When

Mon, Oct. 13, 2025
4:30 pm - 7 pm
(GMT-05:00) America/Chicago

Where

Levy Conference Room
7255 Helix Park Ave, Houston, TX 77030

This event aimed to promote and advance school-based physical activity initiatives while addressing broader challenges in promoting physical activity among children, particularly in underserved communities. Experts and stakeholders gathered to explore evidence-based solutions, best practices, and policy frameworks aimed at increasing physical activity participation in schools. This discussion also spotlighted after-school programs like Futbolito for All, launched in Houston with the potential for expansion across Texas. This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of Galena Park ISD, Dynamo & Dash Charities, UTHealth Houston, and Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy.

This event was co-sponsored by the Baker Institute Center for Health Policy and UTHealth HoustonIt was an off-site event and was held at the Levy Conference Room, 7255 Helix Park Ave, Houston, TX 77030. 

Panel: Policy and Surveillance: Shaping the Future of School-Based Physical Activity
and Physical Education

The panel will examine how culturally relevant programs like Futbolito for All can boost health and physical activity among Latino children and how they can be scaled to other underserved areas. Panelists will also explore how policy and surveillance frameworks can develop and expand school-based physical activity programs, ensuring they are sustainable and impactful. They will highlight preliminary findings on the program’s feasibility, adaptability and effectiveness in real-world settings.

Registration

Reg

Registration has closed.

Agenda

4:30 pm     

Registration & Reception

4:45 pm

Opening Remarks

Sandra McKay, M.D., FAAP
Associate Professor, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Huffington Fellow in Child Health Policy, Baker Institute

4:50 pm

Presentation

Introductions by: Mary Aitken M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, UTHealth Houston 

Remarks by: Shreela Sharma, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., Professor, Vice-Chair, Epidemiology, and Director, Center for Health Equity Research, UTHealth Houston

Andrea Ramirez Varela, Ph.D., M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and McGovern  Medical School, UTHealth Houston 

Eric Boerwinkle, Ph.D.
Dean, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health

5:30 pm

Keynote 

Commissioner Adrian Garcia 
Harris County Precinct 2

5:55 pm

Break

6:05 pm

Panel — Policy and Surveillance: Shaping the Future of School-Based Physical Activity
and Physical Education

Moderated by: Christopher Kulesza, Ph.D., Scholar in Child Health Policy, Baker Institute

Hazel Zavala
School Counselor, Galena Park Middle School

Valerie Holland
Executive Director of Dynamo and Dash Charities, VP Community Engagement

Mechelle Epps, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, Galena Park ISD

Katarina Reyes, M.Ed.
Research Manager, Child Health Policy Program, Baker Institute

6:50 pm

Closing Remarks

Andrea Ramirez Varela, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston

Christopher Kulesza, Ph.D.
Scholar in Child Health Policy, Baker Institute

When

Mon, Oct. 13, 2025
4:30 pm - 7 pm
(GMT-05:00) America/Chicago

Where

Levy Conference Room
7255 Helix Park Ave, Houston, TX 77030