CS&A Women’s Institute

Lean On, CS&A’s Women’s Institute, supports women and their allies in the education community by creating a trusted space for personal and professional advancement and mentorship.

The Why
There is no right way to define success. The goal of our Institute is to contribute to the overall development and empowerment of women in all stages of their professional journeys, whether that’s serving as a teacher, head of school, friend, mentor, or classroom leader. There’s nothing women can’t do. Period.

The How
This year’s event will focus on professional skill development and career advancement. Attendees will learn to build a toolkit for achieving specific goals in work, leadership, and life.

The Who
All women and all allies of women in education are invited. Attendees do not need to be active CS&A candidates. All are welcome.

The Details
Welcome Reception
Thursday, June 7, 2018
6:00 p.m.
Harborview Ballroom in the Battery Wharf Hotel

Women’s Institute
Friday, June 8, 2018
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Battery Wharf Hotel – Reserve your room!
3 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA 02109

$275 per person (individual attendee)
$250 per person (groups of 3 or more attendees from the same school or organization)

Please note, this event will not have a hiring component.

2018 Keynote Speaker: Shabana Basij-Rasikh

Shabana is the co-founder and president of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), a nonprofit dedicated to providing Afghan girls a rigorous education that promotes critical thinking, a sense of purpose, and respect for self and others. Born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan, Shabana completed high school in the U.S. through the State Department’s Youth Exchange Studies program. She went on to attend Middlebury College, graduating magna cum laude in International Studies and Women & Gender Studies.

Upon graduating, Shabana returned to Kabul to establish SOLA as Afghanistan’s first boarding school for girls. She is widely recognized as a leading advocate for girls’ education. She is a global ambassador for Girl Rising, a global campaign for girls’ education, and was named one of National Geographic’s 2014 Emerging Explorers as well as one of CNN International’s Leading Women of 2014.

When she’s not home in Kabul, Shabana is often traveling abroad to gain support and further SOLA’s message, as well as to advocate for investment in girls’ education globally. Learn more about Shabana here.

Featured Speaker: Barbara Chase

As a school Head for 32 years, most recently at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, Barbara is well-known fixture in the independent school community. After graduating from Brown University, she began her career as a third grade teacher at Moses Brown School in Providence. She held roles as the Director of Admission at the Wheeler School in Providence and the Headmistress of the Bryn Mawr School before her Headship at Phillips Academy. Barbara currently serves as a Senior Consultant in CS&A’s Search and Consulting Group.

Just Announced!
Session Topics and the Full Event Schedule

See the topics we’re covering this year! Plan your experience ahead of time by choosing which panels you want to attend.