Women education leaders from across the country gathered for the “Bold Women – Bold Conversations” preconference workshop Wednesday afternoon at the AASA National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tenn. The room was energized and provided a safe space for women to reflect, connect and empower each other while refocusing their leadership purpose. 

Deborah Kerr, an AASA past president and superintendent of St. Francis School District in St Francis, Wis., welcomed attendees and set the stage by honoring the legacy of women who helped open doors in the profession.

Kerr played a video featuring the first two women to serve as AASA president, June Gabler (1987-88) and Sarah Jerome (2007-08), who reflected on the organization’s early efforts to increase women’s participation and the importance of sustained support and partnership across leadership roles. Kerr connected their message to the purpose of the gathering, underscoring the power of community in challenging seasons.

“These moments of connection are very important for us,” Kerr said. “We’re all coming in from different places, but we are all special and essential to this world.” 

Jerri J. Kemble, a former superintendent and author of The Badass Firefly: Lead with Light, Live with Grit, and Shine with Style and Grace, delivered the central remarks and guided workshop participants through a series of reflective and interactive exercises centered on clarity, courage and intentional leadership. She introduced a personal framework called name, same, fame, aim and gain, prompting attendees to describe not only their professional roles, but also what differentiates them and where they hope to grow next.

“When you get clear on it, you can introduce yourself with power and authority,” Kemble said, emphasizing how clarity can strengthen leadership presence and connection. 

Conversation at tables reinforced common themes many women leaders carry, including imposter syndrome, overcommitment and the habit of taking on burdens that do not belong to them. Kerr also highlighted the butterfly theme woven throughout the program as a reminder of transformation and change, a familiar reality for superintendents navigating constant shifts in priorities and pressures. 

Participants also began creating vision boards, translating their reflections into visual reminders of their goals and the direction they hope to pursue in the year ahead. 

Kemble’s final message: Leadership is not about doing more but about moving with purpose. By identifying what to release, clarifying what matters most and setting a steady pace, women leaders can lead with light, grit and confidence, both for themselves and the communities they serve.

(Christianna Papalexopoulou is AASA’s social media coordinator.)