The Puzzle: Blog

On May 9, 2025, Carney, Sandoe & Associates had the pleasure of hosting The Women’s* Institute in Boston’s Back Bay, drawing women leaders from across the New England region for a day of connection, reflection, and empowerment. Despite rain clouds outside, the energy inside was anything but dreary. The event offered a vibrant space for women in independent school education to gather and engage in meaningful conversations about their roles, challenges, and opportunities as leaders in their communities.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in small-group discussions that covered a range of important topics—from the unique experiences of serving as a female leader in a school setting to practical strategies for “leveling up” in leadership roles. Conversations also delved into the importance of curiosity in education and the ways women educators are shaping the future through their passion and vision. Importantly, the program also provided significant opportunity for women to build connections and seed deeper relationships. These moments of conversation offered not only insights, but a shared validation of the vital work women are doing across schools in New England and beyond.

The program opened with a powerful address by Allison Gaines Pell, outgoing Head of School at The Wheeler School (RI), who set the tone for the day with her thoughtful and moving remarks about the importance of authentic leadership and fostering inclusive communities. The event closed with compelling remarks from Barbara Chase, former Head of School at Phillips Academy (MA) and a long-time trailblazer in the world of independent schools. Her words reminded us of the profound influence educators have on the students they serve, and the legacy of leadership that continues to inspire future generations.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event so meaningful. A special thank-you goes out to the incredible Carney, Sandoe & Associates team—Marsha Little, Charlotte Brownlee, Allison Gaines Pell, Barbara Chase, Lisa Parsons, Kim Garner, Heather Flewelling, and Lane Dussault—whose hard work and dedication brought The Women’s* Institute to life.  We look forward to hosting additional Women’s* Institute Luncheons this fall.

*We follow an inclusive definition of women. We are welcoming and respectful of women, including trans women and those who are nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and anyone who identifies as a woman or otherwise in a way that is significant to them. We also welcome allies who are committed to creating environments that are supportive of people who are typically underrepresented in the workplace and beyond.

Back to Blog

0 Comments

There are no comments on this blog entry.