There are many thoughts out there in the political sphere about what we need right now, and it’s wrought with contradictions. Should we be at war spending billions on bombs or should we be investing in education and advancing our global economic structure? Should we be spending billions on ICE enforcement and detention centers or should we be investing in housing and re-engagement services for our homeless neighbors? Should we be tampering with the constitutional balance of power, or leveraging our policies to create a more just society for all? Listening to news feeds can feel so disconnected from both our value basis and from our day to day needs. These days, it’s easy to wonder whether what we do matters. So why do we work so hard? We work hard because we know that justice, community, and inclusivity will create a better nation for all of our children, grandchildren, and neighbors.
At Voice4Equity, the work we do is grounded in the core values of love, community and respect. We come together as leaders to network and uplift one another in celebration of who we are as a community of public education leaders impacting the next generation of decision-makers. We come together to urge one another on in care and appreciation knowing how much this work demands of us as servants of our communities. Voice4Equity is unique in that we are not a professional association. We are a convening of diverse leaders who teach, mentor, celebrate, befriend, and provide supportive spaces for one another for deep reflection and learning. Why? Because this is within our power and sphere of influence. We share our experiences, knowledge and stories. We encourage each other to take bold policy-based action that will better serve our nation’s students through visible and measurable results. We dare to ask ourselves, How do we provoke one another to good action for others?
In this edition of Under the Flamboyan, we focus on the When Women Lead educational conference coming up this June 18-20, 2026 on the Columbia River waterfront in Vancouver, Washington! We have an outstanding program that consists of provocative speakers, policy-focused sessions, AI policy labs, networking activities and planning sessions, and a Saturday morning hike to enjoy the beauty of the pacific northwest! After the hike, we have an incredible brunch and a closing speaker that will move you in an unforgettable way!
What makes our conference unique is that everyone leaves knowing one another. We forge new commitments to continue to engage and work together to advance fair and just policies across our school systems and organizations. We also deepen our understanding of the policy power that we hold as education leaders, as the ones entrusted in implementing them in the day to day of how we serve our students, parents and communities. Leaders return each year because this is a learning space of joy.
I am excited about the policy and leadership conversations that we are preparing to have in June. You will not want to miss this great event. It is both inspiring and celebratory!
Stay Engaged, Be Inspired, Lead Empowered!
Christina
