August 22, 2024

Announcing the Launch of the WLE Emerging State Executives Network

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As states prepare for pivotal shifts in education leadership driven by upcoming gubernatorial elections, Women Leading Ed, the largest national nonprofit of women in education leadership, announces the launch of WLE Emerging State Executives Network, a groundbreaking and highly-selective initiative designed to identify, invest in, and elevate the next generation of women state education leaders at State Education Agencies (SEAs) across the country. 

Not just about leadership development, this exclusive program for aspiring state executives is about shaping the future of education across the nation by empowering women to step into top roles and drive enduring change. The highly selective, inaugural cohort will support a group of women currently or previously in SEA and local district roles interested in advancing to senior executive state-level positions. Through powerful experiences and exposure to the top leaders in the field, selected participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership and build a robust network of colleagues and peers along the way. 

“Women in education leadership are powering transformational change every single day, but the path to impactful leadership on the state level is full of roadblocks,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, founder and CEO of Women Leading Ed. 

“The reality of gender inequality in education leadership and the political challenges that state leaders face are pronounced. But with the right experience, skill development, and support, women in these positions advance critical policy change, systemic improvements, and strategic initiatives that drive student success and strengthen schools and communities. WLE ESE will provide those experiences, sharpen those key skills, and deliver exactly the support women who are in or aspire to be in state leadership need to realize their biggest bets and improve entire education systems for the long-term.”

WLE ESE is seeking dedicated and proven women leaders who are ready to step into high-level SEA positions.  Participants will receive free lifelong membership in the Women Leading Ed network, admittance to the Forum for Educational Leadership, enrollment in a cohort-based SEA Network Community of Practice, and intensive one-on-one coaching and individualized support from exceptional leaders.  

For more information or to nominate a rising state leader, visit https://www.womenleadinged.org/emerging-state-executives. 

More about Dr. Julia Rafal Baer

The driving force behind this new program, Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, is a distinguished leader in education with a formidable two-decade career marked by creating and leading initiatives that have profoundly impacted nearly every student nationwide. Her leadership in founding and implementing transformative programs such as Women Leading Ed, the Forum for Educational Leadership, Future Chiefs and Women in Leadership has shaped the landscape of education leadership across the United States. Dr. Rafal-Baer serves on numerous boards, including her appointment to the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Her work has been spotlighted by leading media outlets, and she is frequently invited to speak at national forums, legislative bodies, and educational conferences across the country.

More about Women Leading Ed

Women Leading Ed (WLE) is the largest national nonprofit network of women in education leadership. WLE is committed to supporting and advancing female education leadership through research, advocacy, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys. Women Leading Ed is taking on the big challenges facing our field and building a dynamic network within which leaders collaborate. Women Leading Ed is committed to fearlessly advocating for greater representation of women in education leadership, and shaping the public dialogue about gender equality in leadership more broadly using research and storytelling.

What Top Women in Education Leaders Are Saying About WLE ESE

Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell, Superintendent of Oakland Unified School District, Women Leading Ed Board Chair:

“As board chair of Women Leading Ed, I have seen firsthand the essential way that WLE cultivates the kind of leadership our systems need–today and going forward.  WLE ESE will help ensure that more women are in position to deliver the strong, visionary leadership we need at the state level, ultimately taking on the highest roles, and driving lasting change.”

Dr. Susana Córdova, Colorado Commissioner of Education:

“The WLE Emerging State Executives Network is not just an initiative; it's aimed at building a real movement. It's about empowering women to rise into leadership roles where they can positively advance state education policies. By investing in the next generation of state leaders, we help secure the future of our schools and students.”

Angélica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education: 

“The WLE ESE is a game-changer for women in education leadership, those already working at the state level and those who aspire to enter SEA roles. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for these emerging leaders to gain the skills and support they need to overcome challenges and champion meaningful change. The ripple effects of this initiative will be felt across the nation as these leaders step into their power.”

Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction:

“Leading at the state level demands resilience, sound judgment, and a robust network of trusted colleagues. The WLE ESE program offers exactly that—a solid foundation for women to develop their leadership skills and take on greater responsibilities with confidence. I'm excited to see how this program will inspire and equip women to drive the next wave of educational innovation.”

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Media Contact

press@womenleadinged.org

September 28, 2023

Women Leading Ed Receives National Funding to Diversify Education Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Women Leading Ed (WLE), a national network dedicated to growing and strengthening the pipeline of future female education leaders of districts and states, announced its inclusion in a distinguished national cohort of organizations focused on diversifying the education workforce.

NewSchools Venture Fund, a leading venture philanthropy that funds innovators who are building a better PK-12 education system, has awarded Women Leading Ed with new grant funding and support. NewSchools investment will enable Women Leading Ed to embark on ambitious new efforts aimed at advancing more women in education leadership.

“We are grateful for this difference-making commitment from NewSchools to Women Leading Ed’s essential work,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, founder of Women Leading Ed. “This funding is a testament to the promise and power of women in education leadership and the need to rapidly accelerate our efforts to address the gender gap in education leadership, empower those women already in leadership, and build the pipeline for the talented women who will be tomorrow’s state and district superintendents.”

Women Leading Ed first began as an affinity group of seasoned and aspiring female education leaders with a desire to learn from one another and grow in their careers. Since its inception, it has grown into a national network of dynamic leaders powering change in the face of education leadership. The members of WLE believe that the underrepresentation of women and women of color in education leadership is an urgent issue that demands action. Well over 200 women have been supported by WLE in navigating the politics of education by building trust, relationship, and networks.

Along with financial support, WLE will benefit from NewSchools’ expertise, resources, and influential network. This partnership will bolster WLE’s capacity to drive meaningful change within the field of education. NewSchools provides management assistance and a national community of practice to support grantees and their success.

Learn more about Women Leading Ed at www.womenleadinged.com and follow on social media @WomenLeadingEd.

About Women Leading Ed

Women Leading Ed (WLE) is a nationwide network dedicated to growing and strengthening the pipeline of future female education leaders of districts and states in our nation. WLE has supported over 200 women (and counting) to navigate the politics of leadership through research, advocacy, coaching, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys.

About NewSchools

NewSchools is a venture philanthropy that builds a better education system by connecting people, resources, and ideas. We bridge the gap between those with capital and those with the courage to put that capital to work on the frontlines of education. We believe that philanthropy can advance education in a more equitable, collaborative, and courageous way — and we’re proving it every day. Learn more at newschools.org.

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Media Contact

press@womenleadinged.org

August 8, 2023

Margaret Crespo Appointed Women Leading Ed’s Inaugural Superintendent-in-Residence

WASHINGTON, DC - Women Leading Ed has named Dr. Margaret Crespo as its inaugural superintendent-in-residence. Women Leading Ed is a national network committed to supporting and advancing female education leadership through research, advocacy, and engagement with women at every stage of their leadership journeys. Women Leading Ed serves over 200 aspiring and sitting district and state superintendents representing over 9 million students and 600,000 teachers across the nation. Women Leading Ed is taking on the challenges facing our field and building a dynamic network within which leaders collaborate through a variety of opportunities including individual and group coaching, crisis response supports, access to experts, facilitated peer networking, and cohort-model professional development. 

Crespo most recently served as superintendent of Laramie County School District 1 in Wyoming (LCSD1).

“The underrepresentation of women in K-12 education leadership is at a critical point. Women make up the vast majority of the education workforce, but less than a third of the country’s school district superintendents are women. Margaret Crespo has been an inspiration and model of leadership for countless women in education and it is only fitting that she joins WLE as our first superintendent-in-residence,” said Dr. Julia Rafal-Baer, CEO of ILO Group and founder of Women Leading Ed. “Margaret understands the challenges women face. As a superintendent in a charged political environment, she held strong to core values that put kids first. As we commit to doing the hard work to create a lasting network of women leaders in education, Margaret’s battle-tested experience will undoubtedly shape the way we approach education in the U.S.”

“I am thrilled to take on this challenge with Women Leading Ed. As an education leader, I have focused my entire career on the simple premise that our kids deserve to be seen in the classroom and every child should have a clear sense of what they can be and what they can achieve,” said Dr. Margaret Crespo, Superintendent-in-Residence of Women Leading Ed. “By building a network of women leaders and elevating sponsorship opportunities for aspiring leaders, we can indeed confront the biggest challenges and most urgent threats facing our educational systems.”

Crespo is widely regarded by her peers in education leadership. While serving as superintendent of LCSD1, Crespo confronted and effectively managed a highly volatile political culture and earned praise for holding tight to core values that prioritized student interests and wellbeing over agendas driven by adults. Under Crespo’s leadership, LCSD1 saw increases in second language student scores and acquisition of English and almost tripled the number of students accessing career tech education courses and college dual enrollment credit. 

Before taking on the role in Wyoming, Crespo held a number of high-ranking education positions in Arizona and Colorado where she previously served as Area Superintendent of the Boulder Valley School District under Superintendent Rob Anderson. She started her career in education as a classroom teacher in Jersey City, New Jersey. Crespo has supported Women Leading Ed as a coach and cohort leader since its inception.

Outside of education, Crespo owns and cares for horses and other animals. She and her family own Indigo Mountain Ranch, an organization that uses animal-to-human interactions to support children, youth, military families, and families in need of therapeutic reconnection. 

About Women Leading Ed

Women Leading Ed is an ever-expanding national network for women superintendents and those who aspire to land the top CEO roles in districts and states. We've supported over 100 women (and counting) to navigate the politics of leadership by building trust, relationship, and networks. Learn more about Women Leading Ed at womenleadinged.com and follow on social media @WomenLeadingEd.

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Media Contact

press@womenleadinged.org