HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM
The 22nd ISS Mary Anne Haas Women’s Symposium took place on June 22, 2024, bringing together a dynamic group of women educational leaders from around the world. This year’s theme, “Creative Leadership and the Power of Connections”, explored the importance of mentorship, building networks, and leading with creativity in the evolving landscape of international education
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our inspiring speakers and panelists, who shared their invaluable insights and expertise, fostering rich discussions and collaborations. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue the conversations through our virtual community, offering free webinars to all Women’s Symposium members, ensuring year-round connection and professional development opportunities.
VIEW THE FOLLOWING FREE PRESENTATIONS FROM THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
The Power of Connections: Tools to Leverage Networks, Mentors & Sponsors
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Exploring Trends & Patterns in Women’s Leadership (Part 1)
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Exploring Trends & Patterns in Women’s Leadership (Part 2)
CELEBRATING DECADES OF SUPPORTING WOMEN LEADERS
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Mary Anne Haas Women’s Symposium and Mary Anne’s 96th Birthday, we hosted a special event: Hope and Women’s Leadership with Jane Goodall.
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBA, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and UN Messenger of Peace, is a world-renowned ethologist and activist inspiring greater understanding and action on behalf of the natural world. Jane is a global icon, spreading hope and turning it into a meaningful, positive impact to create a better world for people, other animals, and the planet we share.
Since 2002, this annual symposium has helped to advance women educators in leadership in international schools – as well as provide important role models to future generations of women leaders.
Each year, over two dozen leaders from international schools around the world assemble for the annual ISS Mary Anne Haas Women’s Symposium to discuss the context for women leadership in international schools, network, and further their own professional development in a stimulating series of workshops and conversations. In recent years, symposium alumni have organized workshops at regional conferences for both male and female leaders.
MAKING AN IMPACT IN WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
According to data from the Academy of International School Heads (AISH), over the past decade, the percentage of women heads at international schools has increased from 27% to 33%. That growth is attributable to the early female pioneers as well as to many male and female champions who encouraged women to seek leadership roles in international schools.
There is still more progress to be made! If you are an aspiring woman head or an established head interested in championing women in leadership, please let us know.
ISS Mary Anne Haas Women’s Symposium Virtual Gatherings
When unable to gather in-person, we have found ways to continue to build and strengthen positive connections amidst the shared experience of educating and leading. The goal is to continue to host meaningful activities and discussions that will build up this community of women leaders in international schools.
ISS MARY ANNE HAAS WOMEN’S SYMPOSIUM PADLET
From articles about leadership, to reflective prompts from facilitators, this padlet collects the great resources shared during previous Womenars. Anyone is welcome to access for free!
ISS WOMEN LEAD FACEBOOK GROUP
Stay connected with us on social media using #ISSWomenLead and by joining our Facebook group. We always encourage you to spread your experiences, photos, and support with other women throughout the educational community.
“A leader sees greatness in other people. You can’t be much of a leader if all you see is yourself. Only equals make friends. A man or woman who sees other people as whole and prepared and accords them respect and the same rights has arranged his or her own allies.”
Maya Angelou
2013, Harvard Business Review interview
About The Sponsors
The ISS Mary Anne Haas Women’s Symposium is made possible through a generous grant from the Office of Overseas Schools at the US Department of State, as well as key sponsors. Considering being a sponsor?
Womenar Series Spotlight: #LiftEachOtherUp through Creative Leadership
Where do we fall? What do we do as women leaders to bring sense of all the things that make us… us? How do we #lifteachotherup? How do we lead? How do we create our own voices? Let’s come together to work it out. To move together in our Leadership with heart. Come with curiosity to find the audacity and courage to breathe authenticity and creativity into your own leadership.
Presented by Liz Cho, Principal of Teaching and Learning at Korea International School