Roots to Routes: A Call Forward is a groundbreaking national conference designed for independent school K-12 educators and administrators, and high school students to engage in bold learning, transformative dialogue, deep reflection on self, school, and society, and skill-building for strategic change. Rooted in the principles of equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging, this intergenerational gathering offers powerful programming and unique experiences that center the voices and well-being of those most often marginalized. Guided by committees of dynamic practitioners from independent schools across the country, Roots to Routes creates space to reimagine education—and move ourselves and our schools forward.

Roots to Routes is a community-built experience—visioned, shaped, and stewarded by a dynamic and multifaceted group of educators, practitioners, and leaders from across the country. Together, these individuals bring a wide range of identities, roles, perspectives, and experiences, all grounded in a shared commitment to justice, belonging, and collective well-being in independent schools.
​
We are honored and excited to call forward so many extraordinary professionals working in partnership to create a one-of-a-kind experience for the inaugural 2026 Roots to Routes conference. Their insight, creativity, and care are helping to build not just a conference, but a centering space rooted in shared purpose and belonging.

The 2026 Roots to Routes Planning Team

Dr. Rodney Glasgow, The Glasgow Group; Friends Council on Education - Conference Director

Oscar Gonzalez, Graland Country Day School - Director of Conference Logistics

We chose to convene in Philadelphia as we contemplate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

We are grateful to our Philadelphia based Host Committee:

       Toni Graves Williamson, Friends Select School - Chair of Host Committee
       Rohan Arjun, Friends Select School
       Rafhia Foster, Shipley School
       LaShundra McCook, AIM Academy
       Charla Okewole, Germantown Friends School
       Sheri Ryder-Jobe, The Philadelphia School
       Maxime Sinal, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
       Erica Snowden, Episcopal Academy
       Rachel Williams, George School
       Kelly Yiadom, Westtown School
       Mikael Yisrael, Abington Friends School

We have also gathered voices across the country in a National Steering Committee:

        Loris Adams, BMB Consulting
        Naa-Norley Adom, Carolina Friends School
        Carmen Borbon, Menlo School
        Dr. AnaMaria Correa, Brooklyn Friends School
        Robert Churchwell, St. Christopher's School
        Sam Davis, Chinquapin Preparatory School
        Kristin Elliott, St. Alban's School
        Rachel Fleming, Madison Country Day School
        Dr. Rachael Flores, The Spence School
        Denny Gonzalez, Barrie School; DG Strategies
        Marcia Johnson, Organized Chaos LLC
        Nicole Lee, Esq., Lee Bayard LLC
        Diane Nichols, Bryn Mawr School
        Dr. Chai Reddy, University School of Nashville
        Cyreeta Sharp, Calthorp School
        Donnie Smith, The Putney School
        Jewell Sparks, Catlin Gabel School
        Dr. Joe Valentine-White, Gilman School

Our Student Conference Steering Committee is composed of student-centered educators from across the country:

         Amanda Barksdale Lyttle, The Joy School - Chair of Steering Committee
         Patricia Burrows, Harker School
         Delonte Egwuatu, Beaver Country Day School
        Marsha Elliott, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School of Texas
         John Gentile, Oakwood School
         Alexandra Halladay, The Northwest School
         Sarah Meteyer, Brentwood School
         Albert Nascimento, Lovett School
         Priyanka Rupani, Francis W Parker School 
         Dr. Savi Tuber, Ethical Culture Fieldston School
         Dwight Vidale, Beyond Fear LLC; Young Men of Color Symposium