00
days
00
hours
00
minutes
00
seconds
2026 Conference Speakers

Dr. Alex
Marrero
Superintendent, Denver Public Schools

Dr. Howard Hepburn
Superintendent, Broward County Schools

Dr. James
Knapp
President, Broward Education Foundation

Dr. Jermall Wright
Superintendent, Little Rock School District

Jordan Halverson
Principal, Fridley Public Schools

Richmond
Tweh
Principal, Mounds View Public Schools

Walter
Jennings
Director of Student Success Initiatives-Florida, Helios Education Foundation

Nate
Gibbs
Administrator, Roseville Area Schools

Harrison
Peters
CEO & Founder

Steve
Gering
Co-Founder

Dr. Donald E. Fennoy II, Ed.D.
Former Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County Schools, FL

Dr. Dino Coronado
Superintendent in Residence
About The Convening
Get ready to supercharge your leadership at the MCEL National Convening, December 11–13, 2026, in the dynamic city of Orlando, Florida— In an era of rapid change and mounting pressures on our educational institutions, bold, visionary leadership has never mattered more. This year’s theme, “The Resilient Leader,” celebrates the power of grit, adaptability, and unwavering purpose to transform challenges into breakthroughs.
With only 3 percent of educators identifying as men of color—and attrition threatening to decimate our ranks within the next decade—our community faces a critical crossroads. Now is the time to come together, recharge, and recommit to the work that matters. At this convening, you’ll find a vibrant, affirming space to be your full self, deepen your skills, and forge connections that fuel both personal and professional growth.


Hispanic Male Leaders Pre-Conference
We’re thrilled about the fourth year of our Hispanic Male Leaders Pre Conference on December 10–11, 2026! The Hispanic Make pre-conference is designed to amplify the unique voices, experiences, and leadership pathways of our Hispanic brothers in education.
Join us in Orlando for three days of inspiration, strategy, and brotherhood. Together, we’ll harness resilience, ignite innovative solutions, and rewrite the future of educational leadership—because when resilient leaders rise, entire communities thrive!
Call For Proposals
MCEL invites educators, system leaders, researchers, and practitioners to submit proposals to present at the Resilient Leader National Convening 2026.
This national gathering brings together leaders dedicated to strengthening schools, supporting principals, and building leadership pipelines that sustain student success. We are seeking presenters who can share practical strategies, innovative approaches, and leadership insights that foster resilient leadership within education systems.


