2026 ACSA Women in School Leadership Forum: Full Schedule

1:00pm PDT

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

We’re excited to offer an incredible opportunity to participate in personalized, one-on-one mock interviews designed to strengthen your interview skills and boost your confidence. Each session will last approximately 30 minutes and will be led by one of our two experienced interviewers, who will provide constructive feedback tailored to you.Keeping your interview skills sharp is key — you...
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Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
White Sands II [Upper Level]

Workshop

1:00pm PDT

Resume Review [Sign up for your time]

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

White Sands I [Upper Level]

Your resume is more than a list of experiences—it's your leadership story. Meet individually with an experienced Human Resources professional for a personalized 30-minute resume review designed to strengthen your resume and position you for future leadership opportunities.Receive tailored feedback on how to effectively highlight your accomplishments, leadership potential, and transferable skills...
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Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
White Sands I [Upper Level]

Workshop

1:00pm PDT

Registration & Information

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 5:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom Foyer

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom Foyer

Registration & Information

1:30pm PDT

Lift As We Lead: Women Mentoring Women with the Power of Allies

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Education leadership requires more than individual excellence; it demands collective strength and inclusive collaboration. This interactive session invites participants to rethink how leadership teams are built and sustained, emphasizing trust, shared vision, mentorship, and allyship. The session begins with an exploration of common challenges women face in leadership roles, including...
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Speakers

Dr. Andrea Norman

Superintendent, Carlsbad USD

Dr. Andrea Norman has dedicated more than 29 years to public education, serving in multiple leadership roles across five California school districts. She began her career in 1997 with Los Angeles Unified School District as an elementary teacher, teaching grades second through fifth... Read More →

Julie Vitalie

Superintendent, Oceanside USD

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Influence: Power Voice and Visibility

1:30pm PDT

When Things Go Sideways: Crisis Leadership in Special Education

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Complaints, investigations, and due process filings are an inevitable part of special education leadership, yet most leaders are not trained in how to respond effectively when situations escalate. This session provides a clear, practical roadmap for navigating high-stakes situations, including state complaints, OCR investigations, and due process. Presented through the combined perspective of a...
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Speakers

Dr. Jenny Pinedo

Director of Special Education, Yolo County Office of Education

Dr. Jenny Pinedo is the Director of Special Education at the Yolo County Office of Education, where she leads countywide programs and supports districts in building effective, student-centered systems. She has extensive experience navigating complex IEP processes, conflict resolution... Read More →

Cathy Holmes

Partner, AALRR

Cathy Holmes is a partner in the Student Services and Disabilities Practice Group of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud and Romo (AALRR). She was raised and mentored by public school educators but in a moment of young rebellion, decided to pursue law school instead of teaching. Unable... Read More →

Elizabeth Rho-Ng

Partner, AALRR

Elizabeth Rho-Ng has spent her professional career representing California public school districts, county offices of education, independent/private schools, community college districts, independent colleges/universities, and special education local plan areas (SELPA) in various scopes... Read More →

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT
Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Influence: Power Voice and Visibility, Unstoppable Impact: Breaking Barriers Building What's Next

1:30pm PDT

WORKSHOP - Vision to Impact: Building the Leadership Future You Imagine [Limited seating, sign ups required]

LIMITED

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT

Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Limited Capacity seats available

Women leaders continue to redefine organizations, challenge outdated systems, and create transformative pathways for future generations. Yet many continue to navigate barriers within traditionally male-dominated leadership spaces while balancing expectations connected to identity, representation, and organizational culture.This session is an interactive workshop designed to empower women leaders...
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Speakers

Kerrie Torres

Deputy Superintendent, Newport-Mesa USD

Dr. Kerrie Torres is a seasoned educational leader with over 28 years of experience serving diverse school communities across Southern California. She currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of Newport-Mesa Unified School District, where she leads with a strong commitment to student... Read More →

Leona Olson

Retired ; ACSA Director Personnel Academy - Costa Mesa; Consultant; Coach

Leona is an accomplished educational leader with years of dedicated service in the public school system. Before retiring, she served as the Assistant Superintendent, Chief Human Resources Officer for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. Throughout a distinguished career, Leona... Read More →

Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm PDT
Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Workshop

Level Intermediate
Topic Vision Board

3:00pm PDT

Resonant Resilience: Breath, Sound, and Sustainable Strategy for Leaders

Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Women in school leadership face a unique double burden of navigating systemic gender gaps while managing the high-stakes emotional labor of their communities. Resonant Resilience reframes wellness from a luxury to a strategic leadership imperative. This workshop moves beyond theoretical balance to provide practical, somatic tools for sustainable energy and mental clarity.Participants will engage...
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Speakers

Dr. Katarina Roy Schanz

Director, Wellness and Engagement, Riverside USD

As the Director of Wellness and Engagement for Riverside Unified School District, Dr. Katarina Roy Schanz champions the well-being of every student and employee. Her dedication is deeply rooted in her front-line experience in various classified support positions and as a school counselor... Read More →

Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Beginner
Topic Unstoppable Well-Being: Strength to Lead

3:00pm PDT

The Audacity to Lead Everywhere: Moving beyond traditional roles and preparing for leadership across the entire organization

Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

What happens when women stop staying in their assigned lanes and start leading everywhere?This interactive and inspiring session challenges women leaders to move beyond traditional career paths, seek experiences across the entire organization, and step confidently into spaces where women have historically been underrepresented, including business services, human resources, CTE, operations, and...
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Speakers

Dr. Maria Thompson

Director, Human Resources, Rowland USD

Maria Betancourt Thompson, Ed.D., is a distinguished expert in transformational leadership, instructional equity, and school culture. Her journey from homelessness and trauma due to domestic abuse and family mental illness has profoundly shaped her mission. Maria's "True North" is... Read More →

Miriam Kim

Director, Rowland Unified School District

Silvas Rivas

Coordinator of Special Projects, Rowland Unified School District

Silvia Rivas is the Federal Programs / Title I Director at Rowland USD.

Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

3:00pm PDT

WORKSHOP - Vision to Impact: Building the Leadership Future You Imagine [Limited seating, sign ups required] - repeat

LIMITED

Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT

Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Kerrie Torres

Deputy Superintendent, Newport-Mesa USD

Leona Olson

Retired ; ACSA Director Personnel Academy - Costa Mesa; Consultant; Coach

Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm PDT
Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Workshop

Level Intermediate
Topic Vision Board

4:30pm PDT

Welcoming General Session with Keynote Dr. Karla Estrada | Sponsored by STEAM On Demand

Wednesday September 23, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm PDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Karla Estrada

Former Deputy Superintendent of Instruction

Dr. Karla V. Estrada has dedicated over 25 years to advancing educational excellence and opportunities for students. A proud graduate of Los Angeles Unified School District, she recently served as its Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, leading a team that accomplished three consecutive... Read More →

Sponsors

STEAM On Demand

Wednesday September 23, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm PDT
Grand Ballroom

General Session

6:00pm PDT

Welcoming Networking Reception | Sponsored by Keenan

Wednesday September 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Grand Lawn

Sponsors

Keenan

Keenan is a leader in the California public school insurance marketplace — experts you can rely on when it comes to risk management, claims services and technology.

Wednesday September 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Grand Lawn

Meal Function

7:00am PDT

Continental Breakfast

Thursday September 24, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Grand Ballroom

Thursday September 24, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom

Meal Function

7:00am PDT

Registration & Information

Thursday September 24, 2026 7:00am - 4:00pm PDT

Grand Ballroom Foyer

Thursday September 24, 2026 7:00am - 4:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom Foyer

Registration & Information

8:00am PDT

General Session with Keynote Dr. Shree Walker | Sponsored by Elevo

Thursday September 24, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Dr. Shree Walker

Resilient Leader. Visionary. Educator. Transformational Voice

Dr. Shree Walker — Resilient Leader. Visionary. Educator. Transformational Voice. Raised in a
poverty- stricken, single-parent household as the eldest of six children, Dr. Shree Walker refused to
be confined by her circumstances. With no role models to look up to, she became her... Read More →

Sponsors

Elevo

Elevo provides a range of in-school and out-of-school programs and services designed to support the physical, mental, and academic well-being of students. For almost two decades we've partnered with districts across California to meet their programming and staffing needs. We impact more... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT
Grand Ballroom

General Session

9:15am PDT

Mock Interviews [Sign up for your time]

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:15am - 4:30pm PDT

White Sands II [Upper Level]

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:15am - 4:30pm PDT
White Sands II [Upper Level]

Workshop

9:15am PDT

Resume Reviews [Sign up for your time]

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:15am - 4:30pm PDT

White Sands I [Upper Level]

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:15am - 4:30pm PDT
White Sands I [Upper Level]

Workshop

9:30am PDT

Building the Relationships That Sustain Women Leaders

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Women leaders are often encouraged to be resilient, but resilience is not meant to be built in isolation. Educational leadership can be demanding, complex, and deeply personal work. This session creates space for honest reflection about the relationships that help women sustain their leadership over time and offers practical strategies for building stronger support systems that benefit both the...
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Speakers

Margie Cuizon Armelino

Deputy Executive Director, ACSA

Margarita Cuizon-Armelino is the Deputy Executive Director of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), where she leads strategic initiatives and supports over 18,000 school and district leaders across the state. Over her ACSA career, she helped build ACSA’s Member... Read More →

Dr. Renae Bryant

Assistant Superintendent, Gorman Learning Center

Dr. Renae Bryant serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Gorman Learning Charter Network working collaboratively with scholars, staff, families and communities to increase student access, opportunity, equity and success. With over twenty years in education... Read More →

Dr. Kimberly MacKinney

Executive Director, Secondary Schools, Fontana USD

Dr. MacKinney has been an educator since 1993, working her way up from instructional assistant to assistant superintendent. During her time as a high school social studies teacher, she developed California’s first high school level Women’s Studies course. She is a fierce advocate... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Influence: Power Voice and Visibility

9:30am PDT

Courageous Leadership: What They Don’t Teach You in Admin Programs

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

In today’s complex and fast-paced educational environment, leaders are expected to drive results, build culture, and navigate challenges; yet many are unprepared for the realities of leading through resistance, conflict, and change. This session explores what it truly means to lead with courage: confronting hard truths, engaging in difficult conversations, and making decisions that prioritize...
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Speakers

Adaina Brown

Asst Supt of Ed Svcs, Fullerton ESD

Dr. Adaina Brown is an accomplished district leader and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in Fullerton School District, where she leads systemwide efforts to improve student achievement, strengthen instructional coherence, and advance equity across 20 schools. Under... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Well-Being: Strength to Lead

9:30am PDT

Stronger Together: The Power of Superintendent–Board President Partnership

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Marlin II [Upper Level]

What happens when strong leadership, trust, and shared purpose align at the highest levels of a school system? This session highlights the partnership between a female Superintendent and an all-female Board of Education, anchored by a collaborative relationship with the Board President that is redefining governance and student-centered decision-making. From the Superintendent’s hiring, district...
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Speakers

Dr. Andrea Norman

Superintendent, Carlsbad USD

Michele Tsutagawa Ward

President, School Board of Trustees, Carlsbad USD

Michele Tsutagawa Ward was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2022. She earned her teaching credential from UC Davis in 1999 and began her career in the New Haven USD before joining the Carlsbad USD. During her years in Carlsbad, she was named Calavera Hills Elementary Teacher of... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
Marlin II [Upper Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Beginner
Topic Unstoppable Impact: Breaking Barriers Building What's Next

9:30am PDT

Unstoppable Women: Embracing Identity, Experiences, Strength, and Purpose

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Our identities and experiences shape how we lead, connect, and make an impact. Through guided reflection, interactive discussions, and practical activities, participants will explore how their personal and professional journeys have shaped their strengths, resilience, and leadership potential. Participants will leave with a deeper sense of purpose, increased confidence, and actionable strategies...
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Speakers

Eileen Chen

Superintendent, Robla ESD

Dr. Michelle Benjamin

Principal, Taylor Street Elementary School

Thursday September 24, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Workshop

11:00am PDT

AI as a Leadership Ally: Human-Centered Tools for Unstoppable Women Leaders

Thursday September 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT

Marlin II [Upper Level]

Artificial intelligence is reshaping education, but the most powerful AI strategies are not tech-first, they are human-first. In this hands-on workshop, women school leaders will explore how to leverage AI tools to amplify their impact, reclaim time, and lead with greater intentionality. Through guided activities and real-world scenarios, participants will leave with practical AI skills they can...
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Speakers

Mercedes Lovie, Ed.D.

Associate Superintendent, Oceanside USD

Mercedes Lovie, Ed.D. is the Associate Superintendent of Oceanside Unified School District, serving more than 15,500 students. A leader in instructional innovation, organizational improvement, and emerging technologies, Dr. Lovie directs Oceanside's Artificial Intelligence Strategy... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT
Marlin II [Upper Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Impact: Breaking Barriers Building What's Next

11:00am PDT

Champion Sponsor

Thursday September 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT

Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Thursday September 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT
Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

11:00am PDT

Leadership by Design: A Systems Approach to Developing Aspiring Leaders

Thursday September 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT

Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

School systems cannot rely on chance to develop their next generation of leaders. Yet many districts promote strong educators into leadership roles without intentional preparation, coaching, or system alignment. This session provides a practical, scalable framework for building the capacity of aspiring leaders through distributed leadership, structured mentorship, and aligned professional...
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Speakers

Paige Stills

Principal, Placentia Yorba Linda USD

Paige Stills serves as a middle school principal and former high school assistant principal. She leads systems that strengthen instruction, build leadership capacity, and support diverse learners. Her work emphasizes special education, inclusion, AVID, and PLC-driven MTSS frameworks... Read More →

Dr. Olivia Yaung

Assistant Superintendent, El Segundo USD

Dr. Olivia Yaung serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for El Segundo Unified School District, where she leads districtwide efforts to strengthen instructional systems, leadership capacity, and innovative learning opportunities for students. Throughout her... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT
Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Influence: Power Voice and Visibility, Unstoppable Future: Leading What’s Next

11:00am PDT

Unapologetic Leadership: The 10 Shifts Women Must Make to Lead with Authority

Thursday September 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

What if the way leaders show up each day directly shapes whether students, staff, and families feel valued, heard, and empowered within a school community? This interactive session explores how internalized leadership habits, particularly those shaped by gendered expectations, can unintentionally influence school culture and limit belonging. Participants will engage with 10 high-impact leadership...
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Speakers

Gina Lynch

Executive Director, Torrance Meridian Academy

Gina Lynch is the Executive Director of The Torrance Meridian Academy in Southern California and an innovative educational leader with over 30 years of combined experience in K-12 and adult education, including 16 years in the classroom and 15 years in administration. She is known... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Impact: Breaking Barriers Building What's Next

12:15pm PDT

Exemplary Women in Education Award Ceremony Luncheon | Sponsored by AlphaBEST Education

Thursday September 24, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm PDT

Grand Ballroom

Sponsors

AlphaBEST Education

Thursday September 24, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
Grand Ballroom

2:00pm PDT

Built to Belong: Collaborative Leadership for Educator Well-Being

Thursday September 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT

Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Schools are being asked to evolve at an unprecedented pace: strengthen instruction, respond to student mental health needs, increase engagement, redesign learning experiences, and prepare students for an uncertain future. Amidst this change, one essential question often goes unmeasured: How are the adults doing? Fifteen districts partnered to better understand educator well-being, leadership, and...
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Speakers

Rebeca Andrade

Superintendent, Salinas City Elementary School District

Dr. Rebeca Andrade has 27 years of public school experience, ranging from classroom teaching to central office administration. Her service also includes leading early education and expanded learning, two systems that provide a human developmental and social emotional focus in PreK8th... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT
Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Beginner
Topic Unstoppable Future: Leading What’s Next

2:00pm PDT

Leading From the Margins: Reflection, Storytelling & Strategy

Thursday September 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT

Marlin II [Upper Level]

Educational leadership spaces often privilege dominant narratives, leaving leaders from historically marginalized communities, particularly women, women of color, and Black women, navigating systems that were not designed with them in mind. This session centers the experience of leading from the margins and offers leaders both validation and practical tools to sustain themselves while continuing...
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Speakers

LaRonda Ortega, Ed D.

Director, Curriculum & Instruction, Buena Park School District

Dr. LaRonda L. Ortega is a scholar-practitioner, systems leader, and advocate for equity-centered leadership. With more than two decades of experience in public education, her work focuses on building coherent, human-centered systems that elevate teaching, honor identity, and expand... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT
Marlin II [Upper Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Beginner
Topic Unstoppable Well-Being: Strength to Lead, Unstoppable Influence: Power Voice and Visibility

2:00pm PDT

The Conversation We Avoid; Breaking The Cycle of Females Undermining Females

Thursday September 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

While organizational charts and systemic biases are frequently cited as the primary obstacles for women climbing the ranks in K-12 administration, an uncomfortable truth remains largely unaddressed: some of the most painful and persistent obstacles women encounter come from other women. Testimonials from across the educational landscape reveal that instead of experiencing mentorship, many emerging...
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Speakers

Julianna Stocking

Superintendent, Merced City USD

Julianna Stocking is committed to providing a positive and engaging, rigorous learning experience for all students throughout her educational career. Julianna has been an educator in California for 26 years, working in Merced and San Joaquin County serving diverse communities with... Read More →

Yolanda Valdez

Superintendent, Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District

Monica Luther

Principal, Yorba Middle School, Orange Unified School District

Latinx educator. Passionate advocate for adolescent literacy & YA book lover. Social Justice warrior. Believer in rigorous leaning for adults and students.

Tamera Ferrario

Executive Officer of Human Resources, Merced City ESD

Heidi Baker

Consultant, Erickson-Hall Construction

Thursday September 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate

2:00pm PDT

WORKSHOP - Build Your Own AI Assistant: Creating Gemini Gems for School Leadership

Thursday September 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT

Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Artificial intelligence can save time, improve communication, and support decision-making, but only when it is aligned to the needs, expectations, and policies of your organization. This hands-on workshop moves beyond theory and provides the opportunity to design and build a customized AI assistant using Gemini Gems. Participants will learn how to create Gems that reflect district frameworks,...
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Speakers

Sheryl Garman

Dir of InfoTech and Cybersecurity, Merced UHSD

Sheryl Garman serves as the Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity for Merced Union High School District, where she leads systemwide efforts to create secure, innovative, and future-ready learning environments. She guides district initiatives focused on artificial intelligence... Read More →

ACSA 2026 Build Your Own AI Assistant Google Gems (1) pdf

Thursday September 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm PDT
Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Workshop

Level Beginner
Topic AI

3:30pm PDT

Bottle Your Expertise: AI Agent Operating System for Reflective Practice

Thursday September 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Women in school leadership wear every hat: board liaison, instructional leader, HR, finance, crisis communicator, equity advocate, mentor, often inside the same hour. The standard AI pitch is one more tool. This session is the opposite. It shows how women leaders are bottling their expertise into an agent team that carries some of those hats with them, in their voice. This walkthrough opens the...
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Speakers

Megan Hsu

Special Education Administrator, Sunnyvale SD | Edumated

Megan Hsu is a school district administrator in the Bay Area and the founder of Edumated: Education Automated, which helps educators and leaders use AI and automation to change how schools run. She leads special education programs by day and builds the infrastructure she wishes existed... Read More →

Jennifer Taylor

Special Education Teacher, Sunnyvale School District

ESN Elementary Teacher at Sunnyvale School District

Thursday September 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Future: Leading What’s Next

3:30pm PDT

Leading While Female: Motivation, Belonging, and Resilience in Educational Leadership

Thursday September 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Marlin II [Upper Level]

Female leaders in education often navigate complex leadership spaces shaped by visibility, representation, resilience, and responsibility. While educational leadership can be deeply rewarding, it can also entail isolation, heightened scrutiny, and pressure to continually prove competence. This interactive session explores how motivation, identity, and sense of belonging influence the leadership...
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Speakers

Colette Boston

Principal, LAUSD

Dr. Colette Boston is a veteran educational leader with 30 years of experience serving in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), where she began her career in 1996. She currently serves as a school principal and is committed to fostering inclusive, equitable, and high-achieving... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT
Marlin II [Upper Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Beginner
Topic Unstoppable Impact: Breaking Barriers Building What's Next

3:30pm PDT

Self-Care to Manage Well-being and to Mitigate Job-Related Stress for Women in Leadership

Thursday September 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Women in educational leadership experience high levels of stress due to gender bias and demands of the job. In a 2026 Women Leading Ed survey, 92% noted stress as a significant problem and 80% conveyed their work-life balance as poor. The focus will be on positive ways to mitigate the effects of job-related stress–compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and time as a limited commodity–on one’s...
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Speakers

Dr. Jean Pennicooke

Administrator Development Coach and Education Consultant, # Not Applicable

Dr. Pennicooke is currently an Administrator Development Coach and an Education Consultant in Culturally Responsive Education and in Self-Care for Educators. She retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District as one of the first Administrative Coordinators of Instruction for... Read More →

Thursday September 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT
Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Beginner
Topic Unstoppable Well-Being: Strength to Lead

3:30pm PDT

WORKSHOP - NotebookLM: Turn Resources into Engaging Experiences

Thursday September 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT

Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Discover how Google's NotebookLM can turn your existing documents, presentations, websites, PDFs, and videos into engaging learning experiences. In this hands-on session, participants will learn how to organize resources, generate summaries and guides, create FAQs, develop interactive activities, and use AI-powered audio overviews (podcast-style) to support learning. Participants will leave with...
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Speakers

Sheryl Garman

Dir of InfoTech and Cybersecurity, Merced UHSD

ACSA 2026 Gemini Notebook Turn Resources into Engaging Experiences (1) pdf

Thursday September 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:45pm PDT
Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Workshop

Level Beginner
Topic AI

5:00pm PDT

United in Yellow. Unstoppable in Purpose Networking Reception | Sponsored by AALRR

Thursday September 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Olive Grove Lawn

In leadership, the color yellow represents positivity, inspiration, and visionary thinking. Often linked with a "sunshine" leadership style, yellow leaders are usually extroverted, enthusiastic, and focused on building relationships to motivate their teams toward a shared goal.

Show unity by wearing any shade of yellow.

Sponsors

AALRR

Thursday September 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Olive Grove Lawn

Meal Function

7:00am PDT

Networking Breakfast Buffet

Friday September 25, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Grand Ballroom

Friday September 25, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom

Meal Function

8:00am PDT

ACSA/Professional Learning

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT
Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

8:00am PDT

Partners in Practice: A Multi-tiered Mentoring Plan

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Marlin II [Upper Level]

Want to level the playing field and build a strong, internal leadership pipeline? This interactive workshop highlights the inspiration, planning, and implementation of Carlsbad USD’s "Partners in Practice," a multi-tiered mentoring program designed to build a robust, equity-centered leadership pipeline. This session breaks down how we structured three distinct pathways to support leaders at...
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Speakers

Kimberly Fuentes

Director of Elementary Education, Carlsbad USD

Kimberly Fuentes is the Director of Elementary Education for Carlsbad Unified School District and has served as an administrator for 11 years. Her experience includes roles as a teacher, instructional TOSA, middle school assistant principal, Title I elementary principal, and district... Read More →

Rose Flowers

Principal, Carlsbad USD

Rose Flowers is an innovative middle school principal and advocate for collaborative leadership, currently serving at the helm of Valley Middle School in Carlsbad. Throughout her career, Rose has been dedicated to cultivating an empowering culture where both instructional staff and... Read More →

Megan Arias

Asst Superintendent of Personnel Service, Carlsbad USD

Megan Arias is the Assistant Superintendent of Personnel for Carlsbad Unified School District and has served as an administrator for 21 years. Her experience spans elementary and secondary education, including roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Director of Secondary... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT
Marlin II [Upper Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Beginner
Topic Unstoppable Influence: Power Voice and Visibility

8:00am PDT

You're Asking the Wrong Questions: A live coaching practicum on the conversations that move people up, down and across your organization.

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Who This Is ForWomen in school leadership at every level – from Executive Assistants to Superintendents. If you have a boss, a peer, or a team… this session is for you.The ProblemMost leaders are consulting, advising, and directing their way through conversations they think are coaching. The result: closed thinking, missed insight, and influence left on the table.And here’s the part nobody...
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Speakers

Lauren Berlin

Coordinator, San Mateo County Office of Education

Joanne Michels

Associate Manager of Mental Health Programs, San Mateo Union High School District

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

8:00am PDT

Girl Boss Dinners: Building the Table Where Women Lead, Last, and Succeed

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT

Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

This hands‑on workshop teaches participants how to design, launch, and sustain a monthly Girl Boss Dinner—an inclusive, low‑cost peer networking dinner that cultivates mentorship, sponsorship, emotional support, leadership practice, and measurable career advancement for women in school leadership. Participants will leave with a ready-to-implement plan, tools, and practice in facilitation and...
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Speakers

Lisa Longoria, Ph.D.

Principal, Desert Sands USD

Dr. Lisa Longoria is a visionary educational leader and the Principal of Washington Charter Elementary School in the Desert Sands Unified School District. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a leading voice in fostering environments where both students and educators... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 9:15am PDT
Palm 2 [Lobby Level]

Workshop

Level Beginner
Topic Personal-Branding

8:00am PDT

Mock Interviews [Sign up for your time]

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:45am PDT

White Sands II [Upper Level]

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:45am PDT
White Sands II [Upper Level]

Workshop

8:00am PDT

Resume Review [Sign up for your time]

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:45am PDT

White Sands I [Upper Level]

Friday September 25, 2026 8:00am - 10:45am PDT
White Sands I [Upper Level]

Workshop

9:30am PDT

Designing From the Fringe

Friday September 25, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Traditional education and leadership were designed for the "average," but the future of education and leadership belongs to those who design for the outliers. In this session, three female leaders in Alternative Education pull back the curtain on how they’ve traded accidental schooling for Unconventional Intentionality. Learn how to move beyond survival mode and build student-driven systems that...
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Speakers

Cheyenne Mizenko

Principal, Shasta COE

I am a Principal of Student Programs at Shasta County Office of Education, specializing in special education and school leadership. With 13 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to supporting students who are outside of the educational box.

Currently, I lead a team at Excel Academy, a regional special education placement program, where we focus on supporting students with high needs and creating space for them to thrive. We are thrilled to share our insights on Designing From the Fringe at this year's Women in School... Read More →

Jill North

Principal - Student Programs, Shasta COE

Principal at Shasta County Tri Mountain Academy (County Juvenile Court School) and Shasta County Office of Education Student Programs.

Carrie Webb

Executive Director, Student Programs, Shasta COE

Friday September 25, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
Palm 1 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Impact: Breaking Barriers Building What's Next

9:30am PDT

From Grit to Greatness: Leading with Purpose, Power, and Impact

Friday September 25, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

In today’s complex and demanding school environment, women leaders are navigating increasing expectations while working to build strong instructional systems and ensure equitable outcomes for all students. This session reframes “grit” as more than perseverance, it becomes a strategic leadership approach grounded in purpose, intentional action, and system-wide impact.From Grit to Greatness...
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Speakers

Rebecca Donaldson

Principal, Modesto City Schools

Rebecca Donaldson is an elementary school principal with over 20 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with research focused on general education... Read More →

Friday September 25, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
Palm 3 [Lobby Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Intermediate
Topic Unstoppable Impact: Breaking Barriers Building What's Next

9:30am PDT

Say Yes When It’s Right, and No When It’s Wrong: Making Career Moves as a Female Leader

Friday September 25, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT

Marlin II [Upper Level]

Leadership is not about waiting to be invited—it is about recognizing your value, using your voice, and stepping confidently into spaces where your influence matters. In this engaging and interactive workshop, participants will identify their leadership strengths, practice articulating those strengths in interviews and professional conversations, and explore strategies for gaining access to...
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Speakers

Hillery Dixon

Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction, Lucia Mar USD

Hillery Dixon is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Lucia Mar Unified School District. With 25 years of dedicated service to the district, her experience spans multiple levels, from high school English teacher to elementary principal to Secondary Curriculum... Read More →

Jennifer Handy, Ed.D.

Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources, Lucia Mar USD

Jenn Handy is the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Lucia Mar Unified School District. With 24 years of dedicated service to public education, her experience spans multiple levels: high school English teacher, middle school counselor, TK-8 principal, and Curriculum... Read More →

ACSA Women in Leadership Dixon Handy pptx

Friday September 25, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am PDT
Marlin II [Upper Level]

Concurrent Session

Level Beginner
Topic Unstoppable Influence: Power Voice and Visibility

11:00am PDT

Closing General Session with Keynote Dr. Vajra Watson | Sponsored by PowerSchool

Friday September 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Dr. Vajra Watson

Sponsors

PowerSchool

Friday September 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom

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