Connected Communities at the Whole Girl Education National Conference
Student Leadership Network’s inaugural Whole Girl Education National Conference took place earlier this month, bringing together nearly 150 school leaders and educators of girls and gender-expansive youth from around the country to Barnard College. The three-day event featured interactive breakout sessions and keynotes from leading voices in education that explored the theme of “Connected Communities.” As an attendee put it, “The speakers absolutely blew me away, and [I] felt so seen in the topics and work being done…[I left with] an action plan and steps to bring back to my team, and how to hit the ground running for the change that we need.”
The conference kicked off with Yolonda Marshall, SL Network’s CEO, welcoming everyone and sharing why she’s dedicated the last two decades to educational equity. Despite starting her career in business following her graduation from an HBCU, she realized that the most meaningful way to make an impact on her community was to focus on her passion – education. Dr. Monique Couvson, award-winning author and social justice scholar, closed out the first day asking everyone to consider their own spheres of influence and lead with love. She invited attendees to “See black girls and other girls of color as sacred and loved…build and refine systems that operationalize that love.”
The second day was action-packed with two keynotes and three breakout sessions. New York City Public Schools Chancellor David C. Banks set the tone during his morning welcome remarks, urging attendees to “lead like we are running out of time.” Next on the main stage, Melissa Kilby, CEO of Girl Up and a global thought leader on girls’ leadership, and Riya Goel, author of The Gen Z Book, discussed how we strengthen resilience and agency in students by helping them to think and act globally. An impressively accomplished young changemaker herself, Riya advised, “Find the people that make your community stronger and invest in them; invest in young people that want to bring change.” As the last plenary of the day, three-time New York Times best-selling author Rachel Simmons, and Laura Rebell Gross, SL Network’s Senior Managing Director of Girls’ Education, had a meaningful conversation about the importance of creating physiological safety by being real and making girls comfortable with interpersonal risks and asking for help. Rachel Simmons reminded attendees that “self-care is not a reward for your work, [but] should be a part of your work” – wisdom not only to be imparted to the young adults we support but also a gentle reminder to the educators in the room that often give their all to their work.
On the last day, attendees were in for a spirited and stimulating keynote by award-winning author and professor Dr. Bettina L. Love. In a moment met by rousing applause, the abolitionist and freedom dreamer invoked Ruby Bridges and Sylvia Mendez, who “with the weight of democracy on their shoulders, sacrificed their childhoods” for civil rights, yet we are still dealing with inequity in public education across the country nearly 80 years later. She urged everyone in the room to step out of their comfort zones to continue seeking justice in our education systems so public schools in all neighborhoods can be “good schools,” zip codes and income levels notwithstanding. The day wrapped up with the fourth and final breakout session. Throughout the course of the conference, these interactive workshops – led by conference attendees – covered a wide range of topics, including staff onboarding and retention, the importance of rituals, data-driven strategies for building connections, leadership skills through improv, and more!
SL Network’s first national conference was a resounding success, with attendees leaving “re-inspired [and] committed to this work for girls.” We are grateful to our sponsors EPAM, Nike, the Young Woman’s Preparatory Network, and Riley’s Way, whose support and partnership made this engaging event possible. Gold sponsor EPAM was inspired by the commitment of educators and community leaders to bridge the digital divide and promote opportunities for girls. Investing in initiatives promoting education and supporting community partnerships is essential in creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
