Track 4: Custody Challenges
Fathers in Focus Conference 2025 » Track 4: Custody Challenges
Custody Challenges
This track offers sessions that address common custody issues, legal considerations, and strategies for advocating for your parental rights. Custody arrangements can present unique challenges for fathers. Whether you’re facing a custody battle or seeking to modify an existing arrangement, these sessions will provide valuable information and support to help you navigate the complexities of custody challenges.
Breakout Speakers
Engaging Fathers and Educators in Academic Success
Through the use of practical methods, understand how paternal engagement improves children’s academic performance and develops their self-confidence and social abilities.
Dwayne E. Meeks is a renowned transformational speaker, strategist, and advocate with over 25 years of experience in elevating fatherhood and empowering men, boys, and families. As the President and CEO of Urban Colors Fatherhood Experience, he partners with schools, hospitals, government agencies, and organizations nationwide to provide effective tools and strategies that inspire meaningful father engagement and create lasting change in communities.
Father First: Cultivating Legacy Through Leadership, Love, and Life Lessons
Sylvester details his path from poverty to the Super Bowl while exploring his journey through fatherhood and faith and his triumph over adversity. Explore how fatherhood combined with positive thinking can create transformative life changes while breaking harmful patterns to establish enduring legacies.
Sylvester “Sly” Williams is a Super Bowl Champion, former NFL first-round draft pick, and motivational speaker. Raised by a single father and now a full-time dad himself, Sly overcame poverty, academic struggles, and long odds to reach the NFL. Today, he inspires others through his CHAMP Mentality framework—Commitment, Honesty, Accountability, Mindset, and Persistence—helping people lead with purpose and resilience. His most important role is being a present father, and he speaks nationwide on fatherhood, leadership, and building a legacy that lasts.
Connecting for Change: Empowering Noncustodial Fathers Through Peer Support
Discover how peer support helps non-custodial dads connect, share, and grow—gaining resources and understanding to strengthen fatherhood journeys and build supportive communities.
Adam Trunzo has worked for 10 years with fathers in rural Wisconsin through 4-H programs and parenting classes offered in jails and in the broader community. He has a 4 year old son named Isaac and a 7 years old daughter named Caroline.
