Rooted Together: Rising for Impact
Experience an inspiring space where new connections lead to growth and leadership takes root. Join us for the 2026 Regional Emerging Multicultural Leadership Conference (REMLE), where this year’s theme, “Rooted Together: Rising for Impact,” celebrates the power of community, collaboration, and emerging leaders ready to make a difference.
Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from dynamic keynote speakers, participate in engaging workshops, and connect with peers through meaningful networking opportunities. Whether you’re hoping to strengthen your leadership abilities, exchange ideas with others who share your passion, or deepen your impact in your community, REMLE offers an energizing environment to learn and grow. Be part of a gathering that embraces diverse voices, shared experiences, and the collective strength that comes from rising together.
REGISTER EVENT DETAILS WORKSHOP PRESENTERS KEYNOTE SPEAKER COMMUNITY PARTNERS SCHOLARSHIP
REMLE 2024 VIDEO WHAT TO EXPECT STAY CONNECTED
Keynote Speaker
Mayor Dontae Payne has served the City of Olympia since his election to the City Council in 2021 and was elected mayor in 2023, with a term running through December 31, 2027. A dedicated public servant, he has held key roles at both the state and federal levels, including Regional Representative and Senior Policy Advisor for Civil Rights & Racial Justice in the Washington State Office of the Governor and Deputy District Director in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves as Equity & Community Partnership Manager for the Washington State Department of Revenue. Mayor Payne is also a former board member of the Olympia Hands On Children’s Museum and made history as Olympia’s first Black American and openly gay mayor.
Originally from Philadelphia and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Payne served eight years in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Afghanistan, before moving to Olympia in 2014. He earned both his Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College. Today, he lives on Olympia’s westside with his husband and daughter. As mayor, Payne is focused on building a more equitable, resilient, and vibrant community, with priorities that include housing affordability, public safety, economic development, environmental sustainability, and advancing equity across city policies and programs.
Rising for Impact at EMLE 2026
Collaborative Learning
At REMLE, collaborative learning drives the experience, encouraging participants to engage in discussions, share perspectives, and tackle real-world challenges together.
Leadership Development
By participating in workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions, attendees will develop and refine their leadership skills strengthening their capacity to lead and inspire.
Networking Opportunities
EMLE brings together individuals from different backgrounds, offering attendees the chance to network with like-minded peers, mentors, and industry leaders.
Event Details
When: October 28-29, 2026
Where: Greater Tacoma Convention Center
1500 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402
Registration Fees:
- Early Bird Registration: now through June 30 | $95
- General Registration: July 1 to September 30 | $120
- Late Registration: October 1 to 28 | $140
Parking:
Click Here to View Parking Information
Where to Stay:
- Downtown Tacoma Marriott | Attendees may request access to the room block during the registration process. Simply indicate your interest when registering, and our team will follow up with additional booking details.
- To avoid issues with duplicate reservations, guests from the same organization who wish to reserve multiple rooms should email Cassidy Inamasu at cinamasu@ymcapkc.org
Who Should Attend?
- Staff and volunteers of color from all levels and departments
- Leadership staff interested in learning and expanding their ability to support BIPOC employees
Contact: Kyeshia Likely at likelyk@ssymca.net
Event Schedule
Wednesday, October 28
2:00pm – 5:30pm – Event kickoff
6:00pm – 8:00pm – Dinner and Social
Thursday, October 29
6:45am – Morning Fitness Activities
8:00am – Breakfast Buffet
9:00am – Welcome & Keynote
10:15am – Break
10:30am – Workshops Session 1
12:00pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Workshops Session 2
2:10pm – Break
3:30pm – Closing Session
Workshop Presenters
We’re bringing together a dynamic lineup of educators, leaders, and innovators to share their expertise at this year’s REMLE conference! Stay tuned – presenter announcements are coming soon!
Questions? Contact Sergio Garcia at garcias@ssymca.net
Community Partners
Does your business, organization, or agency want to make a real and sustained impact on the future of multicultural leaders in our community? We hope you’ll join us!
As a community partner, we invite you to join in this work. Partnership is more than sponsoring an event – it’s an investment in our shared values and common cause. We hope you see the value this work brings to your organization and our community. For more information about Community Partnership, contact Sarah Clinton at clintons@ssymca.net.
Thank you to our Event Partners!
