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 a somewhat rainy day, 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 being 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. These moments of collaboration 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, 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 a compelling conversation led by Barbara Chase, former Head of School at Phillips Academy and a longtime trailblazer in the world of independent schools. Her words reminded us all 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 hope to host more 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.