21 Sisterhood Symposium: Full Schedule

6:00pm PDT

Networking Dinner & Paint Night

Join us Friday evening for a fun and engaging dinner and paint night networking event sponsored by Brandman University. Mingle and connect with resilient female leaders like you in preparation for a full day of gaining insight on how to re-IMAGINE, re-INVENT & re-DESIGN the future of education through sessions, keynote and a panel discussion.

Friday September 24, 2021 6:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Palm Court/Terrace

Networking

7:00am PDT

Breakfast

Saturday September 25, 2021 7:00am - 8:00am PDT
Lakeview Room

Meal Function

7:00am PDT

Registration

Saturday September 25, 2021 7:00am - 2:30pm PDT
Lakeview Room

Registration

8:00am PDT

Keynote Speaker: County Superintendent of Schools, Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D.

Speakers

Debra Duardo, M.S.W., Ed.D.

County Superintendent of Schools, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Dr. Debra Duardo was appointed Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools by the County Board of Supervisors in 2016, designating her as the top education leader of the nation's most populous and diverse county. As County Superintendent, Dr. Duardo oversees 80 K-12 school districts... Read More →

Saturday September 25, 2021 8:00am - 8:55am PDT
Lakeview Room

General Session

9:00am PDT

Are You a Leadership Catalyst? Reimagine Your Role in Developing Women Leaders

As women in leadership, we all have the opportunity to support other women who are developing as leaders in our organizations and communities. By modeling values-driven leadership, developing meaningful relationships, and creating the conditions in which others can grow as leaders, we can strengthen the self-efficacy, skills, and satisfaction of the aspiring women leaders we work with. In this session, learn about the thoughtful and effective practices being used to develop and support countless women in school leadership. You will leave this session inspired and prepared to further support and develop the leadership of women in your own life and workplace.

Participants will:

Learn about proven, research-based practices being used by successful women leaders to support and develop the leadership skills of other women.
Understand the role of values-driven leadership in their own lives and how it can serve as the inspiration for others.
Be motivated and primed to apply these effective leadership practices in their own work with aspiring and developing women leaders.

Speakers

Dr. Candace Singh

Superintendent, Fallbrook Union Elementary School District

Dr. Candace Singh is the Superintendent of the award-winning Fallbrook Union Elementary School District, nationally recognized for its work in creating an innovative and forward-thinking leadership culture that encourages and teaches children to be the leader of their own lives and... Read More →

SINGH Graphic Organizer .docx pdf

SINGH Value Cards pdf

SINGH Value Cards Worksheet pdf

SINGH Slides Sisterhood Symposium 2021 pdf

Saturday September 25, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Salon 2

Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

Leading While Female (Session repeated)

Have you heard or spoken these words? "She's too emotional to be a principal". "We already have 2 female leaders". "She's not ready yet". "She's too valuable in her current position to promote". "Who will take care of your children?"....."Smile"! These are quotes from women seeking educational leadership roles within the recent past, not 30 years ago. Participants in this session will hear more stories from recent aspiring and current female leaders. Presenters will share their current research regarding gender inequities in our nation's school districts. Presenters will draw upon the research of feminism, intersectionality, allyship and the Tools of Cultural Proficiency to identify barriers that women encounter on their journey, as well as the support factors that helped them overcome those barriers. Join the authors of "Leading While Female" in this dynamic presentation to help leaders confront and close the gender equity gap in educational leadership.

Speakers

Dr. Trudy T. Arriaga

Author/Consultant/Associate Dean, Corwin Press/Cal Lutheran University

Dr. Trudy T. Arriaga served the Ventura Unified School District for 14 years as the first female superintendent. She began her career as a bilingual paraeducator and enjoyed 40 years of service in education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director, superintendent and... Read More →

Dr. Delores B. Lindsey

Author/Consultant/Co-Founder, The Center for Culturally Proficient

Dr. Stacie L. Stanley

Author/Consultant/Associate Supt., Eden Prairie School District, Eden Prairie, MN

Leading While Female Sisterhood Leadership Symposium pdf

Saturday September 25, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Salon 4

Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

No One Ego Gets in the Way of a Good Idea: Team Capacity

Those individuals who rise to the top in leadership are often those who would be considered “alphas,” or leaders with high confidence and expertise. The dynamic of a team rests in what each individual brings to the table; if that includes a big ego, great ideas may be left behind. Building effective team capacity means acknowledging that each individual is a strong and competent leader who, for the sake of getting great work done, sets aside personal ego-driven goals. Building a culture of collegial, high-performing frankness within the team allows each leader to contribute thought, criticism, and ownership to each high stakes decision. Participants will learn and engage with strategies for up-leveling team dynamics, valuing opinions, and being supportive thought partners. Letting go of the leader ego isn’t easy, but it can be powerful and fulfilling!

Speakers

Melissa Alderman

Superintendent, Santa Rita Union School District

With over 20 year in public education, I remain passionate about transforming school cultures while building educational infrastructures to inspire high performing students. Leading as the Santa Rita Union School District in Salinas, CA as Superintendent with a compassionate connection... Read More →

Becky Moore

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Santa Rita Union School District

No One Ego Gets In The Way Of A Good Idea pdf

Saturday September 25, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Salon 3

Breakout Session

10:10am PDT

AAPI Sisterhood and Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling

The representation of Asian Women in educational leadership is far and few between especially in this male-centered world. Not only does the notion of an Asian Woman in leadership conjure up stereotypes--in actuality the road has been paved with assumptions about our silence, submission, and respectfulness and therefore, we’ve been passed up as competent leaders. This session will discuss the aspects of the “Bamboo Ceiling” that are not only imposed on us by others, but that we have placed on ourselves as well, as part of our cultural upbringing. A panel of AAPI women leaders will engage us in a session of self-reflection and analysis, in order to provide a personal and collective call to action that leads to true Sisterhood.

Speakers

Belen C. Magers

Retired Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, San Lorenzo Unified School District

A mother of social justice activists and teacher leaders, Belen Magers has spent 37 years as an educator in California—27 years as an administrator—in various leadership roles and currently Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources in San Lorenzo Unified School District. Belen... Read More →

Dr. Kim Lu Lawe

Director II, School of Education, Riverside County Office of Education

Saturday September 25, 2021 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Salon 3

Breakout Session

10:10am PDT

Be a Leader Who Can Navigate Unsolvable Problems: Using Polarity Thinking to Tackle the Most Difficult Organizational Challenges

Too many leaders focus on by describing the problem with things as they are and then describing a positive future they want to move toward. Leaders should establish a vision, but this approach may actually be a great way to ensure that people entrenched in “doing business as usual” will continue to dig in their heels – deeply. This session will help participants learn to deal with the differences or polarities that are inevitable for leaders. Participants will learn to manage complex situations by taking a big picture perspective. They will use polarity mapping to better understand polarities, examine their interdependence, and identify areas of strength to work from. Don’t be a leader who understands change but fails to develop a toolkit to effectively tackle the challenges associated with lasting change. Leaders at all levels need skills ensure others can be an active part in re-imagining the organization.

Speakers

Dr. Amy Hunt

Chief Academic Officer, Park City School District

Dr. Amy Hunt provides leadership coaching and organizational development support in the K-12 education sector.Dr. Hunt has served in public schools as a district-level leader in functional areas including teaching and learning, human resources, and student services. She has experience... Read More →

Saturday September 25, 2021 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Salon 2

Breakout Session

10:10am PDT

Lead Fearlessly: Inspiring a Creative Culture in an Unmade Future

The dawn of the pandemic brought to the surface the many blockage to creativity and talent-stifling forces that permeate our educational system in myriad of unseen ways. What if...we elevate our leadership courage to broaden our view, overcome the barriers and fiercely navigate the unknown? What if...we invest in building the capacity and efficacy of our teams to be emboldened enough to extinguish anything that stands in the way of true inspiration? If you’re ready for the turnaround challenge to break some rules, loosen the controls, and embrace constant uncertainty, come learn alongside us! Walk away with breakthrough tips, power principles, and high-impact strategies that will yield promising results for leading fearlessly and creatively.

Speakers

Dr. Kathrine Morillo-Shone

Director, Pomona Unified School District

Dr. Kathrine Morillo-Shone is currently the Director of Equity and Professional Learning under the Educational Services Division in the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD). She has 24 years of educational experience as a residential counselor, teacher leader, and site and district... Read More →

Dr. Maria Martinez

Dean of Students, Palomares Academy of Health Sciences, Pomona Unified School District

Maria Martinez has served as the Dean of Students at Palomares Academy since 2016. She began her career in education with Pomona Unified School District 28 years ago as an elementary and middle school teacher, then a Resource Teacher, supporting students and teachers during a school's... Read More →

Lead Fearlessly Inspiring A Creative Culture ACSA Sisterhood Symposium pdf

Saturday September 25, 2021 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Salon 4

Breakout Session

10:10am PDT

Taking the Lead: Transforming Education with a Female Support Model

Our session will focus on the following outcomes:

Participants will be able to identify the impact of a positive female support model on women in leadership.
Participants will gain an understanding of the impact and implications of women in leadership as a result of historical and systematic marginalization in the workplace.
Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and practices that have advanced your leadership success and the impact this has had on workplace culture.
Participants will take the first steps to initiate their own #SisterCircle #BroCircle #EduSisterCircle #SisterSups.

Our Sister Circle is a group of female educational leaders that have come together to uplift, encourage, empower, and to amplify other female voices. Our goal is to be a support network not only for one another, but for women across this country. We are here not only to inspire other female leaders to keep moving up the educational ladder, but we are here to connect with other females so we, too, can be inspired to continue pushing forward.

Speakers

Lynmara Colon

Director of English Learner Services, Prince Williams County School District (VA)

Dr. Lynmara Colón brings the perspective of a teacher, assistant principal, and principal—positions she has held since joining education in 2003. As principal of an Elementary School in 2014, she served over 1,000 students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade and was able... Read More →

Zandra Jo Galvan

Superintendent, Greenfield Union Elementary

Zandra Jo Galvan serves as Superintendent of the Greenfield Union School District since August 2017 and has worked in public education since 1993. She is passionate about serving communities and breaking students free from the cycle of poverty. She is a design-thinker and successfully... Read More →

Pam Gildersleeve-Hernandez

Executive Director, CUE Inc.

Pam has served in the field of education as a teacher, administrator, and non-profit CEO. She is the founder of Heart Forward Leadership, an organization focused on bringing out the best in education professionals. Pam is passionate about supporting educators and organizations in... Read More →

Veronica Godinez

Principal, Colton Joint School District

Jessica Gomez

Principal, Colton Joint Unified School District

Jessica Gomez is currently the Proud Principal and Chief Storyteller of Alice Birney Elementary School in the Colton Joint Unified School District. She has 20 years of experience serving Title I communities, 11 of those as an elementary school principal. She is a wife and mother... Read More →

Maria Martinez-Poulin

Superintendent, Whittier School District

Dr. Maria Martinez-Poulin is the Deputy Superintendent of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the nation’s largest regional education agency, serving 80 school districts and approximately 2 million preschool and school-aged children. She has served in public education for... Read More →

Rosa Perez-Isiah

Director Elementary Instruction, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified

Dr. Rosa Isiah has served students in her community for 28 years. Currently, she serves as Director of Elementary, Equity, and Access in NLMUSD. Dr. Isiah is passionate about equity and social justice, multilingual Ed, leadership, and closing opportunity gaps for historically underserved... Read More →

Saturday September 25, 2021 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Lakeview Room

Breakout Session

11:20am PDT

Brand Revitalization: A Strategic Process to Change When Things Fall Apart

In our career, we face promotion and success; yet, we face challenges and setbacks along the way that causes us to question our advancement and resilience. In this session, you will hear about a journey of voluntarily and involuntarily transitions that did not always work out. This session touches on themes of success, setbacks, challenges, networking, resilience, and branding. Participants will walk with strategies related to self-care, sister circles of support, and brand revitalization.

Speakers

Dr. Marguerite Williams

Assistant Superintendent/CBO, Griffin Technology Academies

Dr. Marguerite Williams has spent over 23 years as an educational leader, in many roles, committed to ensuring that equity and access are afforded to all students. She most recently served Adelanto Elementary School District as an Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services, where... Read More →

Dr. Valencia Jones

Principal, Adelanto School District

Saturday September 25, 2021 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Salon 2

Breakout Session

11:20am PDT

Leading While Female (Repeat session)

Speakers

Dr. Trudy T. Arriaga

Author/Consultant/Associate Dean, Corwin Press/Cal Lutheran University

Dr. Delores B. Lindsey

Author/Consultant/Co-Founder, The Center for Culturally Proficient

Dr. Stacie L. Stanley

Author/Consultant/Associate Supt., Eden Prairie School District, Eden Prairie, MN

Leading While Female Sisterhood Leadership Symposium pdf

Saturday September 25, 2021 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Salon 4

Breakout Session

11:20am PDT

Use Your Leadership Behaviors to Empower Others

This workshop is for participants who want to grow their leadership skills to better serve students and staff. Leaders, working in districts large or small, must direct their attention toward building capacity for sustainable improvement through a culture of shared leadership and systemic collaboration. This session will use the research of Fullan & Kirtman (2019) that connects knowledge about individual leadership behaviors to organizational effectiveness. Participants will learn about the seven key competencies of highly effective leaders and the work place behaviors that amplify or diminish intended outcomes; understanding the competencies that push change and those that pull change. During the session, participants will assess themselves and have results that can guide their work for whole-system change. Additionally, participants will engage with a systems leader, a highly effective superintendent, and a high school principal about their application of personal work place behaviors to influence change and empower others.

Speakers

Dr. Nancy Padilla

Education Consultant, Performance Education Partnership

Dr. Nancy Padilla has been passionate about teaching and learning for almost four decades working collaboratively with hundreds of administrators and teachers, scores of TK-12 schools, and over a dozen school districts in and out of California. With a Doctorate in Urban Educational... Read More →

Dr. Mary McNeil

Superintendent, Needles Unified School District

Leadership Competencies Assessment pdf

Using Leadership Behaviors to Empower Others pdf

Saturday September 25, 2021 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Salon 3

Breakout Session

12:30pm PDT

Luncheon & Panel Presentation

Speakers

Dr. Michele Bowers

Superintendent, Lancaster School District

Dr. Michele Bowers has served as Superintendent for Lancaster School District for 7 years supporting a very diverse population of more than 15,000. She also enjoys working as an adjunct professor for CSUB Antelope Valley in the Educational Leadership Program. She received her Bachelor’s... Read More →

General Session

1:45pm PDT

World Café

Saturday September 25, 2021 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Lakeview Room

Networking