2025 Pathways to Success
Trailblazers and Innovators in Youth Justice
June 10, 2025
Check-in 8:00 AM
Program 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Connecticut Convention Center
100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
About Pathways to Success
Looking at Children Through Different Lenses
Pathways to Success began as a series of webinars and virtual programming, including TYJI’s Fact vs. Fiction series, which continued essential reform work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, the conference has grown into a full day of live public programming, uniting youth-focused professionals to tackle the most pressing issues facing today’s youth.
Our 2025 conference will center around the theme: “Looking at Children Through Different Lenses.” We aim to challenge the labels often placed on children by the systems they’ve been involved in, recognizing that they are more than their circumstances. By broadening the conversation beyond juvenile justice to include children’s behavioral health and other critical factors, we seek to empower communities to take action for meaningful, lasting change.
Who Will Attend?
We invite legislators, executives, direct staff, correctional officers, law enforcement personnel, and all professionals working with children to join us. Together, we will learn, collaborate, and explore innovative approaches to transform the lives of youth involved in the justice system.
Why Attend?
This is your opportunity to engage with leading experts, trailblazers, and innovators. You will gain practical insights, network with professionals across sectors, and contribute to meaningful reforms in youth justice. Whether you are a policymaker, frontline worker, or advocate, this conference will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to champion change in the systems that serve our youth.
Meet our Keynotespeaker
Lawrence Bartley
Lawrence Bartley is a nationally recognized advocate, journalist, and dynamic public speaker dedicated to amplifying the voices of incarcerated individuals through trusted journalism and education. As the publisher of The Marshall Project Inside and host of Inside Story, Bartley delivers powerful video narratives that confront critical issues such as wrongful convictions, prison staffing shortages, and the restoration of voting rights after incarceration. His work has earned a Peabody Award nomination, underscoring the impact of Inside Story, which has been shown in over 1,400 jails and prisons across the country.
In addition to Inside Story, Bartley founded News Inside, an award-winning print publication distributed within U.S. prisons and jails, and contributed to The Zo, a project honored with a 2021 Edward R. Murrow Award and Emmy nomination. His storytelling has also reached national audiences through contributions to CNN, PBS, NBC, and MSNBC.
Lawrence’s journey—from incarceration to becoming a voice for justice reform—continues to reshape how we understand the criminal legal system. His keynote will offer deep insights into media, advocacy, and the power of reclaiming narrative.
Join us to hear his compelling story and vision for transformation in youth and adult justice systems.
Conference Essentials
Everything you need to make the most of your experience at the 2025 Pathways to Success: Trailblazers & Innovators in Youth Justice Conference.
Agenda & Materials
Access conference handouts, digital programs, speaker slides.
Secure your spot and get details on pricing.
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FAQs & Contact
Got questions? Find answers or reach out to our conference team directly.
Meet the organizations helping to make this event possible and learn how to become a sponsor.
Meet the trailblazers redefining youth justice. Explore our featured panels and discover the voices driving change across systems that impact youth outcomes.
Trailblazer and Rising Trailblazer Award Recipients
The Trailblazer Awards honor emerging and established leaders who are transforming youth justice through advocacy, innovation, and bold leadership.
Venue Information
Connecticut Convention Center
100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford CT 06103
Driving Directions
The Connecticut Convention Center’s main lobby is located on Columbus Blvd. It is accessible from Level P1 of the parking garage. Level P5 of the garage tower provides an alternate entrance, along an outdoor esplanade, to the Center’s riverside entrance.