In the spirit of renewal, reflection and advocacy, ACSA Region 16 welcomed the new year with a calming and inspiring event: the Wellness Retreat and Equity Sweet 16 Brunch. Co-chaired by Simone Charles and Judy Goitia, this gathering at the oceanside Maya Hotel offered educational leaders an opportunity to reconnect with their well-being, foster community and recommit to the transformative work of equity and inclusion in education.

The day began with yoga, a sound bath session and a wellness walk, setting a tranquil tone for participants. Led by wellness practitioners skilled in restorative practices, the session provided space for participants to relax, center themselves and release stress.

The wellness focus was inspired by ACSA President Rafael Plascencia’s initiative to prioritize wellness and mental well-being for educators. Acknowledging the often-overlooked toll that educational leadership can take, Plascencia has championed efforts to create intentional spaces for educators to recharge and develop sustainable wellness practices.

“The work we do requires us to be whole and healthy, mentally and physically,” said Plascencia. “Wellness is essential to equity because only when we are well can we truly serve our students and school communities with clarity and compassion.”

Equity Sweet 16 Brunch Following the morning of wellness, the Equity Sweet 16 Brunch highlighted the importance of equity-driven leadership. The event featured keynote speaker Tracie Noriega, ACSA senior director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Professional Learning, who shared powerful insights on the intersection of wellness, leadership and the ongoing fight for educational equity.

Noriega emphasized that wellness is not just an individual pursuit but a collective responsibility. She called on leaders to recognize the systemic challenges that disproportionately affect marginalized students and educators, urging everyone in attendance to view wellness through an equity lens. In her address, Noriega reminded participants that meaningful change requires both courage and resilience. Her message resonated with many in the room, who saw the connection between their personal well-being and their capacity to lead change in their school communities.

The parable of change: Lessons from Octavia Butler A highlight of the brunch was a moment of reflection centered on a quote from Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower”: “All that you touch, you Change. All that you Change, Changes you. The only lasting truth Is Change.”

This profound statement served as a guiding theme for the retreat, reminding participants that change — whether personal, professional or societal — is both inevitable and transformative. Just as leaders must adapt to shifting educational landscapes, they must also be willing to change internally to sustain the work of equity and justice.

The quote sparked rich conversations about the ways in which educators can embrace change as a pathway to growth, both for themselves and for their school communities.

By prioritizing wellness and fostering a community of support, ACSA Region 16 demonstrated its commitment to nurturing leaders who are not only capable of driving change but also capable of sustaining themselves through the journey.

Simone Charles is Region 16’s representative on ACSA’s Council of Equity Leaders.