Sessions
On-site registration begins Wednesday, March 22 at 2:00 PM and Convening concludes on Friday, March 24 at 1:00 PM
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Closing the Investment Gap: Why Proven Leaders of Color Are Continually Underinvested In & How We Change That
Many philanthropists and foundations tout their investments in leaders of color as evidence of their commitment to racial equity and the belief that leaders of color are uniquely positioned to solve our country’s most intractable racial justice and economic mobility problems. Yet research compiled by New Profit and Next Street shows that while Black, Indigenous, and Latinx leaders are 30% of the population, we hold only 10% of nonprofit executive leadership roles and only 6% of foundation executive leadership roles. At the same time, organizations we lead only receive an estimated 4% of total philanthropic investments, most of which is “small-dollar, short-term, and restricted,” hindering our ability to innovate, take risks, and scale. Join us as we explore the persistent challenges in channeling philanthropic support to leaders of color. We’ll discuss what is possible when we invest in leaders who are from and proximate to the communities they serve and the systems-level change we must work toward in order for leaders of color to lead the way in improving academic and life outcomes in our communities.
Thursday, March 23, 2023
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Culture Wars in the Classroom: Curriculum and Book Bans and the Fight to Save Our Multi-Racial Democracy
Over the last few years, the manufactured “anti-CRT” movement has gained support ideologically and politically. We’ve witnessed an uptick in actions by state, local, and district leaders who believe an anti-racist approach to teaching our communities’ histories somehow undermines our country and its values. As leaders who believe in the importance of embracing the fullness of our histories, honoring our ancestors’ struggles, and the promise of a more inclusive future, we must act. This panel of systems leaders, practitioners, and thought leaders will help us contextualize this moment in time and challenge our thinking as we navigate how to respond to these attacks. Join us as we discuss how we can reclaim the narrative around inclusion and what we can do today in service of leaders working to ensure every child receives an education that prepares them to thrive in a multi-racial democracy.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Do the Math: Recovering Learning and Making Gains in Mathematics Education
In nearly every state, fourth graders and eighth graders who took the NAEP exam lost ground in math for the first time since the 1990’s. This was especially true for students of color. In the face of three years of disrupted learning, this session will feature a presentation of a national study that offers promising evidence that when students are kept on grade-level math, they learn more and struggle less. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion on how to ensure students of color have opportunities to catch up and move forward in their math learning.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Hope in Arizona: The Fight for In-State Tuition for Dreamers
Arizona is known for spreading anti-immigrant sentiment nationwide, especially considering its notorious SB 1070 “show me your papers law,” which terrorized an entire community. Today, Arizona Dreamers and their allies are changing the narrative. This November, Prop 308 was approved by voters, allowing Arizona Dreamers to pay in-state tuition after a 16-year ban. Come learn how youth and impacted people organized, activated, and leveraged their collective power to achieve this milestone.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Elevating the Genius of Indigenous Communities
So much is possible when education reflects the needs of our communities. The NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN) is transforming education systems for Indigenous youth by supporting Indigenous leadership and the creation of community-based schools and advocating to maintain these changes over the long-term.
Past systems ignored Indigenous Genius and avoided creative application and holistic understanding. Today, we are working together, uniting as Indigenous communities across the nation to reclaim the courage, tenacity, and methods of strategy of our ancestors. Come learn how NISN is unapologetically reframing and uplifting the work of Indigenous Education and the impact their network of schools is having on the lives of Indigenous youth and their communities.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Advocating for Whole Child Wellness: Addressing Equity Gaps through Policy and Programmatic Lenses
Millions of children, especially children living in low-income households, face systemic barriers to food access. Hear from panelists working in the anti-hunger space who will take a deep dive into the policies that are serving chronically disenfranchised communities of color, from WIC /SNAP enrollment to immigrant benefit access, to community schools.
1:30 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Despite the Headlines, There’s Still Demand for Culturally Responsive Content
While there are a growing number of states and districts policing and restricting curriculum that amplifies the voices and histories of people color, there is significant demand from educators, parents, and students for diverse and culturally relevant content. Despite the fear-factor created by the politicization of history, social entrepreneurs remain committed to helping teachers develop the capacity to deliver culturally responsive and sustaining social studies curriculum. The Social Studies Accelerator was designed to break down silos across the social studies ecosystem in order to further advance culturally responsive professional development, curriculum, and assessments. Come hear from social entrepreneurs who are changing the social studies and humanities market in order to advance equity.
2:40 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.
The Nation’s Report Card: Updates to the NAEP Science Assessment Framework
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Frameworks are developed through a comprehensive, inclusive, and deliberative process. Currently, the NAEP Science Assessment Framework is being updated for 2028 . Join representatives from the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), the NAEP Science Development Panel, and the WestEd Science Content Team for an overview of NAEP and the framework update process. Hear the current recommendations for the NAEP Science Assessment Framework, ask questions, and learn more about the public comment period this spring.
2:40 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.
Leveraging Advocacy and Policy Efforts to Tell Our History
As advocates and organizers are championing policies that will require school systems to teach African American, Asian American, Indigenous, and Latinx history, join us for a conversation about the successes and challenges in centering the voices of PoC and their history in public schools.
2:40 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.
Community-Driven School Design and Oversight
Untapped human resources in communities of color have the power to dramatically improve educational transformation efforts – if they are identified, nurtured, and provided opportunities to authentically lead. However, there is a real risk that educational change efforts will be done to, rather than with, communities of color. We must systemically re-think how communities lead in school design and oversight. Using a moderated discussion format, we will discuss efforts to develop and oversee community-driven school design and explore concrete examples of successes and failings. Participants can expect to leave with bold ideas for how educational transformation can occur with communities and connect with aligned peers to enact change in their locales.
2:40 p.m. – 4:10 p.m.
Uplifting Early Childhood Educators through Policy, Practice, and Actionable Solutions
High-quality early care and education (ECE) is critically important the to the U.S. economy and the overall well-being of children, youth, families, and communities. Yet, a review of history and public policy quickly demonstrates how systemic racism within the U.S. has negatively impacted ECE policy and the ECE workforce, many of whom are women of color. Research consistently shows that ECE professionals are underpaid and have less access to employee benefits that others with comparable education and skills. This session will explore existing policy, program solutions, and offer considerations for centering racial equity in conversations about ECE compensation, preparation, and supporting economic stability for the ECE workforce and the families they serve.
7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Making 38 At The Garden: Disrupting Stereotypes About Asian Americans
More than a sports documentary, 38 AT THE GARDEN is an exploration of the power of seeing ourselves succeed in arenas where we are not expected to thrive. While centered on the 2012 NBA success of Asian American NBA player Jeremy Lin, it is an opportunity for us all to experience the power of betting on ourselves, silencing the haters, waving off the doubters, and taking the shot. Director Frank Chi and Oscar & Emmy Award winning writer & producer, Travon Free, join us for a conversation on the inspiration behind the film, the importance of telling our own stories, and the power of seeing ourselves in each other’s successes and struggles.
Friday, March 24, 2023
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Networking to Propel Your Career
Merit is not enough to propel your career. Who you know and how you leverage the people in your career matters, too. Learn from networking and talent experts on how to get the most out of networking activities. Participants will walk away with a concrete checklist of must-dos at conferences, networking meetings, and other activities. In addition, we will reveal a framework for building your personal circle of champions and how to effectively leverage those connections over time.
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Love Notes from the Future: Connecting Lineage and Legacy
Legacy is the feeling, impact, and energy you will leave for the generations to come. It is the compilation of millions of small acts over the course of a lifetime. Are you living a legacy-aligned life that reflects the gifts of your lineage?
During this session, we will go on a legacy journey together. On our collective journey, we’ll breathe, write, create, and discover the gifts of our lineages as we look to build our legacy. Each of us will walk away with a draft of our personal legacy statement, a deeper connection with new and old friends, and a sense of clarity as we move forward with our lives and organizations.
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Blueprint for Leadership Sustainability: Aligning Your Values, Career & Well-being
Navigating complex – and often inequitable systems – without prioritizing strategies for leader sustainability can limit the impact of talented individuals and lead to burnout. In this session, we will explore how aligning our professional lives with our personal values can lead to greater fulfillment and longevity in our leadership roles. Using the eight dimensions of wellness as a guide, we will support each other in creating our own plans for renewal and sustainability.
11:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Looking Forward: How We Will Revive Solidarity and Generate Prosperity for All
In the face of a pandemic, social and political division, and increased economic inequalities, how can leaders uphold the value, strength, and power of the collective good? Through Solidarity Economics: Why Mutuality and Movements Matter, Dr. Pastor invites us to imagine and create a new sort of transformative solidarity – building on our instincts for connection and community – and, in so doing, actually forge a more robust, sustainable, and equitable economy. In our closing session, Dr. Pastor will outline for us the theoretical framing, policy agenda, and social movements we need to challenge structural racism, revive a sense of solidarity, and generate prosperity for all.