2025 ACSA Lead With Pride Summit

our students and parents thrive best when their educators do too. How is the morale of your staff these days? How has it felt to lead them these past two years?

Here’s the thing: people are not moved into action by thoughts alone—they are moved by emotions. Research shows that positive emotions are more contagious than negative ones, and when leaders create emotionally resonant environments, they foster a stronger sense of community and belonging.

For LGBTQIA+ students and staff, the need for safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces is critical. Emotional resonance—when the emotional parts of our brains align positively and foster connection—plays a key role in building such environments. Leaders who prioritize psychological safety and compassionate leadership inspire trust and belonging, especially in marginalized groups.

In this highly interactive, energetic, and experiential workshop, we’ll explore:

How to lead with emotional resonance to promote inclusion and equity.
Tools to create affirming spaces that celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities and empower staff to do the same for students.
The tenets of effective organizational climates, with an emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Strategies to build psychological safety through active listening, allyship, and compassionate leadership practices.
All K-16 administrators are welcome to attend and will leave with actionable strategies to make their schools more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ students and staff. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and grow. Get ready for a session that’s insightful, engaging, and fun!