Keynote Speakers

Chike Aguh – Non-Public Schools That Can Meet the Future of Work

Chike Aguh (Chee-Kay Ah-Goo) is the first person in his entire family born in America, a Fulbright Scholar, educator, business leader, award winning non-profit CEO, and presidential appointee. A recognized authority on the future of work, economic opportunity, and innovation, Chike is committed to an economy that creates opportunity for all just like America did for him.

Chike currently serves as Senior Advisor at Harvard University’s Project On Workforce, Senior Fellow on Workforce at Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change, and Senior Advisor at the McChrystal Group.

Previously, Chike was appointed to serve as Chief Innovation Officer at the US Department of Labor, the first black person to do so. He led efforts to use data, emerging technologies (AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, etc.), and innovative practice to advance/protect American workers. 

Chike has also worked as an education policy official and teacher in America’s largest school system; Fulbright Scholar in Asia; Director of Corporate Strategy and Performance Technologies at technology company EAB; CEO of a national nonprofit which helped connect 500,000 low-income Americans to affordable internet and digital skills, Founding Leader of the Community College Growth Engine Fund; and Director of Strategy and Future of Work Lead at the McChrystal Group, a business advisory firm founded by retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Appointed by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Chike is Vice-Chair of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. He is founder of the Aguh Workforce Scholarship at Prince George’s Community College. We are excited to welcome Chike as our Thursday afternoon keynote speaker!  

Kim Strobel – Remembering Your Why

Kim Strobel is a renowned motivational speaker with a global reach, inspiring schools, businesses, and organizations to prioritize happiness and strive for greater fulfillment in life. She is the author of Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy, a book that acknowledges the hardness and heart of the teaching profession but also provides a clear path to reclaiming joy and happiness within and outside of this profession.

With her powerful presence and expertise, Kim acts as an influencer, consultant, and author, transforming the way institutions focus on well-being. By teaching individuals how to reclaim happiness, ignite their passion, and lead with purpose, Kim’s refreshing “real talk” approach allows her to connect authentically with audiences worldwide.

Drawing on her extensive 25-year education career as a former teacher and curriculum director, Kim has collaborated with educators at all levels to introduce innovative and inspiring practices in the classroom. Her efforts have resulted in increased academic achievement and the creation of positive school-wide environments. Through thought-provoking research, heartfelt stories, and actionable steps, Kim aims to inspire individuals to achieve life-changing results.

Recognizing the impact of her work, esteemed entities such as Google, State Departments of Education, and various schools, organizations, and corporations consistently seek Kim’s guidance to enhance their overall culture and performance. As a consultant, she assists these organizations in cultivating happiness and well-being habits that facilitate mindshifts for tangible results.

We are excited to have Kim as our Friday morning keynote speaker!

Conference Schedule

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Pre-Conference: AI and Its Role in Educational Technology  

8:00-8:30 a.m.                Registration

8:30-8:45 a.m.                Opening Session

8:50-9:50 a.m.                Breakout Session 1 (3 sessions)

9:55-10:55 a.m.               Breakout Session 2 (3 sessions)

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.    Panel Discussion and Q & A with Pre-conference Speakers

 

General Conference

8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.         Registration

1:00-1:30 p.m.                Opening Session

1:30-2:30 p.m.                Keynote: Chike Aguh

2;30-2:45 p.m.                Break + Networking with Exhibitors

2:45-3:45 p.m.                Breakout Session 1 (4 sessions)

3:45-4:15 p.m.                Break + Networking with Exhibitors

4:15-5:15 p.m.                Breakout Session 2 (4 sessions)

5:15-6:15 p.m.                Sponsor Reception + Networking with Exhibitors

6:30-8:00 p.m.               Dinner

 

Friday, September 27, 2024

7:30-8:30 a.m.                 Registration

8:30-9:00 a.m.                 Opening Session

9:00-10:00 a.m.                Keynote: Kim Strobel

10:15-11:15 a.m.               Breakout Session 1 (4 sessions)

11:15-11:45 a.m.               Break + Networking with Exhibitors

11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m.         Lunch + Networking

1:00-2:00 p.m.                 Breakout Session 2 (4 sessions)

2:00-2:15 p.m.                 Break

2:15 -3:15 p.m.                Breakout Session 3 (4 sessions)

3:15 p.m.                      Conference ends