2026 Spring Conference- Moving From Allyship to Solidarity

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Program goals:

1. Understanding the limitations of allyship in this particular moment

2. Embracing an ethic of solidarity

3. Developing educational tools that center the concept of solidarity

 

We are thrilled to share that our keynote speaker will be De’Ana Forbes. 

 

De’Ana Forbes is a master social studies teacher in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and an educational consultant with extensive experience teaching courses such as AP United States History, African American History, Virginia & U.S. History, Economics and Personal Finance, World History, and Civics and Economics. She is also a doctoral student and graduate fellow with the University at Buffalo Center for K–12 Black History and Racial Literacy, where she has co-taught the Teaching Black History Microcredential for educators.

Her research focuses on applying Dr. LaGarrett King’s Teaching Black History Framework to develop meaningful learning experiences centered on topics including Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement. In recognition of her work expanding student access to advanced and AP coursework, she was named an Equal Opportunity Champion by Equal Opportunity Schools for the 2025–26 school year.

 

Following our keynote, we will have interactive sessions with a variety of presenters:

• Elijah Lee - 2026 Young Richmond History Maker, TEDxRVA Youth speaker, and local high school senior

• Taaj Davis (Woodberry Forest) and Dr. Nefertiti Makeda (Norfolk Collegiate) - Religious literacy in schools

• Nate Zuckerman (Highland School) - What is education for action today?

 

 

2025 Fall Conference- From Stories to Belonging

 

We will welcome Dr. Anjali Ferguson, a culturally responsive clinical psychologist. Dr. Ferguson’s talk, “Supporting the Mental Health and Cultural Well-Being of Marginalized Youth in Today's Climate,” will be followed by a Q&A session.

 

After the keynote, we will hear from recent alumni via video submissions as they share their stories of their experiences in independent schools. We will use these stories to share, reflect, and discuss. 

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More on Dr. Ferguson: Dr. Anjali Ferguson is a clinical psychologist, TEDxYOUTH@RVA speaker, and children’s book author committed to fostering inclusive and equitable communities. Dr. Ferguson's expertise includes trauma-informed, culturally responsive care with children and families. She is the Founding Director of Parenting Culture and the Executive Director of the Virginia Association for Infant Mental Health (VAIMH). Recognized as a Style Weekly 40 Under 40 honoree and awarded by the American Psychological Association for distinguished community service, Dr. Ferguson also contributes expert opinion to several national publications as a media psychologist. Her work focuses on improving access to mental health care for minoritized communities and advancing community-focused initiatives through culturally responsive practice.

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2025 Spring Conference- The Current State and Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 

Join us for a collaborative day where our Keynote Speaker, Brandon Jacobs from Carney Sandoe & Associates, will discuss the current and future state of DEI. We will also hear from Nate Zuckerman from the Highland School, where he will discuss re-framing and sustaining DEI work in our school communities. Between workshops,  there will be opportunities for discussions and reflections. We are grateful for everyone who submitted a workshop or discussion proposal!

Workshops or tabletop discussions will include:

• Keynote: 

  • The Current State of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Brandon Jacobs from Carney Sandoe & Associates

• Workshop: 

  • Re-Framing and Sustaining DEI Work in Our School Communities with Nate Zuckerman from the Highland School

• Discussions (choose one at the conference):

  • How microaggressions, casual racism, and slurs show up in our schools, and what we, as adults, can do about them.

  • The Empathy Triangle: Sharing ideas and strategies from this book and discussing practices used at your school. You do not need to have read the book.

  • Re-Framing and Sustaining DEI Work in Our School Communities continued

  • Please let us know if there are any other discussions you would like to have!

 

 

2024 Fall Conference- Using Empathy as a Tool with Michael Tennant

 

Join us for a transformative day centered around empathy, curiosity, and purpose. We’re excited to welcome Michael Tennant, author, keynote speaker, and founder of Curiosity Lab. Michael has turned personal tragedy into a mission-driven journey, harnessing the power of empathy to foster happier, healthier, and more inclusive communities.​

 

In this workshop, Michael will share key insights from his book, The Power of Empathy, and guide us through his proprietary Five Phases of Empathy™ model, designed to break down emotional barriers and unlock the energy and support needed to achieve your most important goals. Following his keynote, we will dive into two hands-on workshops, exploring the first two phases of his Five Phases of Empathy™ model.

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2024 Spring Conference- Conversations and Connections

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We are excited to welcome Collegiate History teacher Brad Cooke. Brad has taught a variety of electives at Collegiate, such as World Religion, Dictators, Contemporary World History, and 21st Century World Stage. He is also the director of Collegiate's outdoor program. Brad will present on the conflict in Gaza. After the opening talk, those who wish to continue the discussion will have the option to do so in Workshop 1. 

 

In the afternoon, S. Ross Browne will lead a therapeutic mandala class. In this workshop, participants will learn about the historical, cultural, creative, and therapeutic significance of the Mandala. We will create our own personal mandalas to blend aesthetic beauty with personal reflection and stress relief. Using color theory, symbolism, and even words, we will create a balance between dissonance and harmony using the geometry of the mandala as a rubric for compartmentalization. 

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2023 Fall Conference- Data-Inspired, Human Led DEI with Sertrice Shipley

 

Are you a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader who wants to take a more data-driven approach to your work? Then this session is for you! During this interactive session, we will discuss why measuring DEI is essential, what DEI data can look like, and how data can be collected and used.

 

Attendees will learn how to take a more data-driven approach to their DEI strategy and turn "inclusalytics" insights into ACTION. You will gain clarity around what should be measured and how to use that data to drive your school’s efforts.

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 Sertrice [sur-TREESE] is passionate about helping organizations create data-driven DEI strategies that drive meaningful change. Sertrice serves clients through DEI executive advising, DEI measurement consulting, and building/delivering inclusive behavioral change solutions.

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Sertrice writes and presents frequently on DEI issues, is a sought-after public speaker, and is a leader in national organizations, including the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Blacks in I/O. Sertrice also co-authored the acclaimed book, Inclusalytics: How Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leaders Use Data to Drive Their Work.

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