JANUARY 20–22, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
The Pollyanna National Conference brings together a wide range of schools and perspectives to amplify every voice and drive real change.
Through intentional discussions, we foster a shared sense of belonging and collective growth. Let’s come together, share challenges and effective practices, and develop actionable strategies to Build Stronger and Kinder Communities.
What You’ll Take Away
Strategies That Work
Learn alongside peers and uncover methods and initiatives that deliver results.
Community Connections
Network within dedicated constituent-focused groups.
Inspiring Learning Sessions
Dive into keynotes, panels, and workshops that energize and inform.
Action Oriented Outcomes
Develop clear, actionable plans to strengthen your school community.
Who Should Attend
Each school sends either a 15-member Large POD or an 8-member Small POD. The POD should include representatives from these constituent categories: Administrators, Alumni, Community Engagers (Counselors, DEI, Global Ed, Psychologists, Wellness), Faculty, High School Students, Parents, Trustees, and one Head of School. Participants work together to generate actionable ideas to bring back to their school communities.
Meet the Speakers
We’re thrilled to introduce the powerhouse speakers headlining the Pollyanna National Conference. From corporate trailblazers to nonprofit changemakers and higher education leaders, they bring bold ideas and fresh perspectives to inspire meaningful change in the K-12 space. Click here to learn more about our speakers and facilitators.
Jason Craige Harris
Conference Guide
Megan L. Hogan
Global Head of Talent, Goldman Sachs
Natosha Reid Rice
VP, Global Housing Opportunities & Mission Engagement, Habitat for Humanity
Charles Vogl
Author, The Art of Community
Jamil Zaki
Author, Hope for Cynics
The Story of the Conference
The first Pollyanna-model Conference occurred fifteen years ago at The Dalton School in New York City. Inspired by a Dalton trustee committee, this conference welcomed 16 New York City independent schools, represented by a broad constituent 15-member POD, gather to talk, learn, and generate actionable ideas around inclusion and belonging.
Since then, many schools across the country have hosted over 20,000 people using this unique model, experiencing firsthand the transformative impact of collaborating with those dedicated to making their schools better for everyone.
Building on the success of its local conferences, Pollyanna is expanding the opportunity for more schools to learn together at this inaugural national conference.
The Team Behind the Vision
Advisory Committee
John Botti
Head of School, The Browning School, NY
Mia Burton
Asst Head of School, Flint Hill, VA
Orpheus Crutchfield
Founder, Strategenius
Marsha Elliott
Director of E & I, St. Stephen’s Episcopal, TX
Lee Fertig
Head of School, The Nueva School, CA
Angela Garcia
Head of School, Near North Montessori, IL
Martha Haakmat
Founder, Haakmat Consulting
Celeste Herrera
Head of School, Calhoun School, NY
Lisa Johnson
Founder, Private School Village
Janine Jones
Asst Head of School, Harvard-Westlake, CA
Ann Kono
Co-Founder, TeachAAPI
Ali Michael, PhD
Co-director, Race Institute for K-12 Educators
Michael Maloy
Head of School, Thaden School, AR
Chai Reddy
Head of High School, University School of Nashville, TN
David Smith
Chief Advancement Officer, Miami Country Day, FL
Marjorie Van Dercook
Trustee, Pollyanna
Alexis Wright
Head of School, New City School, MO
Renee Yang
Co-Founder, TeachAAPI
Amy Ziebarth
Head of School, Far Brook School, NJ
Conference Team
Casper Caldarola
Founder
Dayna Campbell
Logistics
Courtney Greenbaum
Sponsorship Packages
Claire Hannan-Radomisli
Operations
Jason Craige-Harris
Programming & Guide
Destynée Johnson
Database
Anthony Kapp
Graphics
Amy Kule
Producer
Molly Mehlsack
Database
Chelsea Schuster
Social Media
Vanessa Hicks
Research
Sarah Woods
Marketing
Questions?
We’d love to connect! Send us a note using this form, and a team member will reach out with the answers you need.