Keynote speaker Jaime Casap, former chief education evangelist at Google, discussed how the next generation of students can use their skills and interests to contribute to our society. Casap encouraged teachers and parents to ask children, “what problem do you want to solve?” and “how will you work towards that goal?”

Keynote speaker Ashley Judd, renowned actress, humanitarian, and political activist shared her wisdom and reminded us to take care of ourselves first so that we can be better equipped to serve our students.

Keynote speaker Isabel Wilkerson, author of the best-selling book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, joined virtually and spoke about migration and what it means to become an immigrant in your own country. Later, she was joined by Ulcca Joshi Hansen for a facilitated Q&A session.

Keynote speaker Duncan Wardle, former head of innovation & creativity at Disney, encouraged us to take time to think creatively and expansively. Members of the audience even got to stretch their creative muscles during the presentation with drawings and interactive role plays.

Saadia Ahmed, from Houston Montessori Center, discussed what makes up the fabric of the United States of America.

LaTania J. Scott, from Blazing Stars Montessori, shared her experience as a young Black student with dyscalculia and how she found her voice and passion.

Lourdes A. Campos Ramirez, from La Nueva Escuela Juan Ponce de Leon, helped us address the question: how do we create spaces of dignity and possibility during so much scarcity?

Charles Terranova, from Cambridge Montessori Institute, shared his expertise in the amended chart of the Four Planes.