What becomes possible when leaders truly understand one another’s daily realities? In this session, central services and school leaders will engage in an authentic listening experience that builds empathy, trust, and stronger cross-system relationships. A small volunteer circle (10 ppl max) will model guided dialogue while others observe and reflect. Participants will leave with renewed energy, a deeper perspective, and practical inspiration to strengthen collaboration, community, and collective impact in support of student achievement, well-being, and operational excellence.
Senior Administrator of Community Partnerships, WCPSS
Dr. Sturdivant serves as the Senior Administrator of Community Partnerships in Strategic Operations for Wake County Public School System. Having served in public schools for 26 years as a teacher, literacy coach, curriculum facilitator, and equity and intervention specialist, Dr... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:10am - 11:40am EDT Fireside
Leaders today are navigating conditions that feel increasingly unpredictable and difficult to interpret—across sectors, not just in education. This session introduces a practical approach, drawn from the field of Futurism, to make sense of these shifts and respond with clarity and adaptability. Leaders will leave this session with: -A clearer way to make sense of the conditions shaping their work. -Ways to apply new ideas to a current leadership challenge. -Practical strategies for leading in uncertain environments. In these unprecedented times, mission and purpose continue to anchor the work, while strategies become more flexible and human-centered.
Senior Director for Innovative and Strategic Initiatives, WCPSS
Dr. Alford-Keith serves as Senior Director for Innovative and Strategic Initiatives. She grew up in the triangle and has been with WCPSS for 16 years. She earned her EdD from Western Carolina University and is also an alumna of Meredith College and UNC Chapel Hill. Her educational... Read More →
This workshop examines strategies for fostering collective efficacy and shared accountability among school leaders and the Section 504 meeting facilitators they supervise. Through collaborative learning and shared decision-making, participants will examine specific Section 504 procedures and pertinent case law to develop a more robust understanding of Section 504 service delivery at their sites. These efforts are intended to improve student outcomes and to reduce school-based parent grievances.
Drawing on empirical research and practical examples, the session provides actionable guidance for establishing a balanced support framework that enables Section 504 teams to operate with confidence and effectiveness. Participants will acquire tools to harness the collective capacity of their Section 504 teams for sustained, effective support of students eligible under Section 504. Participants are requested to bring and use a laptop or tablet (e.g., iPad) for full engagement in the session. This workshop is particularly beneficial for newly appointed WCPSS school administrators.
Joseph Man currently serves as a Senior Administrator with WCPSS 504 Services. In this role, he supports 504 non-discrimination policy implementation, ECATS 504 data management, staff training, administrative consultation around non-discrimination challenges, and complaints resolution... Read More →
This session will equip educational leaders with a framework to combat chronic workplace stress, protect their health, and model sustainable wellness for their staff.
Educational leadership often requires leaders to move continuously from challenge to challenge while supporting others. This interactive wellness reset session provides leaders with practical strategies to pause, recalibrate, and sustain themselves amid the demands of leadership. Through guided reflection, mindset shifts, and intentional wellness practices, participants will explore ways to manage stress, create moments of calm, and lead with both strength and sustainability.
Senior Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Wake County Public School System
Dr. Kendra Core King is a seasoned educational leader, author, and advocate for sustainable leadership practices. With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. King has served in teaching, school leadership, district administration, and executive leadership roles... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT Room 15
In this interactive session, participants will discover how small ergonomic changes can make a big impact on their daily comfort, energy, and overall well‑being. Attendees will explore eye‑opening statistics that show how poor ergonomics affects health and productivity, along with easy, practical tips for setting up a workstation that truly fits you. We’ll highlight the power of quick stand‑and‑stretch breaks each hour, share simple ways to reduce computer eye strain, and demonstrate safe material‑handling techniques to help prevent injuries. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies they can use immediately to feel better at work and protect their body long‑term.
As a Safety Administrator, my focus is on keeping employees and students safe and strengthening a proactive, risk-aware culture. I partner with schools and central service departments to ensure fire and safety compliance and support a safe working environment.
Senior Administrator Risk Management & Safety, Wake County Public School System
With over 12 years of experience in WCPSS, I have developed a comprehensive perspective across both school-based and central services environments. I leverage this background to foster a strong, district-wide culture of safety. My work focuses on cross-departmental collaboration... Read More →
