Recognizing Education Champions at the WholeGirl+ Education National Conference
Student Leadership Network’s third annual WholeGirl+ Education National Conference convened educators and program partners from across the country to exchange best practices and celebrate champions of education for girls and gender-expansive youth (girls+). The conference kicked off on a celebratory note with a welcome reception in midtown Manhattan, where we honored those who have had an exemplary impact!
The Ann Tisch Inspire Award
Dr. Charcia Nichols, Executive Director of Ivy Prep Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, received the Ann Tisch Inspire Award in recognition of her visionary leadership.
The award is given each year to a leader who embodies the qualities of Student Leadership’s founder, Ann Rubenstein Tisch, who exemplifies vision, passion, intelligence, innovation, and perseverance in their leadership and commitment to the mission of the Young Women’s Leadership affiliate school that they serve. Her nominators noted that Dr. Nichols knows the names and stories of every student in the school and leverages opportunities, such as International Day of the Girl and a Period Poverty Menstrual Product Drive, to “not only raise awareness of global issues but also instill in scholars a sense of purpose and social responsibility.” Congratulations Dr. Nichols!
The WholeGirl+ Educator Award
Ellen Jorgensen, a middle school English Language Arts Teacher and KCG Leadership Institute Project Manager at Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy in Missouri, received the WholeGirl+ Educator Award for her dedication to her students’ journeys.
The award recognizes a Student Leadership Network affiliate staff member who exemplifies WholeGirl+ Education—supporting student development in leadership, self-advocacy, identity, and academic growth. Ellen creates an inclusive and empowering environment inside the classroom, integrating culturally responsive teaching strategies, encouraging students to reflect on their identities, and fostering a strong sense of self-regard and identity. While the school serves grades 5-8, Ellen founded and manages its Leadership Institute to provide vital connections and enrichment opportunities to alumnae to succeed academically, personally, and socially in high school and beyond. Congratulations, Ellen!
Recognition of The Estée Lauder Companies
For over 20 years, The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) and The Estée Lauder Companies Charitable Foundation (ELCCF) have been steadfast and generous partners to our students. Through a unique and powerful 360-degree partnership rooted in employee engagement and programming, the company has a long history of supporting opportunities for girls’+ leadership, from college and career readiness to leadership development. ELC and TYWLS programming includes career day visits, mentorship, scholarship, and internship opportunities, Project Beauty entrepreneurship workshops, resume reviews for our students, and more.
At the welcome reception, we recognized the impact of ELC and Student Leadership Network’s partnership, which supports the next generation of leaders access the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive and lead in the workplace. Lauren Traum joined us to raise a glass to educational and career opportunities for girls+. We are also fortunate to have Phebe Farrow Port lend her expertise on our Board of Directors, and Nerlynda Sutherland champion our programs and volunteer opportunities across the company. Thank you!
Gratitude for Our Community
The success of the WholeGirl+ Education National Conference is possible due to the generous support and participation of our program partners and sponsors. Many thanks to Insight Partners for donating their beautiful space for the reception. Student Leadership Network is also proud to support local women- and BIPOC-owned businesses. Libations Lab, founded by Rashida Heslop, provided bartending services, and Chef Joel Hinds-Ortiz catered the event. Reign’s Photography captured photos and video of the conference. Thank you for being in community with us!
