From keynote speakers to breakout sessions and networking opportunities, this year’s conference schedule is packed with meaningful learning and connection. Explore the full agenda below and start planning your NYSAWA conference experience.
Tuesday, July 7
Pre-Conference Sessions (12-3 p.m.)
Note: Pre-conference attendees will choose one of two sessions to attend at each time slot.
12:00 p.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. The Year Everything Fell Apart and I Became a Leader Anyway, Kendra McQuilton, CEO of Energia
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. The Courage to Choose: Leading Under Pressure Through a Future-Ready Instructional Leadership Lens, Dr. Donna Vallese, Inspiring Leaders, LLC
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Still Proving Ourselves: Women, Leadership and Secondary Schools, Dr. Mariya Pushkanster, Director of Middle Level Education and Adjunct Professor
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Real Talk from the Hiring Table: Advice for Women Seeking Leadership Roles, Tracy Taylor, Elementary Principal, Blind Brook-Rye UFSD
Registration Opens (3:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
Welcome Reception (4:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 8
8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Welcome, Opening Remarks, Recognition
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. AM Keynote Speakers: Julia Rafal-Baer and Emily Hartnett, Women Leading Ed
10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions
- Women Leading Ed: Next Steps for Leaders in the Field – Ashley Gardiner Gilson, ILO Group, Kathleen Skeals, North Colonie Central School District, Nerlande Anselme, Rome City School District
- Carve Your Path with Courage: Creating Leadership Roles Beyond Traditional Titles – Jacqueline Fama, Dutchess BOCES
- Leading and Lifting in the Multigenerational School Workforce: How Women Leaders Can Build Trust, Mentorship, and Aligned Purpose Across the Five Generations Working in Schools – Amy M. Prasky, Ed.D., Coherent Pathways Learning and Leadership Partners, LLC and Minisink Valley Central School District
- Belonging by Design: Stronger Teams, Better Results – Jennifer Case and Kelly Masline, Capital Region BOCES
- Combating the Leadership Energy Crisis: How Women Leaders Can Sustain Their Impact Without Sacrificing Their Lives – Gretchen Rodney, Ed. D., Huntington UFSD
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch & Book Signing with Jen Marr
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. PM Keynote Speaker: Jen Marr, founder and CEO of Showing Up LLC
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Featured Speaker: Kendra McQuilton, CEO of Energia
2:45 p.m. Closing Remarks