Women educators convene for fall conference

Women Education Leaders in Virginia hosted its Region VII and VIII Fall Conference at UVa-Wise on Oct. 18 with some 30 participants convening for a day of learning.  

The day started with a welcome and opening remarks by Gina Wohlford, Norton City Schools superintendent and WELV Region 7 representative and WELV Executive Director Elaine Fogliani.

Keynote speaker was WELV past president Dr. Pam Moran, former superintendent of Albemarle County Schools and current executive director of the Virginia School Consortium for Learning. Her topic was, “Exploring What it Means to Be a Leader, a Woman, a Change Agent and a Risk Taker.”  

The afternoon consisted of a panel discussion on the book, “Leading Gracefully: A Woman’s Guide to Confident, Authentic and Effective Leadership,” presented by Fogliani with panelists Wohlford, Sheri Almond, curriculum and instruction coordinator, Cumberland County and WELV Secretary Jeanette Warwick, superintendent of Craig County schools and WELV Region 6 representative.     

Gena Cook Keller of Students First, LLC, presented on Virginia’s Profile of a Graduate, Profile of an Educator and Profile of a Leader. Keller is former assistant superintendent for learning with the Virginia Department of Education.

The conclusion of the day was focused on “Becoming an Inclusive Leader”  as well as participant networking.

 Established in 1998, Women Education Leaders in Virginia is a not-for-profit organization, affiliated with the Curry School at the University of Virginia, which includes and supports women in all areas of education in Virginia.  

The purpose of WELV is to bring together leaders to address issues related primarily to the accomplishments, advancement, concerns, interests, and special contributions of women in or aspiring to educational leadership.

The vision of the organization is to “shape the future by supporting women leaders in preK-16 education. We explore and bring to light new knowledge, ideas, and skills to serve those who are currently leading and provide the foundation for a new generation of women leaders.”