Championing Resilience: Highlights from the GRIT Resiliency in Action Conference 2024
Championing Resilience: Highlights from the GRIT Resiliency in Action Conference 2024
The GRIT: Resiliency in Action Conference 2024, hosted by the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, was a resounding success, drawing together a diverse community committed to personal growth and resilience. Held on March 11, 2024, at the Ent Center for the Arts, this one-day event provided attendees with an enriching experience centered around understanding resilience, fostering teamwork, and embracing the core principles of the GRIT Program.
The conference, which was offered free of charge thanks to funding from El Paso County and the American Rescue Plan Act, featured an impressive lineup of speakers. Among the notable speakers were celebrated Olympians Amy Van Dyken-Rouen and Hunter Kemper, who shared their inspiring journeys of triumph over adversity, serving as beacons of resilience for all attendees.
Mark Yarbrough, a burnout expert and former District Attorney, offered valuable insights gleaned from his own experiences of overcoming burnout in a high-pressure environment. Dr. Charles Benight, a renowned trauma and resilience researcher, and Dr. Jennifer Sobanet, Chancellor of UCCS, also provided their expertise on the subject, enriching the conference with their knowledge and perspectives.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions and activities aimed at deepening their practical understanding of resilience and teamwork. Whether they were experienced GRIT Coaches or newcomers to the program, participants had the opportunity to delve into the core principles of the GRIT Program through informative sessions led by experts in the field.
One of the highlights of the conference was the sense of community that permeated the event, as like-minded individuals came together to share their passion for cultivating resilience within themselves and their communities. Lunch, provided at no cost to attendees, offered further opportunities for networking and connection.
The impact of the GRIT: Resiliency in Action Conference extended beyond its attendees, garnering attention from local media outlets. The Colorado Springs Gazette published an article highlighting the conference's focus on resiliency coaching in the aftermath of the UCCS shooting, underscoring the importance of building resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, KOAA featured a piece on UCCS's efforts to boost free online resiliency training, further amplifying the conference's mission of promoting resilience within the broader community.
As we reflect on the success of the GRIT Conference, we are reminded of the power of resilience to transform lives and communities. By coming together to share knowledge, experiences, and support, we can build a more resilient future for all.
You can find both the Gazette and KOAA coverage of the events at the links below.