Impactful stories and strategies for success
The 2025 Phenomenal Women event celebrated female leadership and offered valuable insights and support for women shaping the future of education. This annual virtual gathering, hosted by the New York State Association for Women in Administration (NYSAWA), showcased several speakers who shared personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and paths to success.
This year, NYSAWA recognized three remarkable women making a significant impact: Dr. Roshone Ault Lee, Founder and Principal of the South Bronx Academy for Applied Media; South Glens Falls Superintendent Kristine Orr; and Dr. Laura Feijoo, CEO of Intentional Education Leadership.
Bryna Moritz, chair of the statewide organization and a Phenomenal Women recipient in 2024, expressed gratitude to the speakers, NYSAWA board members, and the more than 100 attendees. “I encourage you to take this time to grow your network, listen, and let the stories of other female leaders fill your soul and fill your desire to continue setting the world on fire with this work,” she said.
The keynote was Gretchen Steffan, the Executive Director at Saratoga-Warren-Washington Workforce Development Board. She emphasized the importance of purpose, positivity, and perseverance in leadership. “Becoming an exceptional listener is a superpower because you gain clues about someone’s needs and motivations by listening. And once you gather the clues, you have tools in your arsenal to facilitate positivity,” she said. Steffan shared her experiences in human resource management and workforce development, highlighting the significance of having a personal mission statement and the impact of assertive communication. “When I’ve gotten feedback, I see that person as somebody who cares enough about me to give me feedback. And that feedback can be used two ways,” she said. Steffan has employed the “catch me doing something right” approach for several years and playfully remarked that it has proven effective in encouraging her husband to empty the dishwasher.
Honoree Dr. Roshone Ault Lee founded the South Bronx Academy for Applied Media, a middle school that serves students in grades six through eight. She discussed her work empowering urban youth and the importance of mentorship and leadership programs. “I am honored to collaborate with the office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, to scale My Sister’s Keeper across the Bronx, ensuring that young women have the opportunities and support they need to thrive,” she said. Dr. Lee shared her life story and the influence of her grandmother and mother on her values of perseverance, faith, and service, saying, “This work is in my DNA. It is who I am. As I continue this journey, I hold on to the truth that to whom much is given much is required.” She also introduced the PRICE framework (Purpose, Relevance, Impact, Conditions, and Evidence) as a tool for implementing initiatives and achieving success.
Honoree Kristine Orr has served in education for 30 years and is the superintendent of South Glens Falls. She shared her path to the superintendency and the lessons she learned. “Leadership is a practice,” she said while emphasizing women’s impact in supporting each other in high-level positions. “Go for the job even if you do not have all the qualifications,” she encouraged. In her presentation, Orr honored those phenomenal women who paved her way by teaching her to believe in herself and focus on what we can control. “We spend too much time living in the what ifs, and we really need to stop that,” she said. She also stressed the importance of family, work-life balance, authenticity, having fun at work, and knowing your people.
Honoree Dr. Laura Feijoo, CEO of Intentional Education Leadership, addressed the importance of purpose and vision in effective leadership. She focused on the necessity for authenticity, collaboration, and coaching in personal and professional growth. Dr. Feijoo underscored the significance of reflection and the impact of intentional leadership on achieving goals. “I have visited several schools recently where people are so busy that they forget to take a moment to consider the work they’re doing and identify the key factors that can help them achieve their most important goals,” she said. Dr. Feijoo advised that reflecting on your experiences and nurturing your inner growth as a leader in any role can be beneficial, it’s helpful to observe others to discover what resonates, without falling into the trap of comparison.
The event concluded with breakout sessions where participants shared their reactions to the speakers and discussed their experiences. In addition, the event included announcements about upcoming opportunities and initiatives. NYSAWA is offering two scholarships for educators pursuing advanced degrees in educational leadership. Click here for more information.
The organization also announced its summer conference, scheduled for July 8 and 9 in Saratoga Springs, and encouraged attendees to join NYSAWA as members to benefit from networking and professional development opportunities.