L.O.V.E. Summit

Presented by Kirigo, Emma Willard School

The focus of this workshop is intersectional feminism: how other forms of discrimination and systemic biases need to be discussed more openly so that feminism may be more inclusive and help validate women who speak in feminist spaces that do not feel heard.

Presented by Sam Davis, Education Consultant

This session explores femininity as a powerful, expansive force that transcends biology, traditional gender roles, and the gender binary. Participants will examine how femininity has been historically constrained, reclaimed, and celebrated, particularly by women and gender-expansive people. Through reflection and dialogue, we will unpack how femininity can be both deeply personal and collectively transformative, addressing questions regarding identity, race, culture, and queerness. The workshop aligns with this year’s theme of Women’s Empowerment through the lens of L.O.V.E.:

• Listen: Practicing radical listening to voices that challenge mainstream narratives.
• Observe: Critically examining social norms and systems that define or punish certain performances of femininity.
• Validate: Affirming diverse expressions of womanhood and femininity, especially those outside the binary.
• Empathize: Deepening the capacity to empathize with different lived experiences to strengthen solidarity.

Ultimately, this session reframes femininity as resilient, creative, and boundary-breaking.

Presented by Ann-Marie White, Amanuel Gediyon, and David De La Rocha, The Putney School

This is a hands-on workshop where you will get to learn a technique you can practice with friends to help you BEFORE you get into an argument. This technique is GREAT when you are having a conversation with someone and you don't agree, or you don't feel you are being heard. Kids have taught this to their parents, siblings, friends, and teachers and have found that they have had better conversations.

Presented by Toyin Augustus, Across the Tracks

At a time when disconnection and apathy are leveraged for violence and survival, the art of connecting and feeling deeply for each other is paramount. These are skills they will need beyond high school. Sharing tools that help them to think critically and care deeply are particularly precious for the well-being of our society.

Presented by Keya, Emma Willard School

In a world where it's getting harder and harder to communicate across political and ideological divides, we must challenge ourselves to engage in civic discourse and work to understand contrasting perspectives with the utmost dedication. If you're interested in exploring the dichotomies of free speech, the complexity of modern-day politics, and the importance of mutual compassion and respect, then “Let's Talk Liberty.”

Presented by Reena Patel, Waring School

This session invites participants to a deeper understanding of leadership rooted in integrity rather than dominance or performance. Rooted in bell hooks’ “ethic of love” and the dignity framework by Donna Hicks, this session explores how women of color approach leadership while navigating stereotypes and expectations to overperform. The session includes reflections inspired by Imani Perry on memory, identity, and the interior lives of women of color, alongside poetry from Nikita Gill reclaiming personal strength and softness. This session examines the internal negotiations young women face while considering that leadership led by love must include self-love and boundaries. Participants will explore ways to protect their own dignity and the dignity of others, while cultivating leadership that is sustainable, rooted, and deeply humane.

Presented by Guangyu Hao, Emma Willard School

The focus of this workshop is to help participants recognize and understand microaggressions, explore the variety of human emotional responses, and develop strategies to support themselves and others. Participants will examine how people may react differently to microaggressions depending on their experiences and contexts—some may respond with immediate anger, some may feel numb, others may reflect or process their emotions later. Through guided discussions, reflection activities, and peer support exercises, participants will practice listening, observing, validating, and empathizing with different responses to microaggressions. This directly connects to the theme of Women’s Empowerment through L.O.V.E., as participants will learn to create a more supportive and inclusive environment, respect diverse perspectives, and empower themselves and others to respond thoughtfully to challenging situations. The 40-minute workshop is structured to combine active participation, reflection, and practical strategies for responding to microaggressions, fostering both personal growth and peer support.

Presented by Paloma, Emma Willard School

Too often, the feminist movement has been portrayed by both pop culture and movement leaders as “one size fits all” in a way that sidelines minority voices and overlooks the complex identities of the people whom the feminist movement is meant to support. This workshop will discuss intersectional feminism, the historical exclusion/inclusion of minority voices in the feminist movement, and the importance of including diverse voices and perspectives in the feminist movement. Participants will have the opportunity to share their personal stories and relationships with feminism, as well as to reflect on ways in which we can make the feminist movement more inclusive.

What 12 Female Board Leaders Teach Us About Empowerment Through L.O.V.E.

Presented by George Borum, Schenectady Scholars Charter School

At the heart of empowerment is representation—not just being present, but having voice, influence, and decision-making power. This workshop explores what it means to build and lead alongside a governance team composed of 12 women leaders and how their leadership reflects the L.O.V.E. framework: Listen, Observe, Validate, Empathize. While many institutions talk about inclusion, this session examines what happens when women are not just included but centered. Through storytelling, reflection, and interactive dialogue, participants will explore:

• Listen: How empowered women leaders create space for diverse student and community voices.
• Observe: The importance of paying attention to who is not being heard.
• Validate: Why affirming lived experiences strengthens school culture.
• Empathize: How relational leadership builds bridges across differences.

Presented by Alankrita and Sariah, Emma Willard School

You can make an impact simply by speaking up for what matters to you! The focus of this workshop is to educate students about the power of self-advocacy, especially in a school environment. Students will leave with strategies to navigate difficult conversations as well as advocate for themselves through thoughtful communication, resilience, and collaboration. Get ready to speak up for the changes you wish to see in the world!

Presented by Olivia, Emma Willard School

What is a “found family”? How does media, specifically created or centering women, help us see through different eyes? What does it mean to find your people? What have the people in your life taught you about being a woman, and how have they changed your view on womanhood? How does popular media influence or imitate the real world? What does media get wrong? This guided discussion will provide an opportunity for participants to ask these questions and share (or learn about, if you prefer listening) media that resonates or challenges our definitions of love and explores unique bonds between women.

Start With The Blues, Don't Stop Til Hip Hop: How Women Found Their Voice and Spoke Their Truth Through Music

Presented by Andrea, Angelina, and Marvelous, Millbrook School

Our Workshop will provide a space for many to share stories highlighting the pressures and obstacles we can come across while trying to share them, in addition to the validation that comes with stories being told. We will work with each other to look through different art lenses wether that be dance, theatre, painting/drawing, poetry, music, etc., to highlight the importance of expression and the danger of being in a space that lacks diversity and the safety needed in order to express. In having conversations about art and telling stories, speaking from the I perspective, and allowing vulnerability, we will create a space where we are forced to listen with empathy, observe one another in shared experiences, and validate emotions when we realize they are similar to our own.

Presented by Gemma Halfi, Emma Willard School

In 2012, when Ms. Halfi's daughter was born, a feeling of panic set in at the thought of her beautiful little girl being raised in a world where beauty is defined for her by societal systems that are created intentionally to make girls and women doubt their self-worth, to always see themselves as “not being enough,” and to perpetually be chasing after a body and beauty standard that is truly a “perfection perception.” It was on that day in 2012 that Ms. Halfi made the decision to completely eliminate any negative self-talk about physical appearance and beauty standards. Her choice to do this was originally an act of love for her daughter, but what she didn’t realize at the time was that it would also become a powerful act of resistance and justice in the face of a society dominated by white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism. Ms. Halfi invites you to join her in the fight to reclaim our own definitions of beauty as an act of resistance.

Presented by Micha Green, The Washington Informer

This workshop will build media literacy while empowering students to challenge and reshape narratives. Participants will examine how women are portrayed in media, dive into social media and algorithms, discuss messaging, and collaborate on a short group activity.