C&I Community Members Recognized at UROC’s 2026 Critical Conversations Event

On Tuesday, February 24, the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) community gathered for the first Critical Conversations event of 2026, unveiling the Vision for 2035 for UMN’s RJJ Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC). The event highlighted the center’s continued commitment to community-engaged scholarship and collaborative leadership.

Several C&I community members were recognized for their contributions and achievements. Laichia Vang, a YoUthROC alum and PhD student in Culture and Teaching (CaT), served as an invited panelist. Peng Liu-Nelson 刘砚钧, a PhD candidate in CaT, was awarded one of three prestigious dissertation fellowships named in honor of Dr. Josie R. Johnson.

In addition, C&I Lecturer and YoUthROC Director Abby Rombalski and Laichia Vang were recognized for their upcoming service on the UROC Community Advisory Board. They will serve alongside an outstanding group of community members and University faculty, including Dr. Saida Abdi of CEHD, who will also join the board.