About the Symposium

Enduring Questions, Evolving Answers: A Century of International Social Service

October 9th | 1:00PM -4:30PM | Baltimore, MD | University of Maryland, Baltimore, SMC Campus Center

Join experts from across child welfare, social work, law, and academia as they explore the evolving challenges and opportunities of cross-border practice. Through two engaging panel discussions, the symposium will reflect on a century of international social service while looking ahead to the future of global collaboration.

Decision-Making That Shapes Children’s Lives

What does it take to center identity, belonging, safety, and stability in cross-border decision-making? This panel will explore how professionals across disciplines work together to make informed, child-centered decisions that support the best interests of children and families.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify the key factors that influence cross-border decision-making affecting children’s safety, permanency, identity, and well-being.
  2. Examine how culture, family relationships, immigration status, legal frameworks, and transnational family connections shape outcomes for children and families.
  3. Identify strategies for incorporating children’s identity, voice, belonging, and best interests into assessments and case planning across jurisdictions.
  4. Apply lessons from cross-border cases to strengthen equitable and trauma-informed decision-making for children and families.

Heather Zenone, JD 

Heather Zenone leads policy, government affairs, and grants initiatives focused on advancing strategies that improve outcomes for children, families, and communities. With more than 25 years of experience in child welfare, family well-being, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and systems reform, Heather has held leadership roles at the national, state, and tribal levels, including serving as Assistant Secretary for Policy & Data at the Maryland Department of Human Services. She brings extensive expertise in policy, advocacy, and systems transformation to the symposium discussion.

Francisco Flores, JD

Francisco X. Flores, Esq. is an attorney with the Chacón Center for Immigrant Justice, where he advocates for immigrant children and families navigating complex legal systems. A graduate of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Francisco’s work focuses on advancing access to justice and strengthening protections for immigrant communities. He brings valuable expertise in cross-border legal issues and child-centered advocacy to the symposium discussion.

Renee Evelyn, MSW

Renee P. Evelyn is an Adoption/KLG Support Specialist with the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency, currently overseeing adoption and kinship practices/processes at local and state offices. Ms. Evelyn has been with the agency for 26 years during which time she has specialized in supervision, data accuracy, and planning. She is passionately committed to supporting permanency for children in her region. Ms. Evelyn earned a master of social work from Rutgers University. She is a proud native of Barbados which drives her journey for international social awareness.

Cathy Ceniza-Choy, Ph.D.

Catherine Ceniza Choy, Ph.D. is Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she is the university’s first tenured Filipino American studies professor. An award-winning historian and author, her scholarship explores migration, international adoption, race, and the movement of healthcare professionals across borders. As Vice Chair of the ISS-USA Board of Directors, she brings a unique perspective on the intersection of history, migration, and international social service.

Building a Cross-Border Workforce for Children

Supporting children and families across borders requires strong partnerships and shared expertise. This panel will examine what it takes for systems and professionals to collaborate effectively across countries to improve outcomes for children and families.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify barriers and facilitators to effective cross-border collaboration among agencies, disciplines, and countries.
  2. Explore strategies for strengthening partnerships, information sharing, and coordinated responses in international child and family cases.
  3. Assess emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that will shape the future of international social service practice and cross-border family support.

Jerry Milner, DSW

Jerry Milner, DSW is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Family Justice Group, LLC, and former Associate Commissioner of the U.S. Children’s Bureau. Throughout his career, he has led national and state efforts to strengthen child welfare systems, advance family-centered practice, and improve outcomes for children and families. Drawing on decades of leadership in public child welfare, Jerry brings deep expertise in policy, systems reform, and cross-sector collaboration to the symposium.

Linda Spears, LMSW

Linda S. Spears, MSW is President and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), where she leads national efforts to strengthen child welfare policy, practice, and advocacy. A veteran social worker and former Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, Linda has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children and families through system reform, collaboration, and child-centered practice. She brings decades of leadership in public child welfare to the symposium discussion.

Andy Strait, JD

Andy R. Strait, Esq. is Senior Attorney and Managing Director of Marigold Law Center, where he specializes in immigration, child welfare, family, and criminal law. With extensive experience in both legal practice and nonprofit leadership, Andy has served as a public defender in Maryland and held leadership roles at Global Refuge and Endeavors. He brings decades of expertise in cross-border child welfare, immigration, and family advocacy to the symposium.

Nadine Toppozada

Nadine Toppozada is Managing Director on the Immigration and Child Welfare team at Casey Family Programs, where she leads efforts focused on the intersection of immigration and child welfare. She previously served as a Senior Advisor to the Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary at the Administration for Children and Families, supporting work related to Unaccompanied Children. Nadine has dedicated her career to serving immigrant and refugee communities through leadership in federal, state, and local programs, as well as international policy work. She holds a master’s degree from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Click Here to Register Today!

Be part of the conversation as we celebrate 100 years of international social service and explore the future of cross-border collaboration. We look forward to welcoming you on October 9, 2026.