Leadership EDIT 2025

Knowing about inequities and trauma-informed practices is one thing—having the courage to act is another. In urban schools, where the stakes are high and the pushback is real, it’s easy to stay in the “awareness” stage. But real change happens when we move past knowing and step into action - we have to be the shift.

This interactive session is designed to help leaders shift their mindset, build confidence, and practice boldly. Through scenario-based practice, collaborative discussions, and problem-solving, participants will explore strategies to create and sustain equity-driven, healing-centered school cultures—even when it's tough. Pulling from trauma-informed leadership, equity-driven education, and transformative school culture, this session will provide tangible tools to move from awareness to action.

Expect real talk, hands-on engagement, and a space to think, process, and practice. Because leadership isn’t just about what you know—it’s about what you do. Be the shift.

Participants will:

- Engage in scenario-based practice to navigate real leadership challenges.
- Explore strategies to lead equity work with courage and purpose.
- Reflect on their role in shifting school culture and taking meaningful action.

In this session, attendees will learn how a school effectively uses a neuro-informed, restorative approach to meet the diverse needs of both students and staff. Through the story of one student's success, we will highlight the power of a collaborative, team-based model that draws on individual strengths and promotes a holistic approach to problem-solving. Participants will explore how staff members worked together to identify and implement tailored, strength-based interventions that addressed the unique needs of the student. By the end of the session, attendees will gain practical strategies, actionable resources, and insights on how to apply similar collaborative approaches to their own school settings.

In this engaging presentation, attendees will explore how school administrators and counselors can collaborate to foster a fun, positive, and inclusive school culture. Learning objectives include identifying strategies for building strong partnerships between admin and counselors, understanding the impact of a vibrant school environment on student well-being, and discovering creative ways to enhance school morale. Through interactive discussions, real-life examples, and group brainstorming sessions, participants will actively contribute their ideas and experiences. The presentation will encourage open dialogue and inspire attendees to share successful practices. To extend learning beyond the summit, we will provide actionable tools and resources for continued collaboration and ongoing support, ensuring that the fun and positive culture thrives long after the event. Participants will leave energized, equipped with practical strategies to implement in their own school communities.

Relationships are the cause and the cure for the biggest challenges in education. Teacher satisfaction and retention, academic performance, truancy, behavior, and parent engagement are all impacted by relationships. For our schools to become a desired destination for all, we have to cultivate a more positive and connected environment. Cultivating relationships with a diverse group of people isn’t a skill set that every educator has mastered. This session is designed to equip educators with the tools needed to increase connection and establish trust to develop stronger relationships.

“The Wonder Twins: Humanizing Leadership”, is about those good ol’ days of cartoons on Saturday mornings and making connections to leadership. Wonder Twin powers activate! It all starts with realizing we’re human beings ready to form the shape of our best lives! Can I tell you a secret? Leadership is really about you rediscovering yourself and then discovering others around you. It’s about seeking the elusive "missing ingredients" that can transform your relationships and your life.

Definitely come ready to catch all of #TheWrightProTips from this session including, what the Wonder Twins are and how one question can instantly usher you into thinking about vision and mission. I’m telling you, you need to be in this session. Tell a friend to tell a friend!

Led by Vernon Wright (@TheWrightLeader), this session promises to deliver insights you can immediately try after the session. I’ll see you there!

Effective trauma-informed leadership begins with self-awareness, cultural humility, and the ability to co-regulate with diverse teams and students. In this interactive session, leaders will explore the NeuroResilience Model, a core component of the Rooted Hope Framework, through hands-on activities. Participants will engage in real-time self-regulation exercises, peer coaching, and scenario-based discussions to experience trauma-informed leadership in action. This session will center equity and cultural responsiveness, helping leaders recognize the ways that historical and systemic trauma impact students and staff from diverse backgrounds and how they can lead with cultural humility and inclusivity.
What Makes This Session Hands-On?
✅ Live self-regulation exercises to strengthen leadership resilience
✅ Small-group coaching to apply co-regulation strategies across cultural contexts
✅ Case studies focusing on equity-driven trauma-informed leadership