The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington
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Workshop for AISGW Trustees and School Heads
Georgetown Day School
4200 Davenport Street NW
Washington, DC 20016
(202) 295-6200

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Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
Category: AISGW Events

This Event Is Sold Out

Getting on Board with DEI:  Why and How Independent School Governance Should Advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The work of independent school trustees, which supports governance and financial stewardship, is foundational to our schools’ strength. It is crucial for our Boards of Trustees to generate policies and practices that advance our missions to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive teaching and learning communities. In this year’s AISGW Trustees Workshop, we will explore the intersection between governance and diversity. Join your colleagues for an engaging conversation led by Caroline Blackwell, a national expert and thought leader on independent school diversity, and a panel of AISGW Trustees and Heads of School who will share their experiences with recruitment, retention, partnership, and sponsorship in support of diverse school leadership and governance.

In preparation for this workshop, attendees are encouraged to read the following article from the Harvard Business Review:  Why Inclusive Leaders Are Good for Organizations, and How to Become One.

Workshop Agenda

4:30-5:00    Registration

5:00-5:15     Welcome and Introduction

Russell Shaw, Head of School, Georgetown Day School
Amy McNamer, Executive Director, AISGW

5:15-6:00     Overview by Caroline Blackwell, VP for Equity and Justice, National Association of Independent Schools

This overview will explore the following:
•Statistical trends about NAIS school boards and their gender and race makeup
•Why diversity and inclusion matter to school governance and efficacy
•The advantages of inclusive leadership in ensuring the strength and sustainability of independent schools

6:00-6:30     Break for drinks and light dinner

6:30-7:30     A Panel of Heads of School and their board members will explore how inclusive leadership has made a positive impact in their schools and share successes and challenges around this work. Caroline Blackwell, Moderator.

  • Lisa Fairfax, Trustee, Georgetown Day School
  • Malcolm Lester, Head of School, National Presbyterian School      
  • Wray Muoio, Trustee, National Presbyterian School
  • Mike Saxenian, Head of School, McLean School
  • Russell Shaw, Head of School, Georgetown Day School
  • Valaida Wise, Trustee, McLean School

About the Speaker

Caroline BlackwellCaroline Blackwell, Vice President for Equity and Justice at the National Association of Independent Schools,  leads the creation and implementation of products and services that support NAIS’s commitment to develop and sustain inclusive independent school communities.  Prior to joining NAIS, Caroline served as the executive director of the Metro Human Relations Commission in Nashville, Tennessee. Before that, she worked as director of multicultural affairs for the University School of Nashville. Caroline holds numerous certifications in mediation, conflict resolution, and facilitation. A long-time volunteer with NAIS, Caroline is the lead facilitator for the Diversity Leadership Institute, has been a chair of and now leads NAIS’s People of Color Conference, and is also a contributor to NAIS publications.

Cost:  $90/Member for up to two registrations; $75 for each additional registration (cocktails and dinner included)

This an AISGW members-only event and is appropriate for Heads of School, board chairs and board leaders.

A special thanks to our program sponsors!