The recent Resilient Tennessee Collaborative Statewide Summit 2025 brought together leaders and advocates focused on improving child welfare systems across the state. A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Mario Johnson, a seasoned expert in public child welfare with over 20 years of experience.

Johnson, who serves as the senior director and strategic consultant at KC Family Programs, emphasized the importance of transforming child welfare systems to foster resilience and equity for children and families. His extensive background includes guiding jurisdictions nationwide in system transformation and community partnership development.

In his address, Johnson expressed his commitment to building communities that prioritize hope and equity. He encouraged attendees to reflect on their roles in creating supportive environments for children and families, underscoring the collective responsibility to improve public welfare systems.

The summit served as a platform for discussing critical issues affecting children and families in Tennessee, with Johnson's insights setting a hopeful tone for future initiatives. As the state moves forward, the focus remains on enhancing collaboration and implementing effective strategies to support vulnerable populations.

This gathering marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by children and families in Tennessee, with leaders like Johnson paving the way for meaningful change. The discussions held at the summit are expected to influence future policies and programs aimed at strengthening community support systems across the state.