EAs shift into leadership at ACSA workshop
March 9, 2026
Executive assistants may not always have a leadership title — but they lead in every sense of the word.
Executive assistants are more than just support staff — they are essential leaders who ensure smooth operations, solve complex problems, and serve as trusted advisors behind the scenes. That leadership role will be front and center during ACSA’s upcoming three-day virtual workshop, The EA Power Shift: Mastering Institutional Memory & Driving Executive Strategy.
Presented by Victoria Webber, Irma Sanchez, and Tricia Zarevich, the workshop equips participants with the mindset, confidence, and practical tools needed to function as trusted executive partners to superintendents, boards, and cabinet teams.
“While administrators have clear professional development pathways, EAs are too often left with generic clerical training,” said Sanchez, executive assistant to the superintendent in Ontario-Montclair School District. “This opportunity fills a critical void by treating district EAs like the strategic, specialized partners they truly are.”
Through guided discussions, real-world scenarios, and collaborative activities, attendees will strengthen executive presence, strategic communication, and decision-making skills while connecting with peers across districts to share insights, challenges, and best practices.
“Superintendents, administrators, and boards may change, but we are the district’s constant. We don’t just hold the keys to the office; We hold the institutional memory that keeps the system stable,” said Zarevich, executive assistant to the superintendent and board of trustees in Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District. “Our role isn’t to live in the past, but to ensure that every lesson we’ve learned becomes a strategic advantage for the leaders we are standing beside today.”
Last year, more than 140 executive assistants attended this training. Webber said she hopes even more EAs attend this year’s sessions to learn that imposter syndrome is real but conquerable.
“That voice telling you ‘You don’t belong here’? It’s not evidence — it’s noise,” said Webber, executive assistant to the superintendent in Laguna Beach USD. “Learn how to quiet it, build confidence, and step fully into the role you’ve already earned.”
Takeaways for EAs
Attendees were asked to share their biggest takeaways from last year’s workshop. Here’s what they had to say:
“I walked away feeling empowered to do my part as a leader in my district.”
“Confidentiality is essential for a good AA or EA.”
“Being clear, correct and concise with everything that I write and put out.”
“I am reminded that we all face similar challenges even though sometimes it feels like everyone else has it all together.”
“The ... importance of carving out time for self-care. I need to care for myself in order to care for others.”
“One thing that stood out to me was the ‘human-ness’ of this training. The reminders of how we present ourselves, how to handle difficult conversations, and reminders that we also deserve respect was refreshing.”
FYI
The EA Power Shift: Mastering Institutional Memory &
Driving Executive Strategy
What: A multi-day professional learning experience designed for executive and senior administrative assistants in school districts.
When: 9-11 a.m. March 31, 3-5 p.m. April 7, and 9-11 a.m. April 15.
Where: Virtual (Online Learning Center)
Cost: $199 ACSA members
Register: onlinelearning.acsa.org/courses/the-ea-power-shift-mastering-institutional-memory-and-driving-executive-strategy-copy-bi9u
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