Opening Breakfast & Keynote Experience
Start your conference journey grounded in community, connection, and purpose with our Opening Breakfast and Keynote. This experience is designed to set the tone for everything that follows.
A Taste of AshevilleEnjoy a locally inspired breakfast sponsored by our partners at Biscuit Head, a beloved Asheville staple known for its bold flavors and Southern roots. This shared meal is more than nourishment; it’s a moment to gather, reflect, and begin building the connections that will carry throughout the conference.
Keynote Speaker: Carlos Ojeda, Jr.Prepare to be energized and inspired by Carlos Ojeda Jr., Founder of CoolSpeak. Through powerful storytelling and lived experience, Carlos will challenge us to reflect on our own journeys as educators and leaders, reminding us that our voices, our identities, and our stories are the driving force behind meaningful change.
His keynote is not just something you will hear—it is something you will
experience.
Your Story as the ThreadThis opening session launches a personalized storytelling and connection-making experience that will guide you across the entire conference. Rooted in the history and traditions of Western North Carolina, this interactive journey will invite you to:
- Reflect on your own story and its impact on your work
- Build authentic connections with fellow attendees
- Engage in moments of dialogue, creativity, and shared meaning
- Carry a unifying thread of purpose through each session, showcase, and experience
This is where
The Power of Our Stories comes to life; where your individual narrative becomes part of a larger, collective movement across our region.
Come ready to listen.
Come ready to reflect.
Come ready to share your story—and to help shape the next chapter.
