RIVERSIDE – Exploring the intersection of personal, professional, and internal realms for women in executive leadership roles will be the focus of “The Whole Story: Weaving a Tapestry of Strength” Executive Women’s Leadership Convention on Monday, February 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center (4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501).
The one-day conference organized by the Leadership Center at the Riverside County Office of Education, offers a vibrant platform for women in leadership that is dedicated to empowering them to embrace their narratives while balancing the complexities of identity, professional roles, personal dimensions, and community wholeness. In addition, the convention will provide activities for participants to engage in wellness activities and access resources to support growth as female leaders.
“Women of all ages and professional roles are invited to explore their individual journeys of leadership at this one-of-a-kind event,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “The outstanding speakers will challenge and inspire all attendees to return to their various leadership roles with renewed energy and inspiration.”
The day will feature the following keynote speakers:
Candace Singh – Speaker/Leadership Coach
Dr. Candy Singh has dedicated 34 years to PK-12 and higher education, currently serving as Clinical Professor of Leadership, Superintendent in Residence, and Director of the Center for Educational Leadership at the University of La Verne (ULV). Prior to her retirement from PK-12, she spent more than 11 years as a school district superintendent, receiving the California 2022 Exemplary Woman in Education Award from the Association of CA School Administrators (ACSA). Candy's diverse career includes roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district curriculum leader, and superintendent. She also taught undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education at California State University, San Marcos, for 20 years. A first-generation college graduate, Candy holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education, a master's degree in educational administration, and a doctorate in organizational leadership. Her research focuses on leadership practices that enhance employee effectiveness and job satisfaction.
Michelle Seijas – Professional Coach/Speaker
As a trauma-informed certified professional coach, experienced consultant, education leader, and former non-profit executive, Michelle Seijas has learned to lead as her authentic self in various contexts. Michelle began her career as a bilingual education teacher, and, over her 15-year career in K-12 schools, she was also an instructional coach, district coordinator, and high school principal. After her K-12 years, she moved into the nonprofit world as the Founding Executive Director of the Surge Institute in Oakland where she led a team focused on developing Black, Latinx, and Asian Pacific Islander education leaders to create transformative change for the youth and communities they served. She completed her dissertation and earned her doctorate with research focused on the systemic devaluation of Latino students while offering a framework to rethink education. She partners with leaders to help them value their strengths, grow their confidence, build a clear vision for their lives and leadership.
Molly Grisham – Experiential Facilitator/Speaker
Molly Grisham helps to build and sustain teams in a wide variety of industries with the belief that teams don’t grow apart, they die apart. With nearly two decades of experience as a college soccer coach and communications professor, Molly approaches her work as an educator. She meets people where they are and helps them move to where they want to be. Molly holds degrees in communication from Belmont University, the University of Illinois, and Missouri State University. She has completed training as a Civil & Family Mediator, is a Certified Experiential Specialist with the International Society of Experiential Professionals, and a Certified Myers-Briggs facilitator. Additionally, she is now enrolled in a graduate program on Trauma and Resiliency.
Registration is $350 per person, includes breakfast and lunch, and is limited to the first 300 registrants. The registration deadline is February 10, 2025. To register, visit www.rcoe.us/ewlc and/or mail payment to Riverside County Office of Education, Attention: Accounts Payable, at P.O. Box 868, Riverside, CA 92502-0868. For more information on the event, contact Dr. Emily M. Devor, Administrator, at 951.826.6262.
