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Welcome Back! Our conference committee has been working hard to bring you an opportunity for learning, networking and sharing with colleagues. We’ve introduced new processes and welcome your thoughts on what works and what needs improving. Thank you for supporting the North State’s premier administrator conference.
Friday, May 8
 

3:00pm PDT

Registration
Friday May 8, 2026 3:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Friday May 8, 2026 3:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Tuscany Ballroom

3:00pm PDT

Exhibit Hall open
Friday May 8, 2026 3:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Friday May 8, 2026 3:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Tuscany Ballroom

5:30pm PDT

The Wise Leader’s Guide AI to Work Smarter & Reinforce Critical Thinking
Friday May 8, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm PDT
Problem: Technology surges forward, and keeping up can be daunting for even the most seasoned leaders. For those at the helm of our schools and businesses, all of the noise and complexity often traps the gains that can be made with the technologies at hand.Solution: These keynotes filter the focus down to implementation that just makes sense. Learn how to create environments where technology...
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Keynote Speakers
avatar for Christian Jackson

Christian Jackson

Founder & Speaker
ProblemTechnology surges forward, and keeping up can be daunting for even the most seasoned leaders. For those at the helm of our schools and businesses, all of the noise and complexity often traps the gains that can be made with the technologies at hand.SolutionThese keynotes filter... Read More →
Friday May 8, 2026 5:30pm - 7:00pm PDT
Tuscany Ballroom

7:00pm PDT

Exhibitor Slam
Friday May 8, 2026 7:00pm - 7:15pm PDT
Friday May 8, 2026 7:00pm - 7:15pm PDT

7:00pm PDT

Raffle
Friday May 8, 2026 7:00pm - 7:15pm PDT
Friday May 8, 2026 7:00pm - 7:15pm PDT

7:15pm PDT

Welcome Reception
Friday May 8, 2026 7:15pm - 9:00pm PDT
Snacks, beverages and Vendors available.

Be sure to listen for YOUR name during the raffle!
Friday May 8, 2026 7:15pm - 9:00pm PDT
Tuscany
 
Saturday, May 9
 

7:30am PDT

Continental Breakfast, Coffee and Tea
Saturday May 9, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am PDT
Saturday May 9, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am PDT
Tuscany Ballroom

7:30am PDT

Exhibit Hall open
Saturday May 9, 2026 7:30am - 1:15pm PDT
Saturday May 9, 2026 7:30am - 1:15pm PDT
Tuscany Ballroom

8:15am PDT

Creating Connections to School & Community for Justice Impacted Youth
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
In this session, leaders will gain an understanding of the unique needs and challenges youth who are justice impacted face. Justice impacted youth are those who are on probation (either formally or informally), have been incarcerated, or have family who have been incarcerated. The session will give leaders insight into practices that support increasing school and community connections for this...
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Speakers
avatar for Jill North

Jill North

Principal, Shasta County Office of Education
Jill North - Principal of Shasta County Tri Mountain Academy
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
Tuscany room 4

8:15am PDT

Inclusive by Design: Leading Systems That Meet Every Learner’s Needs
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
California school leaders play a critical role in ensuring equitable access and improved outcomes for students with disabilities. This presentation examines how district and site leaders can align MTSS, Special Education services, and learning environment design to proactively meet diverse student needs. Drawing on research in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), positive behavioral supports, and...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Todd Cutler

Dr. Todd Cutler

Superintendent, Lake Tahoe USD

avatar for LindaGail Walker

LindaGail Walker

Executive Director for Innovation, Meteor Education


Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
Tuscany room 8

8:15am PDT

Leadership Look Fors to Assure Student Learning
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
In this interactive session, we will provide templates and guidance for leaders to guide teachers and evaluate learning during classroom visits.  We will provide insight into successful instructional strategies to inform teachers and allow leaders to easily evaluate effective teaching practices.  In order for leaders to thrive, they need tools to provide insight into successful teaching.
Speakers
avatar for Joe Cuprak, M.Ed.

Joe Cuprak, M.Ed.

Associate VP, Content and Implementation, Curriculum Associates


Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
Tuscany room 9

8:15am PDT

Leading Beyond the Threshold: Scaling Sustainable Literacy Success Across The Instructional Systems
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
In today’s schools, literacy isn't just a teaching challenge—it’s a leadership imperative. Sustainable success depends on mastering the "decoding threshold," the critical neuro-cognitive tipping point where phonics accuracy transforms into independent reading. When students stall here, it creates a systemic bottleneck that drains resources and hinders long-term growth.This session empowers...
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Speakers
avatar for Joel Lizardos

Joel Lizardos

National Literacy/Biliteracy Consultant, Benchmark Education LLC
Joel Lizardos is a multilingual instructional leader, biliteracy specialist, and data-informed strategist with over a decade of experience designing and leading PK–5 systems for foundational skills, cross-linguistic transfer, and structured literacy. As a Biliteracy Consultant... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
Tuscany room 7

8:15am PDT

Leading Coherent Math Systems: Sustainable Approaches to Addressing Unfinished Learning
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
Thriving schools address learning gaps by strengthening instructional systems rather than layering isolated interventions. This session supports district and school leaders in navigating the realities of today’s schools through coherent, sustainable instructional planning. Participants will actively examine learning progressions and cross-grade coherence to identify instructional priorities and...
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Speakers
avatar for Erin Walker

Erin Walker

CEO, Next Gen Math
Erin Walker is an entrepreneur and esteemed educator with a wealth of experience across the educational landscape. Her journey in education has been multifaceted, encompassing roles as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, site and district administrator. She left her role... Read More →
avatar for Hugo Heisler

Hugo Heisler

Hugo Heisler is a dedicated education professional with over 10 years of experience as a teacher and instructional specialist in California. Throughout his career, Hugo has championed the importance of strong relationships and collaboration. His background in family and community... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
Tuscany room 6

8:15am PDT

Mastery Learning: Cultivating a Sustainable School Culture Beyond Leadership
Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, fostering sustainable leadership is essential for creating resilient school cultures. This presentation will explore the concept of mastery learning as a foundational strategy to develop a thriving educational environment that transcends individual leadership. By implementing mastery learning, anchored in proficiency scales, schools can cultivate a...
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Speakers
avatar for John McMorris

John McMorris

Principal Sem Yeto High School, Fairfield Suisun Unified School District/Sem Yeto Continuation High School

Saturday May 9, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am PDT
Tuscany room 5

9:30am PDT

Balancing Service & Self: Sustaining Educators in the Work of Caring
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
This workshop helps K–12 educators explore the emotional demands of servant leadership and the toll self-sacrifice can take on well-being. Through storytelling, reflection, and small-group dialogue, participants identify personal warning signs of imbalance and examine how stress, guilt, and dissonance show up in their work. The session introduces practical strategies like setting boundaries,...
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Speakers
avatar for Dr. Christopher Morris

Dr. Christopher Morris

Dr. Christopher Morris is a dedicated and experienced educational leader and consultant who is truly committed to promoting fair opportunities for all learners. With a strong background in academic administration, he focuses on developing innovative programs, supporting student success... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Tuscany room 5

9:30am PDT

Dealing with Practical Challenges Surrounding Artificial Intelligence
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Join us as we discuss two current issues educational institutions face surrounding artificial intelligence: (1) Wearable artificial intelligence (smart glasses); and (2) The intersection of artificial intelligence with the California Public Records Act.  If your agency has been facing similar issues, or if you want to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for tomorrow, our experts have you...
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Speakers
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Tuscany room 9

9:30am PDT

Drift vs. Drive
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
This session challenges school leaders to move from spinning plates and putting out fires to harnessing the power of intentional leadership. Through stories, reflection, and practical tools, participants will explore how clarity, purpose, and aligned action strengthen influence and impact. Walk away with renewed focus, concrete strategies, and the courage to lead on purpose.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Freeman

Mike Freeman

County Superintendent, Shasta COE

Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Tuscany room 7

9:30am PDT

From Improvement Science to Impact, Sustainable Change That Improves Student Outcomes (Part 1)
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
This session shares a real world district example of how leaders at Folsom Cordova Unified School District used improvement science to make sustainable changes that support student outcomes. Participants will see how FCUSD leaders applied Adapt, Adopt, Abandon to redesign practices, align systems to district goals, and make transparent decisions. The presentation highlights lessons learned from...
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Speakers
avatar for Sean Martin

Sean Martin

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Folsom Cordova Unified School District

I serve as a Chief Business Official in a large school district, where I focus on making systems work, stretching every dollar, and ensuring the work delivers results for students and staff. I came into education after a decade in banking, which shapes how I approach the role, with... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Tuscany room 4

9:30am PDT

Learning Walks - A Journey Towards Collective Efficacy & Sustainability
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
This year at NCS we focused on instruction through Hattie's Visible Learning meta study in order to deprivatize classroom practices, to increase teachers' skillset, to move our staff towards collective efficacy. We believe these Learning Walks will increase teacher confidence, capacity, and skillsets thereby making our leadership positions sustainable. We also believe these learning walks will...
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Speakers
LB

Laura Bariel

Teaching & Learning Director, Natomas Charter School

Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Tuscany room 6

9:30am PDT

Scaling Success: A Model for California Community Schools
Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
This session highlights Gateway Community Charters’ approach to implementing the California Community Schools Partnership Program within a charter network. Presenters will share how GCC leverages CCSPP funding and long-standing community engagement practices to build sustainable, place-based community schools. Participants will explore GCC’s integrated model, including needs assessments,...
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Speakers
ME

Morri Elliott

Attendee, Central Office

Saturday May 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Tuscany room 8

10:30am PDT

Break: Exhibits, Coffee and Tea
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am PDT
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am PDT

10:45am PDT

From Improvement Science to Impact, Sustainable Change That Improves Student Outcomes (Part 2)
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
This session shares a real world district example of how leaders at Folsom Cordova Unified School District used improvement science to make sustainable changes that support student outcomes. Participants will see how FCUSD leaders applied Adapt, Adopt, Abandon to redesign practices, align systems to district goals, and make transparent decisions. The presentation highlights lessons learned from...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Sean Martin

Sean Martin

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Folsom Cordova Unified School District

I serve as a Chief Business Official in a large school district, where I focus on making systems work, stretching every dollar, and ensuring the work delivers results for students and staff. I came into education after a decade in banking, which shapes how I approach the role, with... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Tuscany room 4

10:45am PDT

Hard Conversations, Lower Stakes: Reflective Evaluation as a Leadership Tool When Capacity Is Thin
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Districts with limited capacity cannot afford evaluation conversations that create confusion, defensiveness, or rework. This session explores how reflective practice turns evaluations into practical leadership tools, especially in small, rural, and stretched districts. Participants will learn how to structure evaluation conversations that lower stakes, surface assumptions early, and strengthen...
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Speakers
avatar for Rob Seitelman

Rob Seitelman

Strategic Partnership Executive, SuperEval
Hi Folks!  So glad to be here with you all.  I'm very passionate about helping districts set up proactive evaluation processes that help bring out the best in their teams and create a culture of constructive support for individual growth that leads to improved student outcomes... Read More →
avatar for Roger Macdonald

Roger Macdonald

Superintendent, Northern Humboldt Union High School District

Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Tuscany room 5

10:45am PDT

Leading on the Edge: AI as your Educational Partner
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
In this hands-on session, leaders will be guided through the 4 dimensions of AI Leadership: an educator roadmap for strategic implementation at the school or district level. Learn from a practicing educational leader who has navigated this journey firsthand, sharing real challenges, successes, and lessons learned. Participants will explore research-based strategies and equitable practices while...
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Speakers
avatar for Heather Gold

Heather Gold

Chief Learning Officer, Gateway Community Charters
Dr. Heather Gold serves as Chief Learning Officer at Gateway Community Charters (GCC), supporting TK–12th grade students across the greater Sacramento region. With a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, she is deeply committed to transforming schools to improve outcomes for all... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Tuscany room 6

10:45am PDT

Recruit, Support, Retain: Creating Conditions for New CTE Teacher Success
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
This session explores how administrators can intentionally recruit, support, and retain new CTE teachers by creating the conditions for success. Participants will deepen their understanding of CTE credentialing requirements, the realities of transitioning from industry to the classroom, and the unique mentoring needs of CTE educators. The session highlights the administrator’s role in supporting...
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Speakers
avatar for Jillian Damon, Ed.D.

Jillian Damon, Ed.D.

Director, Teacher Preparation Programs, Tehama County Department of Education

Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Tuscany room 8

10:45am PDT

Stress Resilience Tools for More Sustainable, Heart-Centered Impact
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Educational leadership is demanding, and chronic stress can lead to fatigue, reactivity, and burnout. This experiential session explores how stress shapes the nervous system and leadership presence, and how intentional regulation and stress resilience practices can build sustainable, heart-centered leadership capacity and greater impact. Participants will experience grounding, reflection,...
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Speakers
avatar for Katie Raher, PhD, PPS, LEP

Katie Raher, PhD, PPS, LEP

Chief Experience Officer, Constant Love and Learning
Dr. Katie Raher is the Founder and CEO of Constant Love and Learning, an award-winning teacher turned School Psychologist, a Certified Trauma-Informed Breathwork, and an advocate for more human-centered, strengths-based, and equity-focused schools and systems. As a sought-after leader... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Tuscany room 9

10:45am PDT

STRS: My Retirement Decisions
Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Prepare for the retirement you want by getting the information you need. Learn how to calculate your retirement benefit and how to choose your retirement date. Also discover more about beneficiary options, service retirement forms, your Defined Benefit Supplement account and working after retirement parameters.
Speakers
avatar for CalSTRS

CalSTRS

CalSTRS

Saturday May 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Tuscany room 7

12:00pm PDT

Lunch and Legislative Update - Ticket Required
Saturday May 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Sponsors
avatar for Attendly

Attendly

Attendly is an after-school program management software platform designed specifically for California K-12 school districts and charter schools, with a particular focus on California districts navigating state compliance requirements for grant funded and revenue recovery programs... Read More →
avatar for CENTEGIX

CENTEGIX

Director, Regional Sales, Centegix
CENTEGIX® is the leader in incident response solutions. Safety Platform®, featuring CrisisAlert™ wearable panic buttons, is the fastest and easiest way to get help in an emergency, from the everyday to the extreme. CENTEGIX innovates safety solutions to empower and protect people... Read More →
avatar for Meteor

Meteor

Director of Market Developmnet, Meteor
Meteor Education partners with schools to create collaborative spaces that accelerate engagement and empower educators. As the leader in designing flexible learning environments, our team combines national expertise with local support, bringing innovative furniture solutions to meet... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Tuscany

12:00pm PDT

Raffle
Saturday May 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Saturday May 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Exhibitor/Sponsor Raffle
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm PDT
Join us in the Exhibitor Hall for the Exhibitor raffle!

Don't forget to write your name on the raffle tickets and place in the raffle container by the registration table. 
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

From Insight to Impact: A Shared Strategy for Systemic Improvement and Implementation
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Discover a rigorous six-phase approach to bridge improvement and implementation science. This session introduces tools for tackling complex, human-centered challenges. Participants will learn to standardize shared language and align work with their core mission to ensure measurable, sustainable outcomes. By integrating these fields, teams can achieve greater systemic impact and speed while...
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Speakers
avatar for Nick Syrrist

Nick Syrrist

Director of District and School Support, Shasta County Office of Education
Nick now works as a Director for District and School Support for the Shasta County Office of Education.  Nick loves providing trainings where professionals can gather, learn from each other, and spark conversation.
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Tuscany room 4

1:30pm PDT

From New to Effective: High-Impact Practices for Emerging Administrators
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
From New to Effective: High-Impact Practices for Emerging Administrators is designed to support administrators in their first years of leadership by focusing on practical, high-leverage strategies that can be implemented immediately at the school site. This session moves beyond theory to highlight real-world practices that strengthen school culture, improve communication, and support instructional...
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Speakers
avatar for Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller

Director of School Support, Shasta County Office of Education
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Tuscany room 7

1:30pm PDT

From Policy to Practice: Planning Coherent Literacy Professional Learning
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Designed specifically for California school and district administrators, this session supports leaders in planning coherent, sustainable professional learning that strengthens literacy instruction over time. Participants will examine the California Policy Timeline to understand legislative and policy shifts shaping literacy priorities and professional learning decisions statewide. Leaders will...
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Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Keenan

Lindsey Keenan

Director of Learning & Impact, Greenfield Learning
Lindsey Keenan serves as the Director of Learning & Impact, SEL, at Greenfield Learning, where she blends her expertise in mental health and education to champion the power of connection in schools. She began her career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, driven by a
desire to support people in navigating life’s most complex emotions. That same desire led her to the classroom, where she taught kindergarten, third, and sixth grade—each experience deepening her belief that learning is inseparable from well-being. Lindsey’s passion for Social... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Kade

Nicole Kade

Chief Education Officer, Greenfield Learning Inc

Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Tuscany room 8

1:30pm PDT

Leading with Heart
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Leaders, teachers and students face unique challenges every day, which is why it is so important to create a campus environment that fosters safety, connection, and well-being at all levels. By Leading with Heart, administrators and teachers create safe and welcoming environments where students are relationally connected and eager to learn. We believe, “if you have a child’s heart, you have a...
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Speakers
avatar for Vern Hazard

Vern Hazard

Senior Vice President of Solutions, Capturing Kids' Hearts
Through experiential training, expert coaching, a student curriculum, and ongoing personalized support, Capturing Kids' Hearts® equips education professionals to implement transformational processes focused on relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.

Our r... Read More →
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Tuscany room 5

1:30pm PDT

The Power of Mindful Productivity: The Power of Tiny Experiments
Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
In an age of constant demands and digital distractions, productivity can feel like a race against time. This session introduces Anne-Laure Le Cunff’s neuroscience-informed Tiny Experiments framework—a practical approach that replaces rigid goals and perfectionism with small, intentional steps. Participants will learn to design experiments that reveal their most effective rhythms, reframe...
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Speakers
avatar for Christine McCormick

Christine McCormick

Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools

Saturday May 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Tuscany room 6

3:00pm PDT

Region 1 Board Meeting followed by social
Saturday May 9, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Saturday May 9, 2026 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Tuscany room 5

3:30pm PDT

Region 2 Leadership Assembly and Installation of Officers
Saturday May 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Saturday May 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Tuscany room 6

6:00pm PDT

6:00pm PDT

Raffle
Saturday May 9, 2026 6:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Saturday May 9, 2026 6:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
 
Sunday, May 10
 

7:30am PDT

Breakfast
Sunday May 10, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am PDT

Sunday May 10, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am PDT
Tuscany Ballroom

8:30am PDT

Dwight Taylor Sr. - Leading Under Pressure: How to Thrive When Everything Demands More of You
Sunday May 10, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
My goal is to help you communicate effectively so you can have a healthier relationship with your teams, family, coworkers, peers, and even yourself.I work with school districts, corporations, and individuals to share powerful messages on how to communicate effectively, gain clarity in all areas of life, have healthier relationships, and Domin8 Daily.I’m looking forward to helping you take your...
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Keynote Speakers
avatar for Dwight Taylor Sr.

Dwight Taylor Sr.

My goal is to help you communicate effectively so you can have a healthier relationship with your teams, family, coworkers, peers, and even yourself.
I work with school districts, corporations, and individuals to share powerful messages on how to communicate effectively, gain clar... Read More →
Sunday May 10, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Tuscany Ballroom

8:30am PDT

Raffle
Sunday May 10, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Sunday May 10, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
 
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