aPODERar Symposium - Building on Culture, Community, & Resilience: Full Schedule

Welcome to the aPODERar Symposium 2025 Schedule!
We’re thrilled to have you join us for an empowering experience focused on Building Culture, Community, and Resilience. 🎉 You’ll engage with inspiring speakers, dynamic panels, and interactive workshops designed to ignite leadership and foster meaningful connections.
Use this page to explore the full lineup of events, plan your sessions, and maximize your time at the symposium. Get ready to lead with purpose and passion!
Let’s build together, CALSA Familia. 💪
#apoderarcalsa2025

8:00am PST

CALSA Welcome Address & General Session Featuring Dr. Juana Bordas

Thursday February 6, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am PST

Mainstage

Start your day with a warm welcome and inspiring program! Enjoy a light breakfast accompanied by a moving student performance.

Following this, hear from Dr. Karling Aguilera-Fort, Senior Associate Superintendent of Educational Services and School Operations at SFUSD, as he delivers a Welcome Address to set the tone for the day.

We continue our morning with a special Keynote Address by Dr. Juana Bordas, offering insights and inspiration for educational leadership and community impact.

This session will also introduce attendees to the CALSA X-periencia, led by Coach Al, and featuring a powerful talk from Dr. Roxane Fuentes.

Speakers

Dr. Juana Bordas

Leader, Author, Activist, Motivational Speaker

Dr Juana Bordas is the author of The Power of Latino Leadership – Ahora! that was chosen #1 by Amazon for Hispanic studies and the best-selling book Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age. Both books won the International Latino Book Awards for best leadership... Read More →

Dr. Roxane Fuentes

Superintendent, Berryessa Union School District

As a public-school educator for nearly 25 years, Dr. Roxane Fuentes has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, principal, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, and Interim Superintendent, before becoming the first Latina Superintendent of the Berryessa Union... Read More →

Dr. Karling Aguilera-Fort

Deputy Superintendent, San Francisco Unified School District

Thursday February 6, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am PST
Mainstage

General Session

12:45pm PST

Fueling Growth: The 'Problem of Practice' Luncheon & CALSA X-PERIENCIA

Thursday February 6, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm PST

Mainstage

Dive into a unique opportunity to align strategic solutions with the real-world goals of educational leaders. During this interactive lunch, our #CALSAFamilia will engage in focused discussions centered on selected "power practices" that address district priorities. In addition to these valuable conversations, attendees will have the chance to listen to additional CALSA X-periencia speakers, further enriching the session with insights into innovative practices and leadership strategies. This dynamic environment fosters collaboration, actionable feedback, and meaningful connections, driving progress for the 2024-25 organizational objectives.

Thursday February 6, 2025 12:45pm - 2:15pm PST
Mainstage

3:45pm PST

SPOTLIGHT DISCUSSION - Independent Leaders, Unified Purpose: Couples Redefining Education

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:45pm - 5:00pm PST

Mainstage

Join us for an insightful conversation spotlighting dynamic couples who successfully navigate professional and personal spaces while working toward shared goals. This session will explore their unique experiences, challenges, and strategies for collaboration across different environments.

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:45pm - 5:00pm PST
Mainstage

Spotlight Discussion

7:15am PST

Morning Kickoff: CALSA Welcome & Student Showcase

Friday February 7, 2025 7:15am - 8:30am PST

Mainstage

Begin day two of the conference with an energizing CALSA Welcome Address, reflecting on our shared mission and vision. This session will also feature a dynamic student showcase, celebrating the talents and aspirations of local youth. Together, we’ll continue to inspire leadership, advocate for equity, and build a stronger #CALSAFamilia.

Friday February 7, 2025 7:15am - 8:30am PST
Mainstage

11:00am PST

General Session featuring Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza & the Women's Leadership Network Awards

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm PST

Mainstage

Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm PST
Mainstage

General Session

3:45pm PST

SPOTLIGHT DISCUSSION - Fiscal Insights with School Services of California

Friday February 7, 2025 3:45pm - 5:00pm PST

Mainstage

Speakers

Megan Baier

Director, Government Relations, School Services of California

Megan Baier, Director, Government Relations, brings a wealth of public policy and political experience to SSC. Prior to joining SSC, Megan led the Association of California School Administrators’ budget advocacy, representing school leaders in the Capitol on key fiscal and policy... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 3:45pm - 5:00pm PST
Mainstage

Spotlight Discussion

9:00am PST

Final Reflections: Closing General Session featuring Simón Silva

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am PST

Mainstage

Wrap up the conference with an inspiring session led by celebrated artist and speaker Simón Silva. Known for his unique ability to weave creativity and resilience into powerful narratives, Silva will leave attendees motivated and equipped to embrace leadership with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. Join us for this heartfelt finale as we reflect on our shared journey and look ahead to what lies next for the #CALSAFamilia.

Speakers

Simón Silva

Renowned Artist, Author, and Speaker

Simón Silva was born in Mexicali, Mexico. He is the seventh of eleven children and grew up in the Imperial Valley near the Frontera. His family survived by working in the hot sun picking fruits and vegetables as migrant farm workers. Silva himself helped his family by also working... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am PST
Mainstage

General Session