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.  

As I prepare to enter my third year as a proud elementary school principal in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, I’m honored and incredibly grateful to be attending UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership for the very first time. It’s hard to put into words how excited I am to be surrounded by leaders from across the country who share the same calling: to serve, to lead, and to better our school communities.

This year’s conference comes at an especially important time in education. From shifting policies at the U.S. Department of Education to ongoing discussions about funding equity and learning recovery, school leaders are navigating new challenges and opportunities every day. I’m eager to attend sessions that will help me better understand these changes and translate them into meaningful action for my staff, students, and families.

Fresh Ideas to Address My School’s Challenges

As principal of a Title I school, I carry a deep sense of responsibility to ensure every child in my building has access to the same opportunities as anyone else. But this work can be difficult.

Challenges I am constantly thinking about are addressing chronic absenteeism, closing achievement gaps, and supporting the social-emotional needs of our students all while juggling limited resources. I am hoping to find successful strategies from fellow leaders who know what it’s like to serve communities like mine that I can replicate in Fairfax County.

I know I’ll leave this conference with renewed energy and a few fresh ideas I can implement this upcoming school year.

Conversations That Move Leaders Forward

More than anything, I’m looking forward to the people. There is something uniquely uplifting about being in a space where everyone is on the same journey. I look forward to networking with other principals, hearing their stories, and sharing a few of my own. Whether it’s swapping ideas about family engagement or talking through teacher retention strategies, I’m excited to be part of conversations that move all of us forward.

To the team at NAESP and those who made this scholarship possible, thank you. Thank you for investing in leaders like me. Thank you for believing in the potential of our schools and the communities we serve. Your generosity makes it possible for educators like me to keep learning, connecting, and growing. And for that, I’m sincerely appreciative.

Attending UNITED With an Open Heart and a Curious Mind

I’ll be heading into this conference with an open heart, a curious mind, and a deep commitment to taking what I learn and using it to enhance my school community. I know I’ll return home not only inspired, but more equipped to lead with clarity, compassion, and courage.

Here’s to new learning, new friendships, and a new chapter in this leadership journey!

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