President Maurice D. Edington was a panelist at the D.C. Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 State of the District & Region Conference on Sept. 27. Held at Howard University’s Blackburn Center in Washington D.C., the annual event featured several prominent speakers representing higher education, workforce development, healthcare and business.

This year’s conference took place against the backdrop of November’s presidential election. Leading experts assessed the current vitality of the District and put forth solutions that could significantly impact D.C. residents, regardless of who wins the election.

Howard University President Ben Vinson III delivered welcome remarks, followed by a State of Education & Workforce Development panel featuring Edington and moderated by D.C. Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn. Other panelists joining Edington were D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee; Enlightened President and CEO Antwanye E. Ford; C.L. Russell Group CEO Connie Russell; and Howard University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Anthony K. Wutoh.

“It was an honor to participate in such an important conversation with professionals who have a firm understanding of how crucial higher-ed and workforce development are to the District,” Edington said.

Panelists discussed career opportunities in the District, the evolving nature of traditional high schools, local leadership, challenges in higher education and practical solutions.