The sessions were impactful. The speakers were thought-provoking. The ideas were practical.
But when attendees reflected on the 2026 NYSAWA Conference, one word surfaced again and again: connection.
Over two days in Ithaca, women educational leaders from across New York came together to learn, share experiences and invest in their own leadership. While the conference featured nationally recognized speakers and engaging breakout sessions, attendees consistently pointed to the conversations between sessions, the networking reception and the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues as the most valuable part of the experience.
Many participants shared that they left with new professional connections, fresh perspectives and a renewed appreciation for having a statewide network of women leaders who understand the challenges—and opportunities—of educational leadership.
That sense of community was strengthened by sessions that gave attendees both inspiration and practical takeaways.
The opening keynote from Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer and Emily Hartnett of Women Leading Ed resonated with many participants, who appreciated its research-driven look at the current state of educational leadership in New York. Rather than simply presenting data, the session prompted meaningful conversations about what those trends mean for schools, districts and the future of leadership across the state.
Throughout the conference, breakout sessions built on those conversations, offering practical strategies, new ways of thinking and opportunities for reflection. Whether exploring instructional leadership, communication across generations or other timely topics, attendees valued sessions that challenged their thinking while providing ideas they could immediately apply in their own work.
The feedback also highlighted something NYSAWA has long believed: professional growth doesn’t happen only at the podium. It happens in the conversations over coffee, the introductions that become lasting professional relationships and the moments when leaders realize they aren’t navigating complex challenges alone.
That’s what Lead Forward, Lift Others! was designed to create: a space where women educational leaders could learn from experts, learn from one another and leave feeling better equipped to support their schools, districts and communities.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Ithaca for another inspiring conference. The conversations started here will continue throughout the year, and we look forward to building on that momentum together.