In Southern California, it’s often said that neighbors barely know one another. On Oct. 4, two of ACSA’s largest regions — Region 15 and Region 16 — proved otherwise. Leaders from across Los Angeles Unified School District, from Lancaster to Pomona and surrounding communities came together for the first-ever joint Leadership Symposium, under the theme “Lead with Care.” More than 200 administrators attended, underscoring the power of connection and shared purpose.

The event was a testament to resilience. Originally scheduled for January 2025, the symposium was postponed after the Eaton Fire devastated the Altadena community, including Region 15’s Eliot Magnet Academy. Rather than cancel, symposium co-chairs Dr. Kevin Despard (R15), Dr. April Leon (R15), and Dr. Jose M. Rodriguez (R16) led a thoughtful pivot. Their collaboration turned challenge into opportunity, bringing together educators in ways that strengthened bonds across regions.

The morning opened with Dr. Shree Walker, whose keynote “Resiliency: The Power of One” resonated deeply with participants. Sharing her personal and professional journey, she reminded leaders that resiliency is born in struggle: “We are shaped by storms, steady in struggle, and still walking in purpose and power.” Walker urged educators to silence negative voices, embrace their scars as wisdom, and lead with strength in the face of adversity.

Closing the symposium was Dr. Candace Singh, former superintendent, whose keynote “Trust and Inspire Leadership” challenged attendees to rethink what it means to lead. Drawing from her transformative work in building school cultures where students thrive, she emphasized courage in action, the importance of standing for what matters, and the four essential roles of leadership: trust, clarity, execution, and growth.

Between keynotes, participants selected from a diverse array of breakout sessions reflecting the real challenges and opportunities school leaders face. Topics ranged from “Leading for Equity: Your First 100 Days in District Office” to “Wellness-Centered Leadership” and “Building Bridges for LGBTQ+ Advocacy.”

Other sessions included practical strategies for leveraging community school grants, embedding equity by design, navigating CalSTRS retirement planning, and developing future-ready learners. This mix of content ensured leaders walked away with both inspiration and actionable tools to take back to their schools and districts.

“I left each workshop with practical ideas for supporting my team while maintaining wellness and balance,” said one attendee.

The inaugural symposium was more than a one-day event. It was the beginning of a shared vision for leadership development across two influential regions. By focusing on resilience, equity, and wellness, Regions 15 and 16 modeled the kind of collaborative leadership needed to address today’s educational challenges.

As Walker reminded attendees, resilience is not simply about enduring hardship — it’s about turning hardship into wisdom. And as Singh reinforced, trust is the foundation upon which meaningful, lasting change is built.

Together, these messages created a call to action for every leader in the room: to lead with care, courage, and connection, ensuring that every student, educator, and community has the opportunity to thrive.

April Leon, Ed.D., is principal of Roynon Elementary School in Bonita USD and Jose M. Rodriguez, Ed.D., is an administrative coordinator in the Office of Induction and Credentialing in LAUSD.