
$275
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The Illinois Grow Summit for Educational Leaders and Teachers of Color was the first event in Illinois with the specific goal to grow, retain, and recruit educational leaders and teachers of color.
Are you interested in supporting this event? Download the IPA Partners Guide and email Sydnee Rainer for more information.
2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year
Principal
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Belleville School District 118
Strategic Advisor
SkyBound Education
Principal
Fulton Junior High School
O'Fallon, IL
Principal
Sunny Hill Elementary School--Barrington 220
Tony Bradburn is a father of four BIPOC children (22, 20, 18, 16) and works as principal for Sunny Hill Elementary School. Prior to that, he was the Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Township High School District 214. His mission is to stand with others in grace and truth in order to inspire acceptance, peace, joy, and love. His TedX talk “We are all Adopted” uplifts this key tenet–that we thrive in communities where acceptance, peace, joy, and love are foundational components of it all.
He helped rewrite the Illinois Social Science Standards for K-12 with an anti-racist lens, has conducted qualitative research with hundreds of students and staff about belonging and success. Additionally, he has restructured course offerings to ensure courses are representative, relevant, rigorous, and inclusive. Most recently, he has turned around a school from being targeted to commendable.
District Coordinator of Family Engagement
Elgin U-46
As the District Coordinator of Family Engagement, Patricia Briones works to build strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations through strategic outreach, events, and data-informed practices, advancing equity, inclusion, and meaningful family engagement to support student success.
Assistant Principal
Rockford School District 205
Tamara Butler attended Millikin University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and then the University of Illinois, acquiring her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in School Social Work in 2005. In December of 2017 she completed her Master’s in Education Administration at Northern Illinois University. She is currently an assistant school principal with Rockford Public Schools. She serves in various leadership positions in her professional organizations.
Crown Circle: Black Women in Educational Leadership
Assistant Principal
Sunny Hill Elementary School
Dr. Antonio Diaz is a Latino first generation college graduate. He is a husband and father of two girls (3 and 1). He currently works as the Assistant Principal at Sunny Hill Elementary School. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Principal and Glen Crest Middle school in Glen Ellyn and Dean at Leman Middle School. My mission has always been to give back to his community and empower BIPOC children.
Dr. Diaz received his Doctorate in Education Administration from Aurora University in 2025. His dissertation, titled “A Phenomenological Study of the Motivational Factors Leading Latino Male High School Students to Pursue Postsecondary Education through the Lens of Familismo”.
Crown Circle: Black Women in Educational Leadership
Director of Secondary Curriculum: Humanities & Arts
Rockford Public Schools
Special Education Teacher
Lincolnwood School District 74
Special Education Teacher
Thornton Fractional District 215
Jennifer Gillespie, Ed.S, is an innovative Special Education educator, presenter, and change agent with almost two decades of experience in creating inclusive and empowering learning environments. She is the 2023–2024 Lions Club Teacher of the Year and a recipient of the District 215 Level Up Award, recognized for her exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to equitable education. Known for being data-driven, reflective, and fearless in taking instructional risks, Jennifer believes that positive relationships are the foundation of inclusive learning environments. Her presentation, “Building Bridges: Fostering and Cultivating Inclusive Learning Environments Through Positive Relationships,” centers on this belief and provides educators with practical, relationship-based strategies for supporting all learners.
District Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Elgin U-46
District Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Elgin U-46
As the District Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Ransom works to advance equitable practices across the district, culturally responsive instruction, and inclusive school communities through data-driven strategies, professional learning, student voice, and community partnerships, ensuring equity principles are embedded across district programs.
Dean of Students
West Aurora School SD129-Washington Middle School
Associate Principal for Student Services
Barrington High School
Dr. Robin J. Vannoy has served in multiple leadership roles, including Director of Deans, Director of Special Education, and Student Services Administrator. She has advanced equity, restorative practices, and student success by reducing suspensions by half and eliminating racial disproportionality in exclusionary discipline. She has also supported districtwide special education programs, standardized dean procedures, and broadened alternatives to suspension.
Strategic Advisor
SkyBound Education
College and Academic Counseling Team Coordinator
Crown Circle: Black Women in Educational Leadership
College and Academic Counseling Team Coordinator
Crown Circle: Black Women in Educational Leadership
Dr. Tron Young
Click to see details.
Creating a Comprehensive ISS Program
Dr. Robin J. Vannoy
In-school suspension (ISS) is an afterthought for many schools; however it can be a place of restoration, healing, and skill building. By embedding direct instruction and social-emotional skills in an intentionally staffed and designed space we can meet the needs of all students. This session will challenge participants’ thoughts around ISS and gain concrete ways to make their ISS program a place that meets the needs of all students and reduces exclusionary discipline.
Educators and THEIR ACEs-When Teachers Childhood Trauma Shows up
Ashley Richardson
Educators are given many resources on identifying and supporting trauma for their students. However, teachers that have unhealed trauma or ACEs can become triggered when working with students who are currently living with traumatic experiences. I would like to dive deep into what this may look like for educators working with students in this category and give them tangible tools that will help them stay objective in classroom management and disciplinary measures.
From Support to Lead: Elevating Student Services Voices in School Leadership
Tamara C. Butler
This presentation explores how educators from student support services — counseling, social work, psychology, and related helping professions — are uniquely equipped to lead schools with empathy, systems thinking, and a deep understanding of the whole child. Attendees will learn how these professionals can successfully lead teachers and schools without following a traditional classroom-teacher pathway, while strengthening school culture and student outcomes
Charles Williams
Click to see details.
Sustainable Leadership: Leading with Clarity, Capacity, and Care
Charles Williams
Leading well doesn't have to mean losing yourself. This session introduces the Sustainable Leadership framework to help leaders reclaim their focus, build systems that last, and lead without burning out. Walk away with practical tools to streamline your approach and protect your energy while still driving meaningful results.
From Targeted to Commendable
Tony Bradburn and Antonio Diaz
This session tells the real story of how leaders and staff led a high-EL, high-poverty, previously underperforming school from an Illinois Targeted designation to Commendable in just one school year. Using an equity-centered leadership approach, we rebuilt the school’s instructional systems, redesigned MTSS supports, strengthened bilingual programming, and set up weekly data practices that teachers owned—rather than feared.
Unapologetically Impactful: The Transformative Power of Educators of Color
Dr. Acacia J. Ford
This dynamic and inspiring session empowers educators of color to elevate their impact and build lasting legacies within their schools and communities. Through reflection, research-based strategies, and culturally grounded practices, participants will explore the transformative power of representation, strengthen their instructional and leadership skills, and develop sustainable approaches to well-being and professional growth. Educators will leave equipped with actionable tools, renewed purpose, and a clear vision for the generational influence they hold — both in and beyond the classroom.
Victor Gomaz — 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year
Better Together: Building a Legacy of Equity Through Cross-Role Partnership and Collective Action
Dr. Portia Ransom and Patricia Briones
This presentation highlights the powerful partnership between a district coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and a district coordinator of Family Engagement—two women of color working collaboratively to dismantle barriers and cultivate belonging for marginalized students and families. Through shared leadership, community presence, and intentional advocacy, we will illustrate how cross-role collaboration can transform systems, strengthen family trust, and build a legacy of equity for Black boys, Hispanic families, and school communities.
Dr. Robin Vannoy, Dana DeVaughn, Farrah Ellison-Moore, Melisa Williams-Rivera
Affinity spaces provide educators of color with a safe environment to connect, share experiences, and sustain their leadership roles. This session will explore why these spaces are essential for retention and mental wellness, and how they combat equity fatigue by fostering authentic connection and empowerment. Participants will leave with strategies to create and support affinity groups in their own districts or across neighboring districts.
Building Bridges: Cultivating and Foster Inclusive Learning Environments Through Positive Relationships
Jennifer Gillespie
This presentation explores the power of cultivating positive relationships in education and their impact on student engagement and success. It emphasizes strategies for creating inclusive classrooms, fostering meaningful connections, and addressing the diverse needs of students.
Shared Power, Shared Healing: Superintendent–Teacher Co-Leadership for Racially Just Schools
Mari Garvonado
What does real equity work look like when district power and classroom experience move together instead of apart? In this dynamic, co-facilitated session, a white assistant superintendent and a teacher leader of color model shared leadership while guiding participants through storytelling, systems mapping, and real-world practice. Attendees will leave with concrete tools to strengthen safety, belonging, and retention for all in Illinois schools.


2940 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703
Springfield, IL 62703
Contact: Sydnee Sturdivant
sydnee.sturdivant@ilprincipals.org
2173219573


The Department of Educational Administration and Foundations (EAF) empowers diverse cohorts of learners to foster real-world change as impactful leaders across education, nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, and policy work.
Campus Box 5900
Normal, IL 61790
Contact: Lindsey Hall
309-438-1301
education.illinoisstate.edu/academics/educational-administration-foundations
