Conrad Hughes, newly appointed Head of School at the International School of Los Angeles (LILA), and Estelle Hughes, newly appointed Middle School Head at the French International School of Oregon, have recently undertaken a significant professional and personal relocation as a married couple. Guided by Carney, Sandoe & Associates, the couple transitioned from leadership posts on two different continents—Conrad from Europe, and Estelle from Africa—to assume roles in the United States. Their move reflects a purposeful decision to be closer to their children, who are currently pursuing their education in the U.S. 

In the course of a most engaging conversation lasting just over one hour, we touched on the importance of agency and of finding one’s own, authentic, individual voice. Coming to the States for Conrad was a return, on one level, to a time as a boy when he had accompanied his father who was on a research grant to Harvard. For Estelle, who had studied aspects of American history at university, and who was especially drawn to the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King Jr., starting a Peace Club at her new school in the U.S. was a natural thing to do. As Estelle played YouTube videos of MLK’s speech for her Middle School students at French International, they let her know they had never heard MLK’s voice before. They collectively realized that without MLK, Estelle may not have been their Principal today.

In different and wide-ranging ways, we kept coming back to 4 essential questions:

Why have you done it?

Two experienced and expert school leaders decided to come to California and Oregon. One trigger for their move was to follow the family, their children. But the educational imperative was compelling, as well. The ‘blank slate’ of a fresh start was alluring. Realizing the potential of this was very exciting. Adding new skills and knowledge was a part of this. For Estelle, being welcomed warmly and respectfully as a Cameronian woman into a position of leadership in an American school was intriguing: ‘my curiosity was piqued,’ she said. 

Conrad spoke feelingly about his new Board and about Boards generally in independent schools in the US. He was genuinely welcomed in California and what a pleasant surprise it was to have a detailed list supplied by his new Board of all the many attractions in LA that might appeal to him.

Why is it so exciting?

For Conrad, living and leading in Los Angeles is an experience in multiculturalism and creativity: the city’s pulse, cinematic heritage, and vibrant diversity make it feel like a meaningful new chapter. For Conrad, the state of California is not what it might appear to be from the outside, it is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and remarkable human contact. He also values how the transition expands his leadership “backpack,” giving him fresh experiences, new systems to learn, and a supportive school culture that affirms his decision to take on this new challenge.

For Estelle, the excitement comes from joining a school community in Oregon that is multilingual, mission-driven, and warmly welcoming. She was drawn in by the authenticity and vibrancy of the faculty and students, the commitment and long service of all employees, and by the chance to do deeply meaningful work—such as nurturing student and teacher leadership and boosting academic inclusion in a 5-language immersion school.

How has the transition to the US been for you?

Estelle has had a genuinely positive experience due to the careful planning of the school, a supportive school community, and the help of Carney Sandoe. She has found her school offers space to innovate, allows her to bring her authentic self and contribute to conversations about peace, civil rights, and community identity. For her, she has been able to both grow and make an impact, as well as experience the profound fulfillment of engaging with students on issues she cares about deeply.

From Conrad’s perspective, coming to the United States offers intellectual, cultural, and professional renewal. He sees America as a place of dynamic educational ideas, diversity, freedom of expression, and rich cultural meaning—especially in a city like Los Angeles. The move also allows international school educators to expand their professional “toolkit,” learn new systems, and stretch themselves in ways that deepen their leadership practice. More broadly, he argues that travel and working abroad enriched his sense of purpose, and offer a valuable new lens on both the new environment and the one left behind.

We wish Estelle and Conrad the very best as they settle into their exciting new school settings here in the Western US. We know that they will bring tremendous added value to their schools.