2026 California Early Wealth Account System (CEWAS) Summit Slideshow
Building Economic Prosperity for Every Child
April 17, 2026 | UCLA | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Join us at the Second Annual California Early Wealth Account System (CEWAS) Summit on April 17, 2026 at UCLA to explore how early wealth accounts are expanding opportunities for California children and families.
Leaders across public agencies, education, philanthropy, elected officials, and community organizations will convene to share new research, field-tested strategies, and implementation lessons for strengthening and scaling early wealth-building initiatives statewide, including Child Savings Accounts (CSAs) and Child Development Accounts (CDAs).
The Summit will feature updates and learnings from CalKIDS, HOPE Accounts, and other early wealth initiatives advancing economic mobility statewide.
Conference highlights include:
- New research on the impact of early wealth-building initiatives
- Perspectives from leaders implementing CSA and CDA programs
- National developments in early wealth-building, including 530A Accounts, also known as Trump Accounts
- Strategies to expand access, advance equity, and increase long-term economic mobility
- Opportunities to connect with cross-sector partners committed to building prosperity for every child
We look forward to convening partners from across California and beyond for this important conversation and shared commitment to building economic prosperity for every child.
Event Information
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:40 AM Welcome & Opening Remarks
Join California State Treasurer Fiona Ma and other state leaders for brief opening remarks to orient us to California’s vision for economic prosperity, followed by an awards presentation honoring leaders advancing this work. Featured Speakers: Nayiri Nahabedian, MSW, UCLA CalKIDS Institute; Christina Christie, PhD, UCLA; Stephanie Tom, California State Treasurer’s Office; Fiona Ma, CPA, California State Treasurer’s Office; Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles City Council; Brianna Posada, CalKIDS Parent Participant
9:40 AM – 10:30 AM CEWAS at One Year!
Through a plenary discussion, hear directly from leaders on one year of progress, what’s working, and what’s next for strengthen- ing and scaling early wealth-building across California. Featured Speakers: Amanda Feinstein, MA, Early Wealth Partnership; Shimica Gaskins, JD, End Child Poverty California; Stephanie Tom, California State Treasurer’s Office; Nayiri Nahabedian, MSW, UCLA CalKIDS Institute; Cassandra DiBenedetto, ScholarShare Investment Board
10:30 AM – 11:05 AM National Momentum: The Future of Early Wealth Accounts
Keynote speaker, Jason Ewas, will share insights into emerging federal developments, including 530A Accounts, also known as Trump Accounts, and what they signal for the future of child savings and early wealth-building nationwide. Introductory Remarks: Mark Hansen, PhD, UCLA CalKIDS Institute
11:05 AM – 11:20 AM Intermission
11:20 AM – 12:20 PM Lessons from the Field: Connecting Kids to Multiple Assets
Discover outreach and marketing strategies focused on increasing engagement, featured in a case-study panel that highlights technology-enabled tools and research-informed approaches. Featured Speakers: Mohan Kanungo, Office of the San Francisco Treasurer and Tax Collector; José Cisernos, City and County of San Francisco; Marco Chavarin, Citi Community Investment and Development; Ed Khashadourian, PhD, UCLA CalKIDS Institute; Aaron Strauss, City of Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department; Aubrie Fong, Governor’s Office of Community Partnerships & Strategic Communications; Madeline Handy, CalABLE, California State Treasurer’s Office; Sarah Sable, MPA, NYC Kids RISE
12:20 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch & Networking
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Leadership & Community Partner Awards Featured Speakers
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Milestones & Touchpoints: Birth through Middle School
Explore ways to help families access early wealth accounts early through a panel discussion, plus a parent story of impact. Featured Speakers: Joci Kelleher, Oakland Promise; Mia Bonta, California State Assembly;
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM Intermission
3:15 PM – 4:10 PM Milestones & Touchpoints: High School through College and Career Training
Learn tools and strategies through a case study that help teens and young adults engage with CalKIDS and other early wealth accounts.
4:10 PM – 4:40 PM
Turning Momentum into Action: Our Next Steps
As the closing keynote speaker, Valorie Kondos Field, will reflect on core takeaways from the day and practical next steps for applying insights in local community contexts.
4:45 PM – 6:45 PM Reception
Kindly note that each individual must register separately.
Early bird registration is appreciated by February 28th to assist with our planning. Final registration will close on March 31st.
All registrants are invited to showcase their work in the poster gallery. UCLA can print posters submitted by March 27th. Please indicate your interest when you register. Further details upon registration.
Hotel accommodations near the venue include:
- The W Hotel is pleased to offer CEWAS Summit attendees a special discounted rate. Please use the link below to reserve your room.
- W Los Angeles – 0.5 mi drive, & 0.5 mi walk from the event venue
- Additional Hotel Options:
- UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center – 0.8 mi drive & 0.4 mi walk from the event venue
- Palihotel Westwood Village – 0.9 mi drive & 0.8 mi walk from the event venue
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar – 1 mi drive & 0.9 mi walk from the event venue
We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors whose support makes this work possible. Their investment in our mission allows us to expand impact and better serve our community.
Interested in Volunteering?
We are currently seeking volunteers to help support the Summit’s success.
Volunteers will play an important role in creating a welcoming and successful experience for attendees while gaining valuable hands-on event experience and connecting with professionals in the field.
Volunteer roles may include:
- Assisting with registration
- Greeting and directing attendees
- Supporting speakers
- Helping with general event logistics throughout the day
Volunteers will have the opportunity to gain hands-on event experience, connect with leaders in the field, and contribute to an impactful statewide initiative.
Sign UpWe are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors whose support makes this work possible. Their investment in our mission allows us to expand impact and better serve our community.
