This roundtable session will offer participants a space to explore the role of Centers for Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) in advancing institutional accountability, equity, and meaningful community engagement. Discussions will focus on aligning institutional practices with community expectations to foster trust and effective and meaningful partnerships. Participants will examine strategies to enhance credibility, leverage survey data to understand community perceptions, and address gaps in engagement practices. Together we will explore opportunities to expand partnerships with non-traditional campus units, and foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including decision-makers beyond the immediate community engagement sphere. This session aims to inspire actionable steps to amplify community voices, reframe perceptions, and deepen equitable engagement in higher education