The U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team’s dominance at the Women’s World Cup this summer gave the country a chance to celebrate female victory — something all too rare in the male-dominated world of professional sports. This team is empowering other women, especially young girls, who see that they, too, can be valued for their success in a stereotypically male pursuit. “It’s a good reminder for us to not forget that we can’t be what we can’t see,” said Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Superintendent of Schools and a keynote speaker at ACSA’s Women in School Leadership Forum. “Role models, mentors, and sponsors of all genders, ages and ethnicities are critical for supporting each other now and the future generation of women leaders.” Since it began in 2011, ACSA’s Women in School Leadership Forum has given female school leaders an opportunity to form networks — something that’s difficult if you are often the only woman in the room. Studies have shown that women are more and more underrepresented the higher they go in school administration. While women make up a majority of the teaching profession (77 percent), only 54 percent of school principals are female and just 25 percent of school superintendents identify as female, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics and a survey by the American Association of School Administrators. In addition to serving as role models for women, Estrella-Henderson said the National Women’s Soccer Team teaches us a number of other lessons on leadership, including: Resilience is key — “Playing on a team of this level as in life can be hard, and resilience is what will take us the distance,” she said. “The ability to recover from difficulties, to spring back into shape, adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy or sources of stress is what will set you apart.” On a winning team, everyone matters — “Feeling engaged and empowered comes from a sense of ownership as well as involvement in the bigger picture,” she said. “None of us is an island, in particular in leadership.” Leadership is about empowering others to deliver results — Creating a winning culture means inspiring others, often leading by example, Estrella-Henderson said. “It’s important as women in positions of leadership to demonstrate the willingness to be risktakers, innovators, and be vulnerable to learn from our mistakes,” she said. Accountability in action — Estrella-Henderson calls this the “cornerstone” of winning leaders and their teams. “The U.S. Women’s National Soccer team exemplified having a common, clear vision in which every member played their part in reaching the goal,” she said. “As women leaders, when we each hold ourselves accountable for high expectations and achievement, the team as a whole wins, ultimately generating meaningful personal and team growth.” In her keynote address at the Women in School Leadership Forum, Estrella-Henderson will be expanding on this year’s theme of “Courageous Leadership, Elevating Hearts and Minds” and sharing her perspective on the foundation upon which courageous leadership is grounded for women leaders.  The forum will also feature: Keynote Seconde Nimenya: This award-winning author, inspirational speaker and a diversity leadership advocate helps audiences understand themselves and one another. She blends her varied backgrounds to create dynamic presentations, using a unique approach that is both inspiring and empowering. Keynote Dr. Ember Conley: Currently Superintendent of Mesa Public Schools in Arizona, Conley also serves on the Executive Board for the Horace Mann League and ASCD Legislative Committee. Morning Yoga: Clear your mind for a day of inspirational speakers with yoga from 6-7 a.m. each morning. Networking: With formal networking opportunities (like the networking breakfast or reception) and plenty of informal ones, attendees may find a new mentor or an emerging woman leader to mentor. Hotel/amenities: The Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach offers clean, coastal style within steps from the beach and a short walk to the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. Attendees will enjoy the soothing seaside ambiance in this 250-room hotel with 35,000-square-feet of meeting space. Relax in the Balinese-inspired spa, dine on pan-seared scallops at Tanners, their signature restaurant, or cap off the day with a cocktail at the Treehouse Bar at Tanners, their rooftop bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean with exceptional views of Huntington Beach. 

What: ACSA’s premier networking and educational experience designed to engage, enlighten, empower and connect women education leaders from across the country. When: Sept. 25-27, 2019 Where: Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach Cost: $479 members/$279 members one-day rate Info: