CLSBA Unity 2026: Full Schedule

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7:00am PDT

Morning Flex Time & Breakfast on Your Own

Saturday August 29, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Enjoy a relaxed start to your day! Use this time for a morning workout, a nice walk, breakfast on your own or with friends, or simply some quiet time to get centered and ready for the day.
Coffee will be available at 8:00 AM as we get ready to start the day together.

Saturday August 29, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT

Hospitality

8:00am PDT

Coffee and Exhibit Visits

Saturday August 29, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am PDT

Main Ballroom

Saturday August 29, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am PDT
Main Ballroom

Meal

9:00am PDT

Collaborative Edge: Connecting Boards, Celebrating Success, and Uplifting Communities Presented by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA)

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Willow Glen 3

Collaborative Edge: Connecting Boards, Celebrating Success, and Uplifting Communities
Presented by the Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA)

The Santa Clara County School Boards Association (SCCSBA) is one of the most active and engaged county associations in California, dedicated to improving the lives and educational outcomes of children through meaningful civic participation, advocacy, leadership development, and collaborative action.

This session will highlight how SCCSBA has built a strong culture and practice of engagement among trustees and educational leaders by creating consistent opportunities for learning, advocacy, student voice, and regional collaboration. Participants will explore practical strategies that can be replicated in other counties and organizations to strengthen governance, increase civic engagement, and improve outcomes for students and families.

SCCSBA initiatives include:

Virtual and in-person seminars and professional development opportunities available (at low to no cost) to trustees across the county, focused on timely educational issues, leadership, governance, equity, and student success. Peer-to-peer learning between trustees across school districts is key to improved school board member effectiveness

Fall Dinner: An annual in-person convening that brings together trustees, students, educational leaders, and community partners to discuss diverse and relevant topics impacting public education

Hoffmann Awards: A countywide awards celebration recognizing innovation, leadership, and measurable improvements in student achievement and student outcomes
Monthly virtual evening meetings dedicated to studying, addressing, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by unhoused students, while promoting collaborative regional solutions and advocacy efforts

Lunch and Learns
A highly engaged Legislative Action Committee that convenes monthly organizational and working meetings, maintains regular engagement with legislators, develops advocacy strategies, and advances coordinated action on key public education issues and legislation
Legislative Brunch: An annual legislative forum in which local legislators answer county trustees questions about their perspectives, educational policies and legislative initiatives
A collaborative specifically focused on understanding and meeting the needs of McKinney Vento (housing insecure) students through efforts involving multiple levels of government and non-profit organizations

This workshop will demonstrate how intentional civic engagement and organized regional collaboration can strengthen public education systems, empower trustees and educational leaders, and create meaningful impact for students and communities.

Attendees will leave with:
Practical models for trustee engagement and regional collaboration
Strategies to strengthen advocacy and legislative engagement
Examples of scalable structures that support measurable student-centered outcomes

Speakers:
SCCSBA Chris Norwood
SCCSBA Exec Director Bonnie Mace
SCCSBA LAC Chair Isabel Jubes-Flamerich
SCCSBA Director at Large John Horner

Speakers

Bridget Watson

Board Member, Sunnyvale School District

Isabel Jubes-Flamerich

President, California Association of Latino Leaders in Education (CALLE)

Isabel Jubes-Flamerich is an education leader, elected school board trustee, architect, designer, and longtime advocate for educational equity, sustainability, and student success. Originally from Venezuela, Isabel brings her experience as an immigrant, parent, educator, and community... Read More →

John Horner

Board President, Morgan Hill USD

Bonnie Mace

Executive Director, Santa Clara County School Boards Association

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Willow Glen 3

Breakout Workshop

9:00am PDT

Empowering All Students and LEAs in a Digital World: The Leadership Role of Literacy, Access, and Systems

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Willow Glen 1

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, access to technology alone does not ensure student success. True empowerment requires a strong foundation in literacy, intentional digital literacy instruction, and leadership systems that ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students. This session addresses a critical governance issue: how to align foundational literacy, digital literacy, and systemwide supports into a coherent strategy that advances equity and student achievement.
Participants will examine how literacy serves as the gateway to digital access and opportunity, and how governance teams can lead the alignment of instructional priorities, technology investments, and accountability systems. Through a district-informed case example, attendees will explore how a unified approach which is grounded in strong literacy implementation and supported by intentional digital systems can move districts from isolated initiatives to measurable impact.
This workshop will provide leaders with a clear framework for understanding how to empower all students through strong literacy systems, equitable digital access, and strategic leadership decisions that prepare students for college, career, and civic life in a digital world.

Speakers

Priya Darbari

Superintendent, Keppel Union School District

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

9:00am PDT

Lead with Purpose: Serve, Heal, Transform

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Willow Glen 2

This panel discussion explores how catalytic, adaptive, and legacy leadership can transform schools and communities. Drawing from the themes of Lead with Purpose, panelists will discuss the responsibility of educational leaders to serve a purpose greater than themselves and remain focused on the success and well-being of students.

Through real-world experiences and practical insights, participants will explore what effective leadership is—and what it is not—while learning how purpose-driven leadership can build trust, inspire change, strengthen communities, and create a lasting impact for future generations.

Speakers

Carmen Vargas

Barclays

Deborah Bautista Zavala

Interim Executive Director, CALLE

Gloria Ramos

Board Member, Centinela Valley Union High School District

Angela Fajardo

Lennox Elementary School District

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

9:00am PDT

The Multilingual Advantage: From Student Success to Economic Opportunity

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Guadlupe

At a time when bilingual education is increasingly politicized, school and district leaders play a critical role in protecting opportunities for multilingual learners and advancing policies that recognize language as an asset, not a barrier. In this interactive session, SEAL and UNITE-LA will highlight why investing in multilingual learners, dual immersion programs and biliteracy pathways—from early childhood through TK–12, postsecondary and into the workforce—is essential to maintaining California’s economic edge.

Participants will explore instructional practices, leadership strategies and district stories that improve outcomes for English Learners and all students. UNITE-LA will share new research focused on employers’ perspectives on bilingual talent, while SEAL will provide practical examples leaders can adapt locally. Participants will hear how districts, employers and bilingual communities are responding to changing educational and workforce demands and how leaders can build systems and partnerships that strengthen pathways to college, career and economic mobility.

Speakers

Patty Chavez

Email Title to [email protected] for badge, SEAL

AJ Lucas

Associate Director, UNITE-LA

Ulises Gonzalez Reyes

Associate Director, SEAL

SEAL is a nonprofit with a powerful research- and evidence-based approach to advancing the educational outcomes of multilingual learners. For more than 15 years, we've work across the state of California, partnering with preschools and elementary schools, districts, county offices... Read More →

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Guadlupe

Breakout Workshop

9:00am PDT

United in Governance: From Policy to Impact

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

San Carlos

Strong governance requires more than policy adoption—it requires meaningful impact. This session highlights how boards and leadership teams work in partnership with their communities to align policy, practice, and resources to improve student outcomes. Participants will explore real examples of increased graduation rates, reduced absenteeism, and strengthened family engagement, demonstrating how community-centered leadership drives measurable and sustainable results.

Speakers

Jesus M. Holguin

Fiscal Analyst, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Don English

Trustee, Chaffey Joint Union High School District

Dr. Cherina Betters

Board Clerk, San Bernardino Community College District

Dr. Fermin Jaramillo

Trustee, Etiwanda School District

Dr. Scott Wyatt

Area Director, Student Services, SBCSS

Marcelino "Mars" Serna

Board Member, Fontana Unified School District

Saturday August 29, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
San Carlos

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

Beyond the Classroom: How Community Partnerships and Student-Centered Systems Are Transforming Outcomes for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Saturday August 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Guadlupe

Students experiencing homelessness face barriers that extend far beyond academics. In Santa Clara County, the number of students identified under the McKinney-Vento Act has increased significantly in recent years, requiring school systems to rethink how they support student success, attendance, belonging, and stability.

This session will highlight how Morgan Hill and Sunnyvale School Districts developed integrated support systems for students and families experiencing housing instability through strategic partnerships, targeted transportation services, outreach coordinators, food assistance programs, emergency planning support, and community collaboration.

Participants will learn how district leaders moved beyond compliance to create a coordinated system of care designed to remove barriers, increase engagement, improve attendance, and strengthen trust with families. Presenters will share lessons learned, challenges encountered, and early outcomes from this ongoing work.

Speakers

Jessie Swift

Director of Student Services, Morgan Hill USD

Dr. Carmen Garcia

Superintendent, Morgan Hill USD

Dr. Carmen García was born in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, México, and grew up in Southern California where she took full advantage of her K-12 education. Subsequently, she attended the University of San Diego where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History... Read More →

John Horner

Board President, Morgan Hill USD

Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D

Superintendent, Sunnyvale School District

Dr. Gudiel R. Crosthwaite has dedicated over 30 years to public education, championing equity, mentorship, and student success. He began his career in 1994 as a classroom teacher and has since served in leadership roles at every level—elementary, middle, and high school.In 2025... Read More →

Paul Slayton

Director of Student Support Services, Sunnyvale School District

Virginia Varela-Campos

Board President, Orchard School District

Saturday August 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Guadlupe

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

Camino al Éxito: Building Connections, Confidence, and Successful Transitions

Saturday August 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

San Carlos

The transition from elementary to middle school is a pivotal moment in a student's educational journey. Camino al Éxito (Path to Success) is a cross-age mentoring program designed to support fifth-grade students by connecting them with trained high school mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Through meaningful relationships, interactive activities, and exposure to their future school community, students develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate this important transition successfully.
What You Can ExpectParticipants will:

Learn how to design and implement a cross-age mentoring program that supports students during key school transitions.
Explore strategies for fostering belonging, confidence, and positive peer relationships.
Review program structure, mentor training, and implementation timelines.
Examine pre- and post-program data demonstrating the program's impact on student confidence and school connectedness.
Hear lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations for sustaining and expanding the program.
Leave with practical tools and resources that can be adapted to support student transition efforts in their own schools or districts.

Speakers

Dr. Olga Rios

Trustee, ABC Unified

Dr. Rios is an advocate for children. Currently, she is a Director for Student Services for a nearby district. Before that, she was a teacher for sixteen years and school administrator for eight years. Dr. Rios believes that her success can only be truly meaningful if she helps others... Read More →

Marlies Harris

Equity Officer, ABC Unified

With 15 years in ABCUSD, I have served as a special education teacher, reading intervention specialist, assistant principal, and equity officer, committed to advancing student achievement, inclusion, and educational equity for all.

Dr. Carol Castro

Assistant Superintendent, ABC Unified

Saturday August 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
San Carlos

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

FIRM, FAIR AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE LABOR RELATIONS

Saturday August 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Willow Glen 2

FIRM, FAIR AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE LABOR RELATIONS

Speakers

Ana Vigil

Board Member, Riverbank Unified School District

Leanne Leonard, EdD

Chief Human Resources Officer, Riverbank USD

Dr. Constantino Aguilar

Superintendent, Riverbank Unified School District

Sal Holguin

Partner, AALRR

Saturday August 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

10:00am PDT

Reimagining Attendance & Parent Engagement for Student Success

Saturday August 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Willow Glen 1

Participants will engage with CESD leadership as we work to reduce chronic absenteeism and elevate parent engagement utilizing the Harvard University Dual Capacity Framework. Learn how CESD successfully reduced Chronic Absenteeism and is engaging parents to be active partners in education.

Speakers

Norma E. Martinez

Superintendent, Centralia Elementary School District

Ms. Norma E. Martinez has served the Centralia Elementary School District since 2010 and has been honored to lead as Superintendent since 2015. She oversees an award-winning district serving Anaheim, Buena Park, and La Palma, with schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California... Read More →

Mrs. Angela Hernandez

Board Vice President, Centralia Elementary School District

Angela M. Hernandez serves as Vice President of the Centralia Elementary School District Governing Board, representing Area 3. A dedicated community leader, business owner, and advocate for children and families, she brings years of experience supporting public education through Parent-Teacher... Read More →

Saturday August 29, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

Beyond the Classroom: Why School Board Members Should Lead on Water Policy

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Willow Glen 2

California’s school board members are increasingly confronting issues that extend well beyond education, including safe drinking water, climate resilience, aging infrastructure, school greening, and environmental justice. These challenges directly affect student health, school operations, and community well-being, particularly in historically underserved communities.
This panel will explore the vital role education leaders play in advancing healthier, more resilient communities through partnerships, innovative campus improvements, and informed public policy. Participants will gain practical insights into the intersection of education, public health, sustainability, and water policy - and learn strategies to help ensure safe, reliable water and stronger outcomes for students and the communities they serve.

Speakers

Israel Fuentes

Board Vice President, Colton Joint Unified School District

Renita Armstrong

Early Childhood Special Education Specialist, LACOE

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

Counting on Success in Math? 3rd Grade Proficiency Starts In Preschool

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Willow Glen 1

This session will focus on the work of Empire Union (Stanislaus) and their efforts to build a bridge between their preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten-3rd grade programs within a statewide network. Learn how Empire employed a multi-grade district team to build capacity in early mathematics across Pre-K through 3rd-grade transitions with the greatest benefits to English Learners and socio-economically disadvantaged students.
Highlights: Universal preschool and TK have the potential to close enormous equity gaps in third grade proficiency, benefiting all students and the entire K-12 school system. But that promise isn’t guaranteed without grade-to-grade coherence. The potential of preschool and TK gains expires over time, making now the right moment for districts to invest in solutions that persist into third grade and beyond.

Key Takeaways: In this session participants will understand districtwide monitoring in PreK-3 student progress for decision making and learn how to build teacher and administrator capacity in early mathematics.

Speakers

Steven Kellner

Director of District Leadership & State Policy, California Education Partners

C.W. Smith

Superintendent, Empire Union School District

Luis Argueta

Program Manager, CA Ed Partners

Tiffany Davenport

Assistant Superintendent, Empire Union School District

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

From Board Decision to Impact: How to Choose Professional Development That Works

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Willow Glen 1

School boards approve professional development spending every year — but how do you know if it's actually working? This session breaks down the three levers of effective PD and shows why the real marker of success is teacher growth, not just completion certificates. We'll explore what separates PD that truly changes practice from PD that checks a box, and why the strongest predictor of student outcomes is instruction. We will explore approaches that build on the strengths already in your district, rather than starting from scratch.
Board members and trustees will leave with a practical checklist for evaluating PD providers and holding them accountable for results.

Speakers

Erick J Herrmann

Champion for Multilingual Learners | Professional Development in Science of Reading, Writing & SEL | Instructional Coach & Literacy Specialist

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

From Learning Recession to Learning Recovery: Lessons from Districts Beating the Odds

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Guadlupe

Speakers

Dr. Cheryl James-Ward

Professor, San Diego State University

Dr. Sara Noguchi

Retired Superintendent, Modesto City Schools

LEAD Award Recipients

Dr. Steve Martinez

LEAD Legacy Recipient: Superintendent Emeritus, Twin Rivers Unified School District

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Guadlupe

Breakout Workshop

11:00am PDT

BP Workshops

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 4:30pm PDT

Willow Glen 2

Saturday August 29, 2026 11:00am - 4:30pm PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

12:00pm PDT

Lunch General Session: AI & the Future of Learning: Keeping People at the Heart of Innovation

Saturday August 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Enjoy lunch, live student entertainment, and a thought-provoking conversation about one of the most important questions facing education today: How can we use AI to strengthen learning, empower families, and elevate our communities while keeping people at the center?
Hear from Dr. Andres Bustamante, an expert in early childhood education, learning, and artificial intelligence, as he explores the possibilities of using AI to enhance—not replace—the relationships, culture, creativity, and human connection that make education meaningful.
We’ll also hear from our students at Christopher Elementary School, Oak Grove School District, and invite you to share your voice through the Unity Conference Survey.
Come enjoy the performance. Stay for the conversation. Leave inspired by what AI can make possible.

Speakers

Dr. Andres Bustamante

Researcher and Professor, UC Irvine

Andres Bustamante Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at the University of California Irvine’s School of Education. He directs the Social, iTerative, Engaged, and Meaningful (STEM) Learning Lab. Andres designs and implements play-based early childhood STEM interventions in places and... Read More →

Saturday August 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Main Ballroom

General Session

1:45pm PDT

Beyond the Classroom: How Recent Federal Policy Changes Are Impacting CalFresh, School Meals, and Family Access

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Willow Glen 1

Recent federal policy changes are reshaping how families access nutrition benefits and creating new challenges for schools, community organizations, and advocates working to combat food insecurity. In California, the impacts are being felt through CalFresh, the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves millions of children and families each year.

This session will examine recently enacted federal legislation and policy changes, including provisions within H.R. 1 and the July 2025 reinterpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), and explore how these developments may affect access to nutrition programs for children and families. Participants will learn how changes to CalFresh eligibility, benefit access, and public charge concerns may influence participation in school meal programs and other federal nutrition supports.

The session will also discuss how increased confusion around eligibility, data sharing concerns, and immigration-related fears can discourage families from applying for CalFresh, completing meal applications, or participating in other benefit programs. These trends have implications for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) rates, Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) funding, cafeteria revenue, and overall student access to nutritious meals.

While school meals remain available to all students regardless of immigration status, schools are increasingly being asked to navigate complex questions from families about eligibility, confidentiality, and the relationship between nutrition programs and immigration policy.

Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to:
• Understand recent federal policy changes and their implications for CalFresh and school nutrition programs.
• Support families with accurate information and trusted resources.
• Strengthen outreach efforts and build trust within immigrant and mixed-status communities.
• Advocate for equitable policies that protect access to nutrition programs for children and families.
• Partner across sectors to ensure students continue receiving the nutrition support they need to learn and thrive.

Together, we will explore how schools, community organizations, and advocates can respond to these evolving challenges while advancing equity, food access, and student well-being.

Speakers

Andrea Cuellar

Sr. Program Manager, No Kid Hungry Campaign

Daisy Munguia

Email Title to [email protected] for badge, No Kid Hungry

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Willow Glen 1

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

From Resolution to Action: How School Boards Can Advance Educator Diversity

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

San Carlos

Latino school board members and governance teams are uniquely positioned to lead on one of the most urgent issues facing California schools: building and sustaining a fully prepared, diverse educator workforce that reflects and serves our students and communities.

This session centers a board resolution toolkit informed by real examples from California districts, highlighting how local leaders are advancing innovative solutions. To support effective use of the toolkit, participants will reflect on statewide workforce data trends and research and consider the role of school boards and governing teams in aligning policy, budget, and accountability to strengthen educator recruitment and retention.

Participants will engage directly with key questions: How can school boards use resolutions to drive meaningful change in educator workforce outcomes? What does it look like to align policy, investment, and accountability to recruit and retain a fully prepared, diverse educator workforce?

Participants will engage in reflection and small group activities to adapt sample language, identify next steps, and plan for local action. Participants will leave with practical tools, sample language, and a clearer action plan to move from commitment to action.

Speakers

Dr. Renae Skarin

Senior Advisor, ELSF

Renae Skarin has almost 30 years of experience working with English learner and minoritized populations through research, advocacy, and program development and implementation with educators nationwide and abroad. She currently serves as the Senior Advisor for Content at the English... Read More →

Benito Aranda-Comer

Email Title to [email protected] for badge, The Education Trust–West

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
San Carlos

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

Negotiating Authoritarianism in Higher Education: Centering the Latinx/Chicanx Student in Legislation and Advocacy

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Guadlupe

The California Faculty Association is the nation's largest faculty union. This workshop addresses legislative challenges facing CSU faculty and students. Through a racial-justice lens, the session highlights top legislative priorities for higher-education faculty, students, and staff. We will examine the potential impact of selected proposed California legislation on the educational success of Latinx students. This interactive workshop offers practical strategies for advocacy and mobilization, emphasizing academic freedom, intersectional issues facing Black and Latinx/Chicanx students, and Ethnic Studies teacher preparation. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify current legislative challenges affecting CSU students and faculty, recognize advocacy strategies aligned with CFA legislative priorities, and understand how these strategies support Latinx student success, academic freedom, and Ethnic Studies (K-university).

Speakers

Dr. Theresa Montano

Trustee, Los Angeles COE

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Guadlupe

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

Things to Know About AB 218 Sexual Abuse Cases

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Willow Glen 2

Learn about the evolution and present status of the law permitting initiation of sexual abuse cases for conduct occuring up to decades ago. Practitioners will discuss what District’s can do when such claims are filed against them and the practical issues, including determining coverage and whether resolution versus defending through trial should be considered.

Speakers

Marlon Wadlington

Partner, AALRR

Scott Danforth

Partner, AALRR

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Willow Glen 2

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

Walking in Their Shoes: A Student-Centered Approach to Engagement Through Multilingual Learner Shadowing

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT

Willow Glen 3

Student engagement is a key driver of academic success, yet schools often lack opportunities to understand how students experience learning throughout the day. This session introduces the nationally recognized, evidence-based Multilingual Learner Shadowing Protocol, a powerful process that helps educators and leaders view school through the eyes of students.

Participants will learn how shadowing can uncover opportunities and barriers related to engagement, language development, participation, relationships, and belonging. By collecting real-time evidence from a student's perspective, school teams can identify actionable strategies to strengthen student voice, improve learning experiences, and create more responsive and inclusive school environments.

Aligned with the California English Learner Roadmap, this session demonstrates how student shadowing serves as a catalyst for reflection, continuous improvement, and meaningful engagement for multilingual learners and all students.

Speakers

Rubi Flores

Director of Learning, Engagement, Advocacy, and Development, California Association for Bilingual Education

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Willow Glen 3

Breakout Workshop

1:45pm PDT

Healing and Wellness Drum Circle

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Maggie Steele has been inspiring and empowering Mendocino County and
neighboring communities for more than 30 years. A dynamic speaker, educator, and
community leader, she has delivered impactful trainings, presentations, youth programs,
and school assemblies in Ukiah, Willits, Round Valley, and beyond—leaving lasting
impressions wherever she goes.
Cultural Leadership and the heART of Wellness is a powerful and engaging
experience that brings culture, leadership, and wellness to life through storytelling,
teachings, and interactive activities. Rich cultural stories are woven together with
meaningful examples and vivid metaphors that illuminate wisdom, healing, resilience,
and well-being. Participants are invited into an energizing leadership activity that helps
them discover their unique strengths while expanding their vision of leadership,
teamwork, and collaboration. Teachings about the drum offer a profound reflection on
connection, life, death, transformation, and the rhythms that unite us all. The experience
concludes with a community healing art graphic that powerfully captures and reinforces
the day’s shared lessons.

Speakers

Maggie Steele

Founder, 7 th Generation Warriors for Peace

Maggie Steele is the founder of 7 th Generation Warriors for Peace an organization dedicated to
working with tribes, communities, organizations, adult and youth detention facilities, in cultural
leadership, healing and empowerment. She has implemented leadership programs and youth
e... Read More →

Saturday August 29, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Breakout Workshop

2:45pm PDT

Coffee, Sweets and Exhibit Visits

Saturday August 29, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Saturday August 29, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Meal

3:15pm PDT

UnityLeadership, Legacy & the Future of California Education

Saturday August 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Spend Saturday afternoon with leaders who are helping shape the future of California education and celebrating those already making a difference in their communities.
Hear from Richard Barrera, candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Fiona Ma, candidate for Lieutenant Governor, as they share their perspectives on the future of education and California’s next generation of leaders.
We’ll also celebrate four outstanding Latino/a Educational Advancement & Distinction (LEAD) Award recipients whose leadership and commitment are making an impact across California:
• Stockton Unified School District
• Oak Grove School District
• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
• Keppel Union School District
Hear from tomorrow’s leaders. Celebrate today’s changemakers. Be inspired by what’s possible.

Speakers

Fiona Ma, CPA

Treasurer; Candidate for Lt. Governor, State of California

Richard Barrera

Board President; Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, San Diego Unified School District

The son of an immigrant father from Colombia and the grandson of Ellis Island immigrants, Richard Barrera’s story is one of sacrifice, opportunity, and the transformative power of public education.Richard’s family came to the United States searching for a better life and quickly... Read More →

Saturday August 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Main Ballroom

General Session

4:45pm PDT

Sound Reset: a calming sound experience to relax, recharge, and reset

Saturday August 29, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT

Almaden Room (third floor)

Speakers

Nora Maldonado

Founder, Sound Reset

Saturday August 29, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Almaden Room (third floor)

Breakout Workshop

6:00pm PDT

Dinners on your own

Saturday August 29, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

8:30pm PDT

Unity Presidents Reception: Noche Tropical with Live Music By Sonora San Jose

Saturday August 29, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Join us for a special evening celebrating our school board presidents and education leaders. Enjoy great conversation, connections, and live cumbia y salsa by Sonora San José in a festive tropical-inspired setting. An evening to recognize leadership, build relationships, and celebrate our Unity community!

Saturday August 29, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Reception

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