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Strengthening the pipeline of women leaders in education

"Lifting as we climb, onward and upward..." (Mary Church Terrell)

Our Mission

The goal of the WOCEC is to create a diverse and thriving network of women leaders by providing leadership development programs to enhance executive skills, build robust connections among members, and provide self-care and wellness strategies while serving in demanding positions.

Our Vision

We strive to improve student outcomes by bringing additional and varied perspectives and life experiences into the leadership of schools, school districts, and non-profit organizations.

Our Work

The WOCEC is a professional development support network for education system leaders.

The WOCEC Solution

Cohort Model

We foster safe and supportive spaces for members to connect and share best practices.

Executive Coaching

We provide our members executive coaching tailored to their specific needs.

Executive Skills

We help you master the essential skills needed to excel at the highest levels of leadership.

Self-Care and Wellness

We help you thrive in demanding positions without compromising your well-being.

Read about the WOCEC in this article from the September 2023 issue of AASA’s School Administrator, The Mockingbird Effect: What’s Behind the Paucity of Black Superintendents and What Can Be Done to Raise Their Representation in Public School Leadership?

Our Success Stories

hours of individualized coaching for leadership and wellness

hours of cohort contact time

Black and Latina women supported in their leadership and wellness journeys

Always Growing

Our Impact

Current Reach (United States & Canada)

372,000+ Teachers
3,000,000+ Students
75% Minority
56% Economically Disadvantaged

What Our Members Say

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The WOCEC was special to me because of the women leaders I met through the gatherings, the inspiring sessions that were held, and the coaching sessions, which were extremely valuable to me. I will cherish the time I had with my coach and take away the lessons learned.

Alena Zachery-Ross
Superintendent
Ypsilanti Community Schools
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The WOCEC was one of the most impactful experiences I have had as a woman of color working as an administrator in education. The type of conversations, collegiality, learning and fun is just not possible without the conditions that were created by Stephanie Wood-Garnett and all the support staff and mentors. Something I will take with me is the focus on self-care as the foundation for all other work to be feasible.

Silvia Romero-Johnson
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Middleton-Cross Plains (WI) School District
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I’ve gained professional sisterhood with and executive coaching from some of the most AMAZING women in the field of educational leadership. They are the epitome of what the power in collective learning, experience, wisdom, transparency, and career support feels like.

Jacqueline Jones
Assistant Superintendent
Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Public Schools
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The WOCEC has been a transformative journey, where empowerment intertwines with sisterhood. Witnessing the collective resilience and brilliance of our members fuels my passion for fostering inclusive spaces and amplifying diverse voices. I am forever grateful for the connections made in this community.

Tamara Candis
Associate Superintendent
Bibb County (GA) Public Schools
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The WOCEC has given me the place to pause and intentionally consider and shift my leadership in a safe space among other women from whom I can glean. WOCEC is a community that helps us take care of and refine ourselves as women leaders.

Monica Roberts
Senior Vice President & Executive Director
City Year Boston
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The WOCEC prioritizes the importance of being whole as a leader. The organization provides a unique opportunity for women in leadership to gather, pour into one another, and be poured into. During the Philadelphia convening I felt loved professionally. I can’t say that I have ever experienced anything quite like that. For that I am forever grateful.

Ebony Shields
Instructional Director/Principal Supervisor
Prince George’s County (MD) Public Schools
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This program is not merely about enhancing the capacity of women of color professionals; it is a dynamic force that is reshaping destinies, empowering us to transcend adversity and truly flourish in both our professional endeavors and personal aspirations.

Hewettè Moore
Chief of Staff
New York City Department of Education
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The WOCEC provided a space where women of color in education could come together, share experiences, and support each other in navigating the unique challenges and opportunities we face in the field.

Wachera Ragland-Brown
Chief Academic Officer
Bayonne (NJ) Public Schools

Join the WOCEC

Join us and connect with YOUR community!

Click below to learn more about becoming a WOCEC member.