Lessons in Leadership, the 2024 NYSAWA state conference in Poughkeepsie, was an inspiring event to spark positive change in the education sector. The NYSAWA State Board offered an incredible platform for women in education across New York to come together and engage in meaningful discussions. They openly shared their achievements and challenges, crafted strategic visions, and ignited a collaborative spirit.
The NYSAWA organization is a true testament to women’s unwavering dedication and strength of character. Their mission to support each other, break barriers, and promote inclusivity is truly commendable. Bryna Moritz, NYSAWA State Board Chair, expressed her admiration for the independent and driven women who attended.
“I was impressed to speak with women who came to the conference by themselves, eager to build support networks, hungry to connect with others. It was a pleasure and a comfort to be in the room with so many strong leaders,” she said.
Unveiling strategies for success, unity, and progress in educational leadership
The conference featured ten engaging breakout sessions and welcomed two exceptional keynote speakers, adding depth to the collective experience of empowerment and growth.
One of the keynote speakers, leadership coach Chi Kim, vividly recounted the profound joys and challenging experiences as a school superintendent, principal, and classroom teacher, emphasizing the importance of self-care for women in leadership roles. “When you are an administrator; when you are sitting in this seat, you are taking in everybody else’s stuff. What we rarely do is figure out ways to get rid of that stuff. And one of the things I know about women is we are resilient. We can really power through a lot, but is powering through good for you physically,” she asked. Ms. Kim is the CEO of the private operating foundation Pure Edge, Inc. and an adjunct professor at UVA. She is the cofounder of the Teaching Gardens program which supports heart health through school gardens. The American Heart Association adopted the program and has offered grants for hundreds of schools to cultivate gardens. “I want to remind you that our head and heart are always connected. They are never disconnected,” she said. “Please know this, you are so important to a lot of people. Just taking care of yourself has a big impact on those around you.”
Michelle Ahouse, the closing keynote speaker and Director of Strategic Partnerships for EF Educational Tours, conveyed a message about recognizing and utilizing individual strengths to achieve personal and professional success. “When we are working in our strengths zone and able to be focused on using our strengths, we are three times as likely to have an excellent quality of life,” she said. “We are six times as likely to be engaged in our jobs.” A bonus for the people attending this conference was taking the CliftonStrengths assessment in advance, and getting the results explained to them by Ms. Ahouse, a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths coach. Participants delved into their unique descriptions and discussed how identifying the different strengths of others is key to developing highly effective cross-functional teams.
Aurelia Henriquez, NYSAWA State Board Treasurer, closed the conference with a reminder about the importance of the NYSAWA network. “Throughout the day I kept thinking of the quote, ‘Surround yourself with women who would mention your name in a room full of opportunities.’ And then I thought this is that room and we are the women.”
