A Network of Courage and Unity

I decided I wanted to be a Head of School at The Heads Network Leadership Seminar for Women many years ago. This past month, and for the fifth time, I had the honor to be a member of the faculty at this very seminar. Education is heart-centered work, and I am grateful every day to serve Kent School. Yet, it also warms my heart and nourishes my soul to be in community with women leaders and aspiring female leaders, focusing on the ways women lead. 

Every year, I select a word to hold before my school community. This year the word is Courage. Its origin comes from the Latin word “cor,” heart, and it means to completely share your story with your whole heart. The Heads Network Seminar, itself, inspires courage in profound ways. My favorite tradition is the evening of storytelling. This year’s cohort of 37 aspiring independent school leaders from across the country got to hear the stories of eight heads of school, shared with our whole hearts. And while I cannot speak for all of the faculty members, for me, it is my opportunity to give back to a group where I always feel supported and where my leadership is championed.

From Courage, Inspiration

I find it difficult to sleep in hotels, but it worked to my advantage at the seminar. I wrote this poem after hearing each of the participants talk about the last thing they did before leaving for the conference, a tradition started by Ann Klotz, an editor of Well-Schooled and the head of Laurel School.

Unity Festival