FOCUS Forums are a series of engaging public discussions featuring expert panelists who discuss a range of topics that impact Central New York residents, including education, environment, local government, business, health, public service, and more. Each forum consists of insightful presentations followed by a moderated Q&A session that encourages community participation. We aim to create an inclusive space for residents to learn and contribute to the issues that matter most in our community.
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026 | Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Doors Open at 11:45 a.m.)
Registration & Location: In-Person & Zoom. Registration: Free and Open to Everyone.
This FOCUS Forum will be held in-person at the Central New York Philanthropy Center, with the option of virtual participation via Zoom.
Venue Update: Please note that the venue’s elevator is currently inoperable and will remain out of service for the foreseeable future. At this time, they do not have an estimated date for repairs. We kindly ask visitors to keep this in mind when registering for the in-person attendance option.
Topic: Join FOCUS for a hybrid public forum centered on language services that help meet the needs of our region’s diverse community. Panelists will share perspectives on current challenges, emerging opportunities, and the work occurring across Central New York to ensure language services meet the needs of youth, adult newcomers, and families, making information and services accessible to residents of all ages. Panelists will highlight how residents navigate cultural and language expectations across school, workplace, and healthcare settings, sharing insight into real-world language use and barriers. After opening remarks from our panel, the conversation moves into a moderated Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions, and explore how language access efforts connect with civic participation, including opportunities to engage though volunteering and support of community initiatives. This forum offers a welcoming, respectful space for community members to learn, engage, and explore meaningful pathways to strengthen the civic life of Central New York.
Language Access: FOCUS Forums are presented in English. Zoom provides optional, automated live captions and translation features that participants may choose to enable. These tools are generated by Zoom and are not professionally interpreted.
Panelists:
Leo Rose Andrews, Quality Assurance Coordinator, Center for International Health, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Nappi Wellness Institute
Nawal Al Sayed Noor, Senior Cultural Education Coordinator, InterFaith Works of CNY
Click Here To Learn More
Nawal Al Sayed Noor serves as the Senior Cultural Education Coordinator at Interfaith Works in Syracuse, NY, supporting the needs of newly arrived refugees. Her work focuses on helping refugees understand U.S. systems such as housing, healthcare, employment, education, and civic responsibilities. These combined experiences allow her to build trust, strengthen communication, and support successful refugee integration.
Originally from Iraq, Nawal brings extensive experience as a professional interpreter and linguist in international and multicultural settings. She has provided interpretation and translation services for government institutions, international organizations, and refugee-serving agencies for more than 15 years . Her background includes work with NATO Mission Iraq, the Ministry of Education, defense and foreign affiars in Iraq, and healthcare interpretation services in the United States. Nawal specializes in bridging language and cultural gaps while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism. This experience strengthens her ability to support effective communication and cultural understanding in humanitarian and resettlement work.
Lyda Ragonese, Supervising Director, Multilingual & Cultural Education Department, Syracuse City School District
Elevate Our Community By Sponsoring a 2026 FOCUS Forum!
Join us in making a difference by becoming a sponsor and helping sustain this impactful program! Sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, organizations, and businesses who are eager to make a positive impact!