Hundreds of people gathered at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts in the spirit of learning, collaboration, and action to deepen their understanding of how prevention builds resilience and how a community can rise together.
Biagio Lattuca, Corrin Primeau, Lana Drury and Dr. Stephanie De Franceschi at the 2025 Rise Above Community Health Conference on Sept. 26, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
That was the theme for St. Clair's third annual Rise Above Community Health Conference on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025.
"The 3rd Annual Rise Above Community Health Conference brought together St. Clair College's students, staff, and community partners, to explore The Power of Prevention: Building Resilient Communities," said Dr. Stephanie De Franceschi, Chair of the School of Health Sciences and co-chair of the event organizing committee. "This year's theme emphasizes proactive solutions and collective action."
"Attendees gained practical tools, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections to drive real change in their communities - strengthening not just individual health, but the systems that support it," Dr. De Franceschi said.
Guests of the day-long conference were treated to a series of keynote speakers and modality sessions where a cross-section of subjects related to healthcare and leadership strategies were examined.
"The conference captures the spirit of collaborative empowerment by bringing together community members and health professionals," said Biagio Lattuca, Chair, School of Community Studies. "This event provides a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions."
"Participants will gain essential knowledge about holistic health practices, enabling them to advocate for their own well-being and that of their communities," Lattuca added.
The conference featured a series of keynote speakers, including Tal Czudner, who has worked in many management and leadership capacities in Windsor-Essex, currently serving as the CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel.
"I'm old enough, and I've worked in enough industries and had enough personal experiences that I feel I can help share some stories and perhaps some techniques to help deal with some of the challenges that people are going to face," said Czudner, whose address was dubbed Being a chameleon: Adapting to your Situation is Key.'
"It is incumbent upon you to adapt to whatever situation you're in," Czudner said. "It's really important that you put yourself in the shoes of who you're with and try and be relatable to them and give them information that you know is going to sink in with them."
Janelle Abela, the founder and CEO of Diverse Solutions Strategy Firm Inc. also provided an insightful discussion called Equity-Centered Leadership, inclusive communication and collective strategies that centre community care and resilience.'
The day culminated with a series of modality sessions focused on lived experiences, innovation and leadership techniques from local groups as well as professors at St. Clair College.
At the end of the conference, Alexcia Rizza and Amanda-Lee St. Pierre, both Nursing students at St. Clair College also walked away with $500 bursaries.
Conference co-chairs pose with Amanda-Lee St. Pierre and Alexcia Rizza at the 2025 Rise Above Community Health Conference on Sept. 26, 2025. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
