In this episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Jennifer Womble—Chair of the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) and District Administration—to explore how AI, innovation, and authentic leadership are reshaping the education landscape. They discuss what it takes to build scalable professional development, the power of one-on-one tutoring powered by AI, the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, and how schools can start building intentional, human-centered strategies for today—not tomorrow. With real-world insight and boundless optimism, Jennifer offers a roadmap for school leaders to embrace the now and lead with purpose.

In this powerful episode of Voices for Excellence, Dr. Michael Conner sits down with Christine Fowler-Mack—former Superintendent of Akron Public Schools and current CEO of Reimagine Solutions—to unpack what it truly takes to lead large, complex school systems in the A/C (After COVID) stage of education. Christine shares her three signature leadership principles—authenticity, adaptive coherence, and collective genius—and challenges us to move from compliance-driven practices to bold, equity-centered transformation. Together, they explore the critical intersection of policy, innovation, and human-centered design, highlighting how generative AI, disciplined inquiry, and intentional pacing can elevate outcomes for all students. Whether you're a superintendent, strategist, or systems leader, this conversation offers actionable insight on how to lead with purpose—and build blueprints that last.

Dr. James Lane is the chief executive officer of PDK International and Educators Rising. He most recently served as Acting Assistant Secretary and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education after serving as Senior Advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona.

Susan M. Bearden, CETL is a strategic, growth-oriented education technology leader who approaches IT from an educator mindset. A former teacher and K12 IT leader, she is currently the CEO of Bearden Education Technology Consulting and is passionate about facilitating best practices in education technology in support of innovative teaching and learning.

Dr. Barber is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools. Barber has more than 20 years of experience as an educator, having previously served as superintendent of Frankfort Independent Schools and more. In that position, Dr. Barber established highly qualified, cross-functional teams in order to streamline district operations and foster greater communication and connection between stakeholders.

Dr. Pedro Roman joined the Hyde Park Central School District as the Superintendent of Schools in July 2023. In his role as Superintendent, Dr. Roman is responsible for working with the Hyde Park Board of Trustees and school community to promote the district’s vision and mission, manage finances, personnel, and resources, and ensure students and staff have optimal teaching and learning conditions to empower them to strive for excellence and embrace the opportunities of our globally connected world.

Dr. Lisa Schleer brings over three decades of PK-12 administrative and special education expertise to her role as founder and CEO of LMS Educational Consulting. Her approach integrates data-driven decision-making with deep expertise in educational equity, as evidenced by her doctoral research on postsecondary access for Black and Hispanic low-income students.

Danelle Almaraz is an esteemed educational leader with an impressive track record over three decades. Throughout her distinguished career, Danelle’s unwavering commitment to student success and equity has consistently guided her efforts, making her a formidable advocate for the welfare of students, always prioritizing their best interests.