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$275
Individuals paying with a purchase order must register using the PDF registration form.
This event is a partnership of 18 statewide organizations and is designed to empower, connect, inspire, support, celebrate and develop women in education.
WELL 2027 is back at the Embassy Suites Riverfront Hotel and Conference Center in East Peoria!
Registration is limited to 500 participants. Attendees will receive the annual gem paperweight keepsake and are also eligible for door prizes and six hours of professional development clock hours! Dress for this event is business casual.
Interested in helping support women in education? Download the IPA Partners Guide (page 9) and email Sydnee Rainer for more information.
Keynote Speaker
Anne Marie Anderson
Emmy Award Winning Broadcaster, Author, and Keynote Speaker
Anne Marie Anderson is a three-time Emmy award winning broadcaster, author, and keynote speaker who teaches leaders in education how to employ courage to take worthwhile risks that lead to stronger teams, confident students, and thriving school cultures.
Over more than three decades in sports broadcasting, Anne Marie has covered the world’s biggest stages including six Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, and over 1,500 live events for ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, and TBS. In the process, she has observed what separates good teams from great ones and how those same lessons apply to classrooms, staff rooms, and communities everywhere.
As a keynote speaker, Anne Marie blends humor, storytelling, and research-based insights to help educators build cultures of courage, belonging, and possibility. Her sessions empower audiences to dismantle self-doubt, model resilience for students, and take bold action in pursuit of growth.
Her book, Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win, an Amazon #1 New Release in Business Diversity and Career Growth, guides readers through identifying barriers such as fear, time, and self-criticism, and transforming them into motivation and momentum.
Anne Marie reminds leaders that courage is contagious and when educators lead with audacity, they inspire the next generation to do the same.
Tammy Talk Speakers
Michele Bertola
Principal
Warren Township High School-O Plaine Road Campus
Dr. Michele Bertola is the proud principal of Warren Township High School, 9-10 Campus, District 121 which is located in the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With over 25 years of educational experience she has been a social studies teacher, an assistant principal, and is starting her ninth year as principal at WTHS. She is passionate about continuous improvement and sustaining a culture of dignity and belonging. During the day you will find her connecting with students and learning with staff.
Michele holds a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Lake Forest College, a master’s degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University, and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.
Jori Bowen
Principal
Lakes Community High School
As a former math teacher, one has to learn how to make their own fun! Jori Bowen is the daughter of a high school English teacher and the granddaughter of TWO teachers - one grandma said, “Don’t smile until winter break!” Not one to take advice, Jori has enjoyed every moment of her 34!!! years in education, and she is in her fifth year as the proud principal of Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa, Illinois. She is passionate about promoting a nurturing, learning-focused environment that allows students and teachers to experiment and discover. Jori is making good use of her BS in Education with a Math minor from Miami University (OH), MA in Teacher Leadership from the University of Illinois Springfield, and Master of Education from Olivet Nazarene University.
Educational Leader, Author, and Founder
FocusED Driven Leadership, LLC, and Over & Beyond the Classroom
Dr. Crystal Dorsey-Turner
Educational Leader, Author, and Founder
FocusED Driven Leadership, LLC, and Over & Beyond the Classroom
Crystal Dorsey-Turner is an accomplished educational leader, author, and founder of FocusED Driven Leadership, LLC, and Over & Beyond the Classroom, a 501(c)(3), bringing over thirty years of experience in education. Her career spans from classroom teacher to district-level leadership, where she has helped schools, principals, and communities drive meaningful change. Crystal is deeply committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential when the right supports and learning conditions are in place.
Her work is grounded in what she calls “heart work,” leading with purpose, accountability, compassion, and a relentless focus on empowering others toward success. Known for her resilience, tenacity, sense of humor, and unwavering dedication, Crystal is respected by colleagues and educational partners for her commitment to strengthening schools and empowering leaders. Through her entrepreneurial work and research, she created the BRAVE Framework, a leadership culture system designed to support employee retention and engagement, strengthen psychological safety and adult belonging, and empower organizations to build healthier, more effective workplace environments.
Her leadership philosophy rests on one powerful belief: Leadership Is an Experience. She believes that every interaction, decision, and conversation shapes how people experience leadership, influencing whether they feel valued, respected, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. At the core of her work is a simple yet thought-provoking question: “What is it like to be led by you?”
Born and raised in Chicago’s West Englewood community and a proud graduate of Chicago Public Schools, Crystal remains deeply connected to her roots. She is the author of Grandma’s Hands, a children’s book celebrating family legacy, African American culture, and the power of relationships through literacy.
Crystal is currently a doctoral candidate at Concordia University Chicago. She enjoys dancing, reading, leadership, crafting, traveling, and spending meaningful time with her family.
Karen Geiddeis
Director of Communications
Leyden CHSD 212
Karen B. Geddeis, APR, CSBO is currently the director of communications for Leyden High School District 212 and has a 25-year track record of building trust through open, honest, and straightforward dialogue. A seasoned leader in school public relations, she has shaped the voices of districts, ensuring that every message is clear, credible, and impactful.Karen’s expertise spans strategic planning, crisis communications, media relations, and special projects. She has successfully led communication initiatives for a diverse range of public school districts in Illinois, in terms of size, demographics, and grade levels. Her ability to cultivate strong relationships—whether with media, community stakeholders, or leadership teams—has made her an invaluable advisor in navigating complex challenges.Beyond her professional skills, Karen’s approach is anchored in consistency, courage, and a relentless pursuit of growth. She believes in embracing challenges head-on, valuing the process as much as the outcome. With a passion for continuous learning, she actively engages in professional development, presenting at national conferences and serving on boards.Karen holds a B.S. in Public Relations from Illinois State University and an M.S. in School Business Management from Northern Illinois University. She is a rare professional, as she is the only certified School Business Officials (CSBO) who is also Accredited in Public Relations (APR) in the state, and therefore, she combines strategic thinking with creative problem-solving—always leading with integrity, curiosity, and relentless purpose.
Dr. Jacqueline Johnson
Principal
Lockport Township High School District 205 — East Campus
Dr. Jacqueline E. Johnson is the Principal at Lockport Township High School District 205’s East Campus. Jacqueline has been in education for over 25 years, and has held positions as an English teacher, Dean of Students, Music Curriculum Director, Director of Articulation and Equity, and currently Principal. Throughout her career, Jacqueline has focused on what she has coined her “North Star” as leading with joy, service, and impact. Jacqueline earned her B.S. from Illinois State University. She earned her M.A. from Concordia University, and her doctorate from the University of St. Francis. Jacqueline currently serves as a member of the Penguin Random House DEI Board, SWSC Treasurer, the Flossmoor Service League, and as a former facilitator with the Illinois Affinity Group Network. Jacqueline is passionate about ensuring that all of her students have what they need to be successful in her school and beyond. Teaching and learning is her jam. Jacqueline is committed to building networks that help all educators find success.
Dr. Kate Koch
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Lemont-Bromberek CSD 113A
Dr. Kate Koch currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Lemont-Bromberek School District 113A in Lemont, Illinois. With previous experience as a middle school teacher, elementary assistant principal, and principal, Dr. Koch brings a practical and dynamic perspective to leadership development and school improvement.
She was named one of District Administration’s Top 100 Influencers in Education for 2024 and is the co-author of the book Unsupervised Leadership as well as the co-host of the popular Unsupervised Leadership podcast, which empowers educators and leaders nationwide. Dr. Koch is passionate about cultivating strong school cultures, building leadership capacity, and supporting educators at all levels to reach their full potential.
Dr. Courtney Orzel
Superintendent
Lemont-Bromberek CSD113A
Dr. Courtney Orzel is the Superintendent of Schools for Lemont-Bromberek CSD113A in Lemont, Illinois. Previously, she served as the Associate Director for Professional Development for the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) and has held positions as a superintendent, middle school principal, assistant principal, and teacher.
Dr. Orzel has been honored with national recognition from AASA as a finalist for the Women in Leadership Award and has led the IASA SuperWomen initiative in Illinois. She was named IASA’s South Cook Superintendent of Distinction in 2020 and has led hundreds of workshops, keynotes, and administrators' academies reaching thousands of educators across the country.
Dr. Orzel was named as a 2024 Top 100 Influencer in Education for District Administration, and she is the co-host of the top-rated education podcast and book, Unsupervised Leadership.
Dr. Jennifer Rowe
Director of Equity and Belonging
Lyons Township School District #204
Dr. Jennifer Rowe is the Director of Equity and Belonging for Lyons Township School District # 204. Jennifer has been an educator for 27 years, and has held positions as an English teacher, Student Teacher Supervisor, Dean of Students, as well as holding her first equity position for six years. Throughout her career, Jennifer has focused on the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging and the need to make space for educators of color in all levels of the profession. Jennifer earned her BA from the University of Cincinnati and also has her M.Ed. and Ed.D. from Loyola University, Chicago. Jennifer currently is a Senior Facilitator with the Illinois Affinity Group Network where she is connected to a network of educators from across the state working to foster positive change. Jennifer has a real passion for collaboration, cultivating the next generation of social justice warriors, and is committed to building strong partnerships in order to build pathways for success for young people.
AGENDA
Reception (March 11)
Reception (March 11)
Registration and check-in
Registration and check-in
Welcome and announcements
Welcome and announcements
Keynote — Unapologetically Audacious
Keynote — Unapologetically Audacious
Anne Marie Anderson
Unapologetically Audacious
Redefining Power, Possibility, and the Permission to Shine.
What would change if you stopped apologizing for your ambition?
If instead of dimming your light, you turned it all the way up and invited others to do the same?
In Unapologetically Audacious, Emmy Award winning broadcaster and Audacity Expert Anne Marie Anderson, author of the multi award winning book Cultivating Audacity, invites women to dismantle doubt and reimagine what’s possible when confidence and courage meet intention. (continued)
Drawing from her journey through the male dominated world of sports broadcasting, where she chose to hear “no” as “not yet,” Anne Marie delivers an unforgettable, laughter filled experience that celebrates risk taking, resilience, and self advocacy.
Anne Marie reminds women that audacity is not defiance; it is the fuel that transforms barriers into breakthroughs. Through stories that are equal parts hilarious and hard won, she shows how to:
Silence the inner critic that questions your right to take up space.
Claim bold opportunities instead of waiting for perfect timing or permission.
Transform comparison into collaboration, building networks that lift rather than limit.
Lead with audacity, turning authenticity into a superpower that amplifies impact.
This keynote is a rallying cry for women who are done asking, “Am I ready?” and ready to say, “Watch me.”
It’s inspiring. It’s electric. And it’s the shift that turns hesitation into history.
Female Leader Panel
Female Leader Panel
Break
Break
Tammy Talk Session #1
Tammy Talk Session #1
Who Gave Her the Mic?
Dr. Courtney Orzel and Dr. Kate Koch
Women are often taught to wait their turn, play nice, choose their words carefully, compare themselves to everyone else, and make room for others. Well, how's that working out for us? Who decided we needed permission to speak up, take up space, or lead anyway?
Join Courtney Orzel and Kate Koch, co-hosts of Unsupervised Leadership, for a fun, fierce, and fabulously unfiltered conversation about owning your voice, telling your inner critic to take a seat, ditching the comparison game, and having the audacity to ask for what you want (and say NO to what you don't!). We'll talk about turning comparison into collaboration, pulling up a chair at the table (or bringing your own!), lifting other women up, and why being unapologetically YOU might just be your boldest leadership move yet.
Expect plenty of laughs, a little attitude, some unfiltered truths, and absolutely no boring leadership lectures. And fair warning: we might just hand YOU the mic, and your voice could end up on an episode of our podcast! So, bring your boldest self, leave your apologies at the door, and get ready to say, “Watch me!”
Watch Me Lead Like Me: The Courage to Create Your Own Leadership Experience
Dr. Crystal Dorsey-Turner
Women leaders are often navigating expectations about how leadership should look, sound, and feel. But powerful leadership does not come from becoming a copy of someone else. It comes from understanding who you are, how people experience your leadership, and having the courage to lead from that place.
In this engaging and reflective session, Crystal Turner invites women to move beyond performing leadership and begin intentionally creating a leadership experience rooted in courage, belonging, humanity, and authenticity. Participants will explore the question, “What is it like to be led by you?” and consider how their everyday leadership behaviors shape the confidence, culture, and sense of belonging of the people around them.
Because sometimes the most powerful response to what others think leadership should look like is simply: Watch me.
Hey Girl, Hey: The Remix
Dr. Jennifer Rowe and Dr. Jacqueline Johnson
Dr. Jennifer Rowe and Dr. Jacqueline Johnson are coming back to WELL to give attendees a "Hey Girl, Hey," and share their insights into what it means to be women leading today. They previously presented how to be a supportive friend and colleague who loves, lifts up, and supports each other’s leadership. This session is what they are coining as a remix that shares their insights into what it means to own the mic, have a seat at the table, and how their relationship helps to quiet their inner critics. They will share their stories and experiences and will give you the audacity to show up as your authentic self in the spaces you lead. You will leave wanting to call a trusted friend or colleague to give them a “Hey Girl, Hey," and know that you have all that you need to lead.
Own the Mic: Discover, Design, and Deliver a Powerful Story
Karen Geiddeis
Discover, design and deliver a story that connects. Whether it's your own or one you need to share, explore strategies to make your message meaningful, memorable and impactful. Learn from a seasoned communications director/performer, who draws on experiences from the stage and the world of school communications to engage audiences large and small. Start with one question: What do you want your audience to think, feel and do? Intention drives impact.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun!
Michele Bertola and Jori Bowen
Who says school culture has to be serious to be effective? If you’re ready to cultivate genuine energy across your halls, staff lounges, and family events, come on in! You’ll walk away with at least three high-impact ideas designed to spark belonging, connect your community, and put fun into the school day.
Lunch
Lunch
Student Performance
Student Performance
Tammy Talk Session #2
Tammy Talk Session #2
Who Gave Her the Mic?
Dr. Courtney Orzel and Dr. Kate Koch
Women are often taught to wait their turn, play nice, choose their words carefully, compare themselves to everyone else, and make room for others. Well, how's that working out for us? Who decided we needed permission to speak up, take up space, or lead anyway?
Join Courtney Orzel and Kate Koch, co-hosts of Unsupervised Leadership, for a fun, fierce, and fabulously unfiltered conversation about owning your voice, telling your inner critic to take a seat, ditching the comparison game, and having the audacity to ask for what you want (and say NO to what you don't!). We'll talk about turning comparison into collaboration, pulling up a chair at the table (or bringing your own!), lifting other women up, and why being unapologetically YOU might just be your boldest leadership move yet.
Expect plenty of laughs, a little attitude, some unfiltered truths, and absolutely no boring leadership lectures. And fair warning: we might just hand YOU the mic, and your voice could end up on an episode of our podcast! So, bring your boldest self, leave your apologies at the door, and get ready to say, “Watch me!”
Watch Me Lead Like Me: The Courage to Create Your Own Leadership Experience
Dr. Crystal Dorsey-Turner
Women leaders are often navigating expectations about how leadership should look, sound, and feel. But powerful leadership does not come from becoming a copy of someone else. It comes from understanding who you are, how people experience your leadership, and having the courage to lead from that place.
In this engaging and reflective session, Crystal Turner invites women to move beyond performing leadership and begin intentionally creating a leadership experience rooted in courage, belonging, humanity, and authenticity. Participants will explore the question, “What is it like to be led by you?” and consider how their everyday leadership behaviors shape the confidence, culture, and sense of belonging of the people around them.
Because sometimes the most powerful response to what others think leadership should look like is simply: Watch me.
Hey Girl, Hey: The Remix
Dr. Jennifer Rowe and Dr. Jacqueline Johnson
Dr. Jennifer Rowe and Dr. Jacqueline Johnson are coming back to WELL to give attendees a "Hey Girl, Hey," and share their insights into what it means to be women leading today. They previously presented how to be a supportive friend and colleague who loves, lifts up, and supports each other’s leadership. This session is what they are coining as a remix that shares their insights into what it means to own the mic, have a seat at the table, and how their relationship helps to quiet their inner critics. They will share their stories and experiences and will give you the audacity to show up as your authentic self in the spaces you lead. You will leave wanting to call a trusted friend or colleague to give them a “Hey Girl, Hey," and know that you have all that you need to lead.
Own the Mic: Discover, Design, and Deliver a Powerful Story
Karen Geiddeis
Discover, design and deliver a story that connects. Whether it's your own or one you need to share, explore strategies to make your message meaningful, memorable and impactful. Learn from a seasoned communications director/performer, who draws on experiences from the stage and the world of school communications to engage audiences large and small. Start with one question: What do you want your audience to think, feel and do? Intention drives impact.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun!
Michele Bertola and Jori Bowen
Who says school culture has to be serious to be effective? If you’re ready to cultivate genuine energy across your halls, staff lounges, and family events, come on in! You’ll walk away with at least three high-impact ideas designed to spark belonging, connect your community, and put fun into the school day.
Student Panel
Student Panel
IGNITE
IGNITE
Closing Remarks and Prizes
Closing Remarks and Prizes
PD Credit
Emerald Sponsors
Sapphire Sponsors
2940 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703
Springfield, IL 62703
Contact: Sydnee Sturdivant
sydnee.sturdivant@ilprincipals.org
2173219573
Citrine Sponsors
IVSA is the ideal online learning solution for districts challenged with meeting the needs of today’s students. Our comprehensive online model offers supplemental, full-class solutions, and a Full-Time Academy. IVSA is the ONLY approved public provider in the ISBE Virtual Course Catalog and is administered by the Lake County ROE. IVSA exists to expand access & opportunity to all Illinois students by partnering with schools to deliver personalized learning.
Expanding access. Creating opportunities. Empowering every learner.
1905 W. Field Court
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Contact: Melissa Lundgaard
1-866-890-IVSA
Olivet Nazarene University is one of the nation’s premier Christian universities. At Olivet, we believe higher education should have a higher purpose.
With accredited programs, award-winning academics, and a faculty touting degrees from a wide spectrum of world-class educational institutions, Olivet stands committed to integrating faith and learning.
Nestled in the historic village of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Olivet students gain knowledge and wisdom, and secure degrees that place them ahead of the pack, with portfolios and experience as evidence of an “Education With a Christian purpose.”
Olivet offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, as well as the Ethical Leadership Doctorate. Olivet provides education on campus as well as online to provide flexibility to our learners. Our programs are relevant, current, and designed to meet the needs of our students.
One University Avenue
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Contact: Cynth Veronda
815-928-5515
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Roxy & Lola is an Illinois-based jewelry brand known for its upscale jewelry, designed in house. Their passion is for women to embrace who they are, be unique, and feel comfortable in their own skin. They believe everyone deserves to feel beautiful, and jewelry can enhance that feeling. Their products will be available during the reception and all day Friday. They accept cash, credit and Apple Pay. A donation of sales will be made to the IPA Foundation.
Well Partners
105 E Hamilton Road
Bloomington, IL 61704
Contact: Melissa Taylor
309-886-5137
Regional Offices of Education in Illinois, personally and professionally, in their efforts to promote quality education for the school children and citizens of Illinois, to provide educational leadership, to impact public policy, and to deliver educational services effectively for the benefit of Illinois school districts, other educational entities and educational system clients of all ages.
415 Lexington Street
Maywood, IL 60153
Contact: Lefvia Marrero
331-231-1361
Devoted to the School Business Management Profession
108 Carroll Avenue
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-440-6670
IASPA's Mission: We support the human resource professionals who support our schools. Our goal is to connect human resource leaders committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, professional staff.
1770 S. Randall Road, Suite A #104
Geneva, IL 60134
IDEA is a non-profit membership organization with members across the US and in 23 countries. Our goal is to create a community where educators can connect, share, inspire and grow with one another. You don’t have to be a technology expert to belong; IDEA needs the perspective of every educator. Join the IDEA community for free at //ideaillinois.org/join
2735 Hassert Boulevard, Suite 135 PMB 304
Naperville, IL 60564
Contact: Heather Woomer
630-628-1088
Governing body for middle school/junior high school athletic and activities in Illinois.
1015 Maple Hill Road
Bloomington, IL 61761
309-829-0114
Coming soon!
7270 W College Dr., Suite 201
Palos Heights, IL 60463-1180
Contact: Darcy Nendza
708-479-4000
The Illinois Resource Center (IRC) is the state's premier provider of technical assistance and professional development for educators of linguistically and culturally diverse learners. Our experienced practitioners combine the latest scholarship and best practices in order to deliver relevant content and meaningful experiences to the communities we serve.
2626 S. Clearbrook Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Contact: Lindsay Eanet
224-366-8555
