JANUARY 20–22, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Program
With a focus on actionable strategies and networking within dedicated constituent groups, this conference equips schools with the tools to foster inclusive and thriving communities.
Over 3 days we’re bringing together attendees from independent, public and charter schools across the U.S. Join us for this incredible gathering of all voices in your school to make an impact, forge lasting connections, and drive meaningful conversations in the school community.
Schedule at a Glance
Meet the Speakers
Jason Craige Harris, Conference Guide
Jason Craige Harris is a thinker, writer, and speaker who uses the transformative power of storytelling to cultivate cultures of humility, curiosity, and empathy across sectors, contexts, and age groups. As a conflict mediator, executive coach, and organizational strategist, he integrates insights from diverse fields to help groups develop trust, achieve ambitious goals, and build structures that work. An expert on dignity-centered leadership, restorative practices, and dialogue across differences, Jason draws on the latest research in the study of human connection and human flourishing. Jason advises leaders and communities how to create environments where everyone can thrive—and what to do when challenges arise.
Megan Hogan, Global Head of Talent, Goldman Sachs
Natosha Reid Rice, VP Global Housing Opportunities and Mission Engagement, Habitat for Humanity
Natosha Reid Rice is an attorney, ordained minister, inspirational speaker, and life coach dedicated to justice and community empowerment. She serves as Associate General Counsel for Real Estate and Finance at Habitat for Humanity International, helping provide affordable housing nationwide. In addition, she is an Associate Pastor for Women’s Ministries at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Passionate about justice, she speaks widely on faith, race, gender equity, and leadership and has advocated for policies protecting victims of human trafficking and workplace fairness for women. A Harvard Law graduate, she lives in Atlanta with her husband and their three children.
Charles Vogl, Author, The Art of Community
Charles Vogl is an adviser, speaker, and author of three books, including the international bestseller The Art of Community. He collaborates with Google as a thought leader for the Google School for Leaders and a founding member of the Google Vitality Lab, which innovates healing strategies. His work on leadership and community-building has influenced organizations like Airbnb, LinkedIn, Amazon, and the US Army, and he has lectured at institutions including Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. With a Yale M.Div. degree, he teaches how shared values and purpose can strengthen organizations, inspire innovation, and drive global change.
Jamil Zaki, Standford Professor, Author, Hope for Cynics
Jamil Zaki is a full professor of psychology at Stanford University and directs the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, where he studies social connection and its impact. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and received more than two dozen awards for his research. Beyond academia, he writes about the psychology of connection for publications like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and The Atlantic. His first book, The War for Kindness, was praised by NPR as a “wide-ranging, practical guide to making the world better.” His second book, Hope for Cynics, was described by Adam Grant as “a ray of light for dark times.”
Workshops
We’re excited to offer four meaningful facilitation opportunities—each thoughtfully designed to engage attendees in distinct and impactful ways, foster connection across differences, and inspire action. Whether through storytelling, shared reflection, or collaborative problem-solving, each session invites facilitators and participants alike to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive community.
Connection Circles
Connection Circles are the first session where attendees participate in intergenerational, cross-role small group conversations on a given theme, using the Peacemaking Circle process. This leadership practice emphasizes deep listening and storytelling to build trust and strengthen relationships. The format fosters open sharing, attentive listening and a sense of being seen, heard, and valued for all participants.
Learn More
Connection Circles are the first session where attendees participate in intergenerational, cross-role small group conversations on a given theme, using the Peacemaking Circle process. The format allows for brave sharing and generous listening and for all participants to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Compassion Circle
Courage Circle
Empathy Circle
Forgiveness Circle
Gratitude Circle
Growth Circle
Hope Circle
Joy Circle
Mindfulness Circle
Peace Circle
Purpose Circle
Resilience Circle
Self-Care Circle
Constituent Group Discussions
This second breakout session of the Conference will bring together people by role-specific constituent group to discuss challenges and share effective practices for building community. A facilitator will lead the conversation.
Learn More
This is the second breakout session of the Conference and will bring together people by constituent group to share challenges and effective practices for creating community.
Administrators
Alumni
Community Engagers (Counselors, DEI, Global Ed, Psychologists, Wellness)
Faculty
Heads of School
High School Students
Parents
Trustees
Learning Sessions
These interactive, skill-building sessions offer tools, strategies, and inspiration to help participants strengthen their communities and lead with confidence.
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Learning sessions provide information and teach skills that enable participants to build kinder and stronger communities.
Caring Communities: Looking Out for Each Other — Exploring how kindness, empathy, and support make communities stronger and more welcoming for everyone.
Talking It Out: Having Respectful Conversations When We Disagree — Learning how to listen, speak, and connect with others—even when we see things differently.
Making Things Right: Healing and Growing After Conflict — Understanding how to take responsibility, repair relationships, and build trust when harm happens.
Fairness for All: Making Schools and Communities More Inclusive — Thinking about ways to make spaces more welcoming and fair for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Taking Care of Ourselves and Each Other — Learning how to manage stress, handle big emotions, and support one another through challenges.
Community Service & Civic Engagement: Imagining a Better World Together — Dreaming up new ways to create kinder, more connected communities where everyone can thrive.
Practices, Policies, and Processes – Exploring strategies for running a school that advance community and connection
Sponsor Workshops
We welcome sponsors to our conference, providing them with this dedicated time block to connect with attendees through teaching, networking, or informal gatherings.
Learn More
As we add our sponsors, we will add information. Stay tuned!
Meet the Facilitators
Our facilitators are a dynamic group of educators, advocates, and community leaders deeply committed to transformative dialogue. Each brings a wealth of experience, empathy, and insight to their work—creating spaces where participants feel seen, heard, and empowered. They also play an important role in building community within their own schools and organizations, making their contributions to this gathering all the more meaningful.
Jan Abernathy
Jan Abernathy is Chief Communications Officer at The Browning School and President of NYC Independent School Communications Professionals. A CASE Laureate, she serves on the CASE Commission and faculty. Jan presents nationally and internationally on communications strategy and professional development for advancement professionals in independent schools.
Mia Burton
Mia Burton is Assistant Head of School for Community, Equity, and Student Success at Flint Hill School. An experienced administrator and counselor, she leads wellness and inclusion initiatives JK–12. Founder of MSB Advising and a trustee of Pollyanna, Mia champions equity, student support, and inclusive leadership in education.
Marsha Elliott
Marsha Elliott is Director of Equity and Inclusion at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, with over 20 years in independent schools. A senior leader and educator, she is committed to culturally responsive teaching, inclusive community building, and equity-focused programming for students and adults across school communities.
Derek Lipscomb
Derek Lipscomb is a NYC-based educator, diversity consultant, and former professional rugby player. He co-founded Roots, an Afrocentric rugby team, and created TheWork.Education, a free racial literacy resource. Derek’s work centers identity development, advocacy, and access for historically marginalized communities through both education and athletics.
Ali Michael
Ali Michael is a nationally recognized speaker, writer, and educator. She co-authored Our Problem, Our Path and wrote Raising Race Questions, an award-winning book. Ali also co-edited Guide for White Women who Teach Black Boys, and teaches in Princeton’s Diversity and Inclusion Program. More at alimichael.org.
Elizabeth Rosner
Elizabeth Rosner is an award-winning author and teacher whose work explores trauma, memory, and listening. Her books, including SURVIVOR CAFÉ and THIRD EAR, have received international acclaim. Elizabeth leads writing workshops and lectures worldwide, sharing stories that promote healing, empathy, and resilience through storytelling and deep listening.
David Smith
David Smith is Chief Advancement Officer at Miami Country Day School and a consultant in major gifts, campaigns, and DEIB in advancement. He previously led fundraising at Saint Ann’s School and The Calhoun School. David supports schools nationwide with equity-focused strategies that build inclusive advancement programs and strengthen financial sustainability.
Ivy Alphonse-Crean
Ivy Alphonse-Crean is a DEI practitioner, writer, yoga teacher, SEL facilitator, and doula. Her work appears in anthologies and publications including Teaching Beautiful Brilliant Black Girls and WBUR’s Cognoscenti. Based in the Boston area, Ivy integrates healing practices and education to support individual and collective wellbeing and transformation.
Angelica Cardenas
Angelica Cardenas is a licensed mental health professional specializing in trauma-informed, culturally responsive counseling and consultation. With experience across sectors, she promotes equity and healing justice, centering the historical, cultural, and systemic contexts of wellbeing. Her work highlights the deep connection between personal healing and collective transformation.
Gardy J. Guiteau
Gardy J. Guiteau is an educator, DEI consultant, and intergroup dialogue facilitator. With over two decades of experience, he supports organizations in creating inclusive spaces for personal and professional growth. Gardy works across schools, nonprofits, and corporations to deepen equity practices and build thriving, culturally responsive communities.
Joanna Lovett
Joanna Lovett began her career at Common Sense Media and now leads admissions at Drew School in San Francisco, CA. A strategic leader and Equity Team member, she co-leads BIPOC faculty recruitment and facilitates DEIB work. Joanna champions student impact and access through enrollment, storytelling, and a commitment to inclusive community building.
Mikki Murphy
Mikki Murphy is Director of Diversity, Equity, and Community at Far Brook School in Short Hills, NJ, leading initiatives for faculty, students, parents, and administrators. She is especially proud of Widening the Lens, Far Brook’s annual Pollyanna Multi-School Conference uniting New Jersey independent schools in dialogue and action around DEIB and community.
Pierangelo Rossi
Pierangelo Rossi is Director of Equity and Community Action at the Town School in NYC. With 17+ years in education, he facilitates student, employee, and family affinity groups. His collaborative leadership centers connection, identity, and the creation of inclusive communities through deep listening and responsive programming.
Jennifer Vermont-Davis
Jennifer Vermont-Davis is Director of DEIB at The Allen-Stevenson School and founder of the Jack & Jill Educational Seminar. Her work expands access and representation in schools through advocacy, training, and community engagement. Jennifer fosters inclusive cultures where all voices are heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Kelly Bird
Dr. Kelly Bird is an educator, consultant, and President of Making Space, LLC. She supports schools in embracing difference and fostering belonging. With experience as a principal and teacher, Kelly uses project-based learning and DEIB coaching to help organizations become inclusive, anti-racist, and student-centered communities.
Alia Carponter-Walker
Alia Carponter-Walker is Director of Equity and Community Life at the The Hewitt School. A SEED Certified Educator, she has taught in Madrid, Havana, Buenos Aires, and New York City. Alia brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to inclusion, leadership, and equity through authentic engagement and systemic change.
Shernice Lazare
Shernice Lazare is Head of DEIB, People & HR for a large LA school network. A Fulbright recipient, she’s led inclusive education for nearly 30 years as a teacher, coach, and founding director. Shernice designs and facilitates equity-driven programs for educators, families, and leaders nationwide.
Sarah Luposello
Sarah Luposello is Assistant Head of Lower School at The Hewitt School and an ally-space facilitator focused on culturally responsive pedagogy. With over a decade of experience in NYC independent schools, she’s served as teacher, coach, and curriculum leader. Sarah is also a guide runner with Achilles International.
Jacqueline Nelson
Jacqueline Nelson is a progressive educator, early childhood specialist, and DEIJ practitioner. She designs K–12 anti-bias curricula, leads affinity groups, and facilitates inclusive programming. Jacqueline is Director of Equity and Inclusion at a Connecticut school and serves as Vice-Chair of CODIS at CAIS, supporting systemic change in education.
Naledi Sean Semela
Naledi Sean Semela is Chief Equitable Practices Officer at The Browning School and founder of Naledi Strategies, LLC. A consultant and coach, he supports schools in building equity-centered practices, guided by the philosophy of ubuntu. Naledi is a trustee, former NYSAIS committee member, and lives in NJ with his family.