LM Oct 2021

IASA 57THANNUAL CONFERENCE REF IASA’s 57th Annual Conference was highlighted by speakers and presenters who refreshed, recharged and revitalized attendees after an incredibly difficult 18 months. More than 600 people registered for the event, held in Springfield Sept. 29–Oct.1. Pre-conference sessions this year included Early Bird

Academies, an equity workshop and Women in Leadership. “What’s Race Got to Do With It?” was led by Dr. Donna Leak, superintendent of Community Consolidated Schools District #168, and Dr. Sonya Whitaker, Deputy Superintendent of Dolton West SD #148. Women in Leadership featured Dr. Nancy Blair and a five-person panel of positive, powerful and awesome females who represent education and business fields. The conference kicked off officially with the Opening General Session, highlighted by Morris Morrison, who shared his unbelievable story about being orphaned twice as a child and discovering he had a white mother who traveled to New York City when she was 19 from Tennessee. Morrison challenged attendees to not be a victim, take ownership of their life and to never expect someone to give up on you. “We change and grow when our minds are open and/ or our hearts are broken,” Morrison told the audience. IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark’s delivered his State of the Association Report on Wednesday. Dr. Clark detailed the political polarization occurring across the U.S. and Illinois and announced IASA would be partnering

Wednesday’s Opening General Session Keynote Speaker, Morris Morrison

6 LM October 2021