CLSBA Unity 2026: Full Schedule

3:00pm PDT

Unity Opening: Leadership, Culture & Live Music

Thursday August 27, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Unity starts here! Join us as we officially open the 2026 Unity Conference with an inspiring celebration of leadership, culture, and community.
Hear from distinguished education leaders, including representatives from the California State Board of Education, and experience the energy of our community through Aztec dancers, live music, and School Yard Rap featuring an incredible lineup of voices and performers.
Come together, celebrate our shared purpose, and get ready for an unforgettable Unity experience!
Featuring: Sara Bachez • Dr. Francisco Escobedo • Dr. Beatriz Chaidez • Aztec Dancers • School Yard Rap

Speakers

Calpulli Tonalehqueh Aztec Dancers

Sara Bachez

Senior Director, Education Policy and Advocacy, Children Now

Dr. Francisco Escobedo

California State Board of Education

Dr. Francisco Escobedo has been an educator the better part of 30 years. He was the Superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) for over a decade. Located in southern San Diego County, the District's 46 schools serve over 29,400 students. In 2019, the Learning... Read More →

Dr. Beatriz Chaidez

Chancellor, San Jose Evergreen Community College District

With a career that began as a classroom teacher, Dr. Beatriz Chaidez has spent more than 25 years in education. Currently chancellor of San José – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD), Dr. Chaidez previously held the roles of interim chancellor, vice chancellor of human... Read More →

School Yard Rap

Thursday August 27, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Main Ballroom

General Session

12:00pm PDT

Welcome Lunch: The Future of California: Education, Opportunity & Power

Friday August 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Unity Voices: Education, Opportunity & the Future of California
Experience a powerful midday gathering that brings culture, connection, and big ideas to the heart of Unity.
We’ll begin with live music and a special First Nations belonging ceremony, creating a meaningful moment to honor the land, community, and connections that bring us together.
Then, join Dr. Iliana Perez of Immigrants Rising for an engaging fireside conversation with visionary leaders Julian Castro, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, and Eloy Ortiz Oakley as they explore the future of education, economic opportunity, higher education, and the changing landscape of California.
Come for the culture. Stay for the conversation. Leave inspired about what’s possible for our students, communities, and California.

Speakers

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 →

Julian Castro

CEO, Latino Community Foundation

Julián Castro serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation.Julián’s deep commitment to the future of this nation is woven into his DNA. Raised by his mother Rosie Castro, a civil rights and Chicana activist, and his grandmother, Victoria Castro, on the westside of San Antonio, Texas, Julian grew up with a profound understanding of what... Read More →

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson

President, California State University, San Jose

Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson became President of San José State University in January 2023, taking the helm of California’s first public university and the founding campus of the California State University system. As the first Latina president in SJSU’s history, she is leading... Read More →

Dr. Iliana Perez

CEO, Immigrants Raising

Iliana G. Perez, Ph.D.
An esteemed leader in the field of immigrant entrepreneurship, Dr. Perez (she/her) brings over a decade of experience as a researcher and advocate for immigrant rights to her role at Immigrants Rising. She has pioneered initiatives to empower and support undocumented entrepreneurs... Read More →

Eloy Ortiz Oakley

CEO, College Futures Foundation

Eloy Ortiz Oakley is an American educator, leader, and advisor and is widely regarded as a leading voice on improving equity in higher education and positioning institutions to respond to global shifts in the workforce and the future of learning.Oakley was appointed president and... Read More →

Friday August 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Main Ballroom

General Session

3:15pm PDT

Unity: Celebrating Leadership, Impact & Our Future

Friday August 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Close out an incredible day of Unity with an afternoon celebrating the leaders, educators, and advocates who are shaping the future of California education.
Hear from Dr. Margarita Berta-Ávila, President of the California Faculty Association, as she shares her perspective on the issues and opportunities facing California educators.

Help shape CALLE’s legislative priorities through an interactive priorities survey.
The highlight of the afternoon will be the presentation of the Latino/a Educational Advancement & Distinction (LEAD) Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and school districts making a meaningful difference in education and their communities.
LEAD Honorees:
• Buena Park School District
• Heber Elementary School District
• McFarland Unified School District
• Dr. Steve Martinez
Celebrate the leaders. Shape the priorities. Inspire the future.

Friday August 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Main Ballroom

General Session

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

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

3:00pm PDT

12:00pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

12:00pm PDT

3:15pm PDT

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