Editor’s Note: Every year, NAESP opens the Ann Henley Conference Scholarship in memory of longtime staff member Ann Henley. The scholarship is open to NAESP members who haven’t yet attended an NAESP annual summer conference. Mirnaly Vega is one of three Ann Henley Conference Scholarship recipients in 2025. As a first-time attendee, she’ll be blogging about her experience at 2025 UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership. You can read more at naesp.org/blog.  

Attending UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership in Seattle was an incredible experience, and I am truly grateful for the scholarship that made it possible for me to attend. This opportunity allowed me to learn, connect, and grow with passionate educators and leaders from across the country.

Inspiring Speakers

The speakers at the conference were phenomenal, with Daymond John and Gholdy Muhammad standing out as particularly inspiring figures. John, the founder of FUBU and a star on Shark Tank, spoke about his entrepreneurial journey and commitment to empowering future leaders. His story of overcoming challenges and building a successful brand resonated with many attendees. He shared invaluable insights on innovation, resilience, and the importance of believing in oneself.

Muhammad, an esteemed educator and author, captivated us with her expertise in culturally responsive teaching and literacy. Her focus on the history and identity of students provides a rich context for educational practices that address equity and social justice. Hearing her perspective on creating inclusive environments was enlightening, and it reminded us of the power of storytelling in education.

Making Connections

One of my favorite moments at the conference was meeting with the NAESP Latino+ Network. Listening to the stories shared by fellow attendees and learning from their experiences brought a sense of community and solidarity. It was moving to hear the common threads in our stories and to recognize that we are part of a larger network committed to supporting each other and uplifting our communities.

I look forward to continuing these connections and building upon the knowledge gained at the conference. The relationships formed through the Latino+ Network will undoubtedly foster growth and collaboration, and I am excited about the future of our collective efforts in education.

Overall, UNITED was more than just an event; it was a transformative experience that reaffirmed the importance of community, collaboration, and continuous learning. Thank you to the scholarship sponsors for making this journey possible!

Mirnaly Vega is principal of Sleepy Hollow Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia.