As we prepare to begin another school year, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and say how honored I am to serve as the new NYSAWA Chair.
I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization with such a strong history of supporting and connecting women in educational leadership across New York state. That gratitude was especially evident as we gathered in Ithaca this summer for our annual conference, where we had the opportunity to learn from one another, share experiences and celebrate the work we do as leaders.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. There is something powerful about stepping away from the day-to-day, being in a room with women who understand the work and having the chance to learn not only from our speakers, but from each other.
Our conference theme, Lead Forward, Lift Others, offered a fitting reminder of the kind of leadership that matters. As we begin another school year, I hope we carry some of that spirit with us, not only in how we lead our schools and districts, but in how we support the women around us.
The work of educational leadership is demanding. Our schools and communities are navigating complex challenges, expectations continue to evolve and the decisions we make have a meaningful impact on students, staff and families.
In a landscape like this, strong leadership matters. But so does having a strong community of leaders around you.
That is why NYSAWA matters.
For years, NYSAWA has created a space for women educational leaders to connect, learn, grow and support one another. It gives us an opportunity to share the lessons we’ve learned, hear different perspectives, celebrate each other’s successes and have honest conversations about the challenges we face.
And perhaps now more than ever, we need those connections.
As you begin this school year, I hope you will stay connected to NYSAWA and to one another. Reach out to a colleague. Share an idea. Attend an affiliate event or two. Celebrate another woman’s success. Ask for advice when you need it — and offer it when you can. There is tremendous strength in a community of women who are willing to lift one another up.
I am excited for the year ahead and grateful to be taking this journey with all of you. Thank you for your membership, your leadership and your commitment to the students, staff and communities you serve.
On behalf of our board, I wish you a successful, fulfilling and energizing school year. I hope the months ahead bring new opportunities, meaningful accomplishments and plenty of moments that remind you why you chose this work in the first place.
Lauren J Gemmill
NYSAWA Chair