As independent schools commit to diverse student bodies and faculties, we see school leadership becoming more racially diverse as well. However, predominantly white institutions do not always understand what we need to be supported and to grow. We welcome administrators of color at any stage of their journey for an institute of mutual support and sharing: Dean, Division Head, Admissions Director, DEI Practitioner, etc. Topics will include wellness, navigating leadership as people of color, and being effective change agents within our schools.

Our featured speaker will be Dr. Michele Goodwin. As school administrators, we often receive fear-based legal advice or have limited access to direct legal counsel. Dr. Goodwin is a global thought leader and advisor on law, society, and global health. As a law professor, she challenges the limits of what feels possible and reimagines law as a tool for building worlds rooted in dignity, equity, and collective care. At the institute, we will have half a day to hear from Dr. Goodwin and ask questions over lunch.

New administrators in their first years of a position are invited to come one day early to develop tools tailored to their needs. What have you learned about your colleagues, school culture, and your predecessors? How will you introduce yourself to the community? What do you need to thrive? This can be a precarious moment in one’s career, and we are here to make sure everyone has the support they need.

The program will be facilitated by Susan Yao from Vermont Village School and Osa Osagie from the Carroll School, two experienced administrators of color and facilitators. If you have any questions or if attending would be a hardship, please don't hesitate to reach out.