Kimberly Smith and Seth Walker discuss the transformative power of education and innovative cybersecurity pathways for students, especially in rural communities. Kimberly credits her parents for emphasizing the value of education that changed her life trajectory, and Seth echoes this by sharing how mentorship and opportunity helped him find his passion in cybersecurity despite early challenges. Together, they highlight a nationally expanding cybersecurity program that blends industry credentials, hands-on competitions, and regional collaboration to create thriving talent pipelines, retain local youth, and prepare students for a future shaped by cybersecurity and emerging technologies like AI.

Tara Carrozza, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at New York Public Schools, shares her unique journey from college basketball and acting to teaching and leading digital innovation in the largest U.S. public school system. She emphasizes the centrality of people in technology integration, focusing on equity, personalized support for teachers, and the importance of foundational skills and data infrastructure before leveraging AI. Tara discusses creating AI literacy, gathering student voice, and developing an AI governance framework that ensures safe and responsible use. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to shifting mindset away from mere technology consumption to demanding educational tools that meet real needs, while fostering trust and psychological safety for educators and students alike.

Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), shares her journey through education and leadership, emphasizing the critical need for better identification, support, and advocacy for students with learning disabilities (LD). She discusses the broad scope of LD, the importance of universal screening, the challenges of absenteeism among students with disabilities, and the systemic issues in teacher preparation and compensation. Dr. Rodriguez advocates for a professionalized education system that supports both general and special educators to better serve vulnerable learners.

Danya Sundh, Coordinator of Coaching and SEL at Libertyville School District 70 in Illinois, shares her deep passion for education rooted in her upbringing and her community ties. Her district embraces innovation by integrating emerging technologies like AI into classrooms through an opt-in professional development program called SPARK, which fosters collaboration, experimentation, and continuous learning among educators. Danya highlights the critical role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in supporting students' use of technology and emphasizes the importance of relationships, grit, and flexibility as essential skills for navigating today’s rapidly changing educational landscape. She offers encouragement to educators to take risks, embrace failure, and build strong networks to thrive.

Alana Winnick, Chief Technology Officer and multi-faceted education leader, shares her innovative approach to integrating technology in schools with a strong emphasis on student voice and empowerment. She highlights the importance of including students in technology adoption and leadership, breaking down barriers through student-led innovation clubs, and how AI is reshaping education by leveling the playing field for diverse learners. Alana discusses her journey of stepping into roles that didn’t previously exist, the critical role of building-level leaders in successful tech adoption, and the importance of setting clear expectations over time for technology use in schools.

AJ Crabill shares his journey from an accidental start in student leadership development to becoming a transformative education leader known for centering students and changing adult behaviors to improve student outcomes. He discusses the importance of empowering students to lead culture and climate in schools, highlights the need for adult behavior changes to support student success, and reflects on his district turnaround successes with a focus on instructional leadership and community collaboration. AJ also emphasizes the value of coaching for superintendents and leaders to maintain high-impact focus on student learning.

Aruna Gilbert, Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Early Learning Coalition, shares her journey from economics and global environmental work to a deep lifelong commitment to early childhood education. She discusses the transformative power of early learning, the critical role of early educators—often underappreciated women—and innovative approaches using data-driven tools to support children’s development, educators, and families. Aruna emphasizes relationships as the foundation of learning and shares her hope for equalizing educational opportunities for all young children.

Dr. Michael Stone, superintendent of Lee County School District in Arkansas, shares his journey from growing up in a large single-parent family in Lee County to becoming a passionate educator and community leader. He discusses the shift in community values, the challenges and benefits of technology in schools, especially the impact of cell phones, and the importance of fiscal responsibility in school administration. Dr. Stone emphasizes community engagement and mindset shifts among parents and staff, underlining how rural communities thrive around their schools. He also shares practical advice for new teachers, stressing continuous learning and passion for student growth.