2024 Women In Leadership – Concurrent Learning Descriptions

Menopause is a significant life transition that affects women in every aspect of their lives, including their professional lives. However, discussions surrounding menopause in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles, are often overlooked or stigmatized. Through an exploration of the physical, emotional, and cognitive changes associated with menopause, as well as the societal and organizational factors at play, attendees will gain insights into how to support themselves and their colleagues during this transitional period. Learn practical tips for managing symptoms, maintaining productivity, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures while sharing a few life stories and providing an opportunity for questions and answers.

Room: Front

Women comprise 76% of our teacher workforce, yet they represent less than 30% of district superintendents. There is a stark and growing gender disparity at the top of our nation’s public school systems. Investments in building a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion matter. Organizations that want to recruit, support, retain, and promote high-potential women need to start by looking at the larger systems in which they operate. A focus on organizational culture, combined with targeted leadership training programs for women, can make a dramatic difference. Participants will explore affinity group structures and gain resources to support the development and support of female leaders.

Room: State

The concepts of “courage over comfort” and “getting back up when plans fail” are powerful, but how do we effectively embody these ideals as women leaders? How can we hit the pause button to overcome our personal barriers to success? Many of us are familiar with the feeling of working late into the night to keep up, but perhaps the key lies in slowing down, taking a moment to pause, and drawing strength from the support systems around us. Join us as we explore strategies for embracing courage and resilience in our leadership journeys.

Room: Park

In a world where women’s voices and leadership are more crucial than ever, it is essential to create spaces that empower, equip, and encourage women to step into their full potential. Our district’s focus, specifically on Women in Leadership, aims to do just that by providing a space for connection, learning, reflection, and inspiration. Using the four keys to successful women leaders framework developed by The Center for Creative Leadership: Agency, Authenticity, Connection & Wholeness, Women leaders from across the district have been encouraged to leverage their leadership gifts to effect positive change in their communities and lead professional learning relevant to women in leadership roles across the district.

Room: Boardman

Discover how intentional effort in developing compassion, empathy, and emotional intelligence can have a profound impact on enhancing team cohesion, boosting productivity, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding. Participants will learn practical implementation strategies that can be easily integrated into their current leadership approach.

Room: Torch

Participants will hear about first-hand experiences from the humble perspective of a man, dad, husband, and school leader who is passionate about women’s leadership in raising up women leaders. In addition to hopes for my own two daughters and how I have tried to help them find success as women leaders, we’ll also explore how relationships among the education, nonprofit, government, business, and other community sectors can make strong communities for all where women are strong leaders.

Room: Leelanau

Have some fun with two outstanding, hilarious, insightful Traverse City area leaders whose strong friendship has shaped their educational leadership in this local region for over 20 years. Stephanie and Jessie will share meaningful professional moments that have developed their leadership skills, led to their growth as leaders, and solidified their friendship. These stories will travel the emotional gambit, challenge your thinking, and help you embrace your own unique leadership style. They will also make you shake your head at the crazy situations we handle as educational leaders.

Room: Front

A strong sense of purpose is the starting point for all personal satisfaction, relevance, and joy. These qualities are native to the human soul. Do you remember when your work in public education gave you that sense that your life and work really mattered? There must be more to life than just keeping business and dodging the hand grenades that are daily being tossed under your office door. Understanding and pursuing your purpose will sustain you in through those dark days. Sara has experienced her share of “dark days.” In this session she will share honestly and candidly how her 10-year fight with cancer, as well as other challenges that have led her to own her sense of purpose that has sustained her in the work she has claimed for her life.

Room: State

It is natural to focus on the needs of those around us, especially when working with young people. It is not easy to attend to our own needs, they often get neglected or ignored. Join in the discussion of simple, easy to embed, self-care strategies to reprioritize your wellness. You will have an opportunity to identify and try practices that are a good fit for you. This engaging, interactive session will include a variety of practical strategies for implementing your own well-being and self-care, even amidst chaos.

Room: Park

Participants will learn about one female leader’s journey from High School Secretary to Superintendent and surprisingly, who supported her and didn’t support her along the way. She will share tips on how she learned to identify and calm her own internal storms, which had a significant impact on how others viewed her as a leader. She will also expand on her belief that “Balancing your Bitch” is critical to becoming a well-respected, trusted and successful leader.

Room: Boardman

Imagine a world where women stand for each other, not just in words, but in actions. This session delves into what “I’ll Stand For You” truly means, exploring how our self-talk shapes not just our own lives but also how we connect with others. Through interactive exercises and insightful discussions, we’ll move beyond surface-level networking, weaving a powerful “quiltwork” of support and collaboration exploring how to uncover the power of self-talk; empathize with purpose; build bridges, not walls; and disagree better.

Room: Torch

No great achievements happen by accident! In a world of always on, always connected lives, it’s important to pause and prioritize in order to juggle the ever more intense leadership environments we serve. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect upon their own intentions and learn ways to maximize their impact on the people around them. This session will share resources from several influential leaders and guide participants to think of ways to evolve their leadership skills. Learn tools to strengthen your skillset, enjoy your leadership life more, and lead more boldly!

Room: Leelanau