connection Hour (Optional)

An open virtual space for attendees to decompress, meet one another, and continue conversations from the conference. Attendees can drop in for any portion of the hour. BPDA staff or Membership Committee members can welcome attendees and help start conversations.