The Puzzle: Blog

The conference was better than we ever could have imagined, filled with rich conversations, inspiring speeches, and provocative panels.  The day began with back-to-back keynote speeches, led by Wanda Holland-Greene and Mark Reed, of Hamlin School and Charlotte Country Day School, respectively.  Wanda kicked off the event with powerful, beautiful strains of “My Country Tis Of Thee,” which she belted joyfully into the microphone.  Inspiring, insightful, funny, poignant, and pragmatic, the two keynotes complemented one another perfectly and set the tone for a day that would be unlike any other conference we’ve ever hosted.

As candidates and schools connected via interviews, which stretched from 10am until 5pm, school contacts, candidates, and non-job-seekers alike attended a series of panels led by our 22 honorary faculty members. Topics ranged from creating an authentic culture of multiculturalism to retaining faculty of color to a frank discussion of women and leadership.  We are so grateful to the faculty members for their poise, honesty, and grace in navigating these topics and offering relevant, sound advice for all who are committed to issues of diversity and inclusion.

The event ended with a town hall discussion, led by Lolli Lucas Clark and Alexis Wright (of Sierra Canyon School and Bank Street School for Children, respectively), inviting participants to share their own stories.  Attendees bravely approached the microphone, sharing their stories with the group.  This was a powerful testament to the positive work that has been done — and the work that still needs to be done — regarding diversity and inclusion in our schools.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this forum a reality.  As the recruitment season picks up speed, we encourage all our candidates to “Dream Big,” and we look forward to continuing to host this event and spark important conversations in years to come.

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