Track 1: Co-Parenting
Fathers in Focus Conference 2025 » Track 1: Co-Parenting
Co-Parenting
This track focuses on fostering healthy and cooperative co-parenting relationships. Sessions explore effective communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and ways to prioritize your children’s well-being as you navigate co-parenting challenges. Whether you’re newly separated or have been co-parenting for years, these sessions will help you and your co-parent work together more effectively.
Roots & Wings: The Essential Function of Fatherhood in Developing Complete Children
Learn how fathers deeply shape their children’s sense of self as well as their emotional well-being and chances for success. Otis uses storytelling and reflection to highlight how fatherhood requires both presence and purposeful actions. This session encourages fathers and father figures to recognize and fulfill their crucial role in developing resilient children who are confident and love-rooted yet prepared to achieve their highest potential.
Otis Harris, Jr. is a passionate father, youth advocate, and social work student with over 20 years of experience in mentoring, ministry, and program leadership. As founder of PushedN2Destiny Consulting, he empowers fathers, youth, and his community to lead with purpose. Otis combines lived experience with professional insight to support family engagement, fatherhood development, and youth leadership. A proud father of two, both with unique needs, Otis brings authenticity, resilience, and vision to every space he enters. He is currently pursuing his BSW at UW-Whitewater.
My Father’s House: Setting the Tone Through Intentional Parenting
Learn how intentional parenting methods can revolutionize your living space and family dynamics. Joshua Liston demonstrates practical strategies for building a nurturing home environment while promoting open communication and teaching lasting values. The session provides practical guidance for fathers to establish a meaningful household that builds a lasting legacy through positive values. Establish a strong initial tone and develop resilient emotionally healthy children through a nurturing environment. This session is ideal for fathers who value meaningful parenting and cohesive family relationships.
Joshua Liston-Zawadi is a proud Milwaukee native who prioritizes community, fatherhood and mental health. Josh celebrates the process of family and community building by using his platform and work to model how to be an intentional figure in the lives of their children.
Joshua Zawadi is also the man behind the social media brand Melanated Daddy and the signature non-birthing parenting course Dad Doula. He is also the co-founder and executive director of the newly founded family and community engagement non-profit organization, Life reDefined.
