On Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25, 2023, Newark Board of Education Deputy Superintendent Nicole T. Johnson proudly hosted the 2nd Annual Women’s Leadership Conference: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. The conference was open to current and aspiring women leaders across the district. Over the course of two days more than 300 women attended. The two-day conference kicked off with a pre-conference networking event held at the Newark Museum. As the women entered the venue, they were mesmerized by the outreach of greeters who were dressed in regal purple shirts with the conference theme, “Celebrating the Women Who Tell Our Stories”. During this powerful and empowering event, Deputy Superintendent Johnson stayed true to the theme by sharing her own story and journey through leadership. Attendees were reminded of the importance of authenticity, purpose, and mentorship.
On Saturday, the conference began with a welcome address by Deputy Superintendent Johnson, followed by special messages from Superintendent Roger León, Board President Dawn Haynes, and Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education, Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan. Keynote Speaker, Michellene Davis, Esq. boldly shared her story and encouraged each woman leader to fearlessly use her voice as a game changer agent.
Breakout sessions, led by an incredible line up of dynamic women leaders, allowed current and aspiring women leaders to choose their path for the remainder of the conference. Session titles included: The Art of Leadership, Finding Your Own Path to Serendipity, By the Power Vested in Me, and The Balancing Act: Passionate Leadership with Personal Self-Care. Throughout the event, all participants engaged with the presenters and one another through lively conversations. The excitement continued on social media with the hashtag #NBOEWLConference2023.
In alignment with The Next Decade: 2020-30 Strategic Plan Priority 4: Continuous Learning for All, the Women’s Leadership Conference manifests the district’s investment in the potential and development of highly effective women leaders. The conference was a historic event and a purposeful learning experience for women leaders. At the close of the conference, Deputy Superintendent Johnson stated, “To our current and aspiring women leaders, let us be bold, courageous, and fearless as we come together to elevate our voices and tell our own stories”.
