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

7:45am PDT

Unity Registration Open

Friday August 28, 2026 7:45am - 4:00pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Pick up your badges.

Friday August 28, 2026 7:45am - 4:00pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Registration

8:00am PDT

Coffee and Exhibit Visits

Friday August 28, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am PDT

Main Ballroom

Friday August 28, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am PDT
Main Ballroom

Meal

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

2:45pm PDT

Coffee, Sweets and Exhibit Visits

Friday August 28, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT

Main Ballroom

Friday August 28, 2026 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Meal

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

4:45pm PDT

Healing Drum Circle

Friday August 28, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm 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 →

Friday August 28, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Main Ballroom

Breakout Workshop