Over 500 education leaders of color from across the country will come together for three days of substantive and actionable discussions focused on re-envisioning solutions that further academic, career, and wealth-building opportunities for youth and communities of color at the 2023 National Convening.
“We will convene our network at a time when our schools, families, and communities face continued systemic and economic challenges that have been exacerbated by a multi-year pandemic,” said Sharhonda Bossier, EdLoC CEO. “We are excited to elevate the bright spots where change-makers, entrepreneurs, and cross-sector collaborations are dismantling systemic barriers and transforming the life trajectories of young people in our communities.”
The convening has local significance, as only 12% of Clark County School District administrators identify as Black and 12% identify as Hispanic, and representation in education leadership continues to be a critical conversation at every level. Additionally, several Las Vegas-based education leaders of color will be attending the convening as they embark upon the next steps in their leadership journey, including recent alumni of the National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators and the upcoming Surge Academy participants as the program debuts in Southern Nevada.
“We chose Southern Nevada because there are a lot of Black and Latino students who look like the guys we serve,” said Keith Brooks, founder of the National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators. “Our goal is to work with the community to identify, increase, retain and sustain the number of Black and Latino males in senior and c-level positions. In just a few short years, working with the Black and Latino male educators here, I couldn’t think of a better place to accomplish our mission than Southern Nevada/Las Vegas.”
Speaker highlights
Presenters and attendees will have space to demonstrate, discover, and discuss how their organizations, programs, advocacy, and/or models are supporting young people and communities of color in earning more, building wealth, and thriving.
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“Culture Wars in the Classroom: Curriculum and Book Bans and the Fight to Save Our Multi-Racial Democracy” – A panel discussion on the manufactured “anti-CRT” movement and how to navigate and respond to these attacks. Speakers include:
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Dr. Heather Harding, Executive Director, Our Shared Future
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Dr. Robert Teranishi, Professor of Social Science and Comparative Education, the Morgan and Helen Chu Endowed Chari in Asian American Studies and Director for the Institute for Immigration, Globalization and Education at the University of California, Los Angeles
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Dr. Tara Yosso, Inaugural Distinguished Scholar-In-Residence at the Connie L. Lurie College of Education at San José State University and Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Riverside 
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“Looking Forward: How We Will Revive Solidarity and Generate Prosperity for All” – Dr. Manuel Pastor, University of Southern California, invites guests to imagine and create a robust, sustainable, and equitable economy.
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“Making 38 at the Garden: Disrupting Stereotypes about Asian Americans” – A panel discussion with film director Frank Chi and producer Travon Free about the power of seeing ourselves succeed in arenas where we are not expected to thrive.
The 2023 National Convening is dedicated to advancing EdLoC’s mission and values, held at the Red Rock Resort and Spa, 11011 West Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV.
Who Attends
Senior leaders of color who are focused on dismantling systemic barriers faced by young people and communities of color in pursuit of academic and economic success. EdLoC’s network consists of educators, policymakers, nonprofit executives, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, financial experts, community development professionals, and social impact leaders. The annual convening is designed for members, and is also open to guests who share EdLoC’s values, are inspired by EdLoC’s mission, seek to influence change in their fields, and are invited to attend by a current EdLoC member. This year’s Convening has reached full capacity and a waitlist has already started to generate for those who are still interested in joining.
Speaker Availability
Representatives from EdLoC and local members and members impacted by their work in equity and development in the education sector are available for interviews.
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EdLoC is working to ensure young people of color are thriving, building generational wealth, and facing fewer systemic barriers to capitalize on opportunities by bringing together a national membership-based advocacy network.
