Dr. Keisha Robinson, the Social Action and Justice Education (SAJE) Fellowship Program director, accompanied students Micah Deane ’27, Maya Rose Webb ’28, and Breeann Leggs ’28, to Washington, D.C., for the National Mentoring Summit, Feb. 4-6. 

Sponsored by the nonprofit MENTOR, the 2026 Summit explored how mentoring relationships are central to a young person’s development and success. The 2026 event included distinguished presenters Simone Biles, Tony Goldwyn, and Aarón Sánchez.

This is the second consecutive year Arcadia University was represented at the summit.

“Returning to the National Mentoring Summit was more than just a trip,” explained Robinson. “It was a profound validation of the work we are doing with the SAJE Fellowship at Arcadia. Seeing the students navigate the halls of D.C., engaging with policy leaders and advocates, filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride. They aren’t just representing a university, they are representing a movement.”

The Arcadia students especially enjoyed “The Power of Your Pitch: How to Talk About You,” session, which included how to create a captivating elevator pitch.

“This panel helped me learn about how my story matters,” said Webb, “and how to navigate conversations about myself, and how the proper knowledge helps open doors.”

Leggs agreed. “One action I plan to take is being more intentional about how I present myself and the work I’m passionate about. I want to continue refining my voice and using it confidently.”

In terms of the future of education, Robinson is excited. “Watching the students absorb new mentoring strategies and debate systemic reforms gave me a glimpse into the classrooms and communities they will one day lead. If this is the caliber of leadership the SAJE Fellowship is producing, then the future of education is in incredibly capable hands. We are hoping to return to D.C. next year with more experience, more questions, and an even greater fire to transform the world.”