6/3/2025
Empowering Women Who Lead with Purpose
by Kelly Fisher
Leadership in education takes vision, heart and a deep commitment to growth. Whether you’re an educator shaping minds, a dealer connecting schools with essential resources, a manufacturer reimagining learning environment or a designer creating spaces that inspire – women across every part of the education ecosystem are leading change in bold, transformative ways. The EDmarket Bold Women Collective (BWC) was created to bring those women together.
Since 2019, the BWC has united women from across the education market: superintendents, learning designers, business owners, edtech innovators, architects and more. It’s a space for connection, collaboration and leadership grounded in real experience and shared purpose.
“Leadership is strengthened when we collaborate and learn from one another’s experiences,” said Dr. Deborah Kerr, superintendent of the St. Francis School District and founder of the BWC. “By sharing both challenges and successes, we elevate the entire education community.”
Learning through stories and shared experiences
At the core of the BWC are eight one-hour virtual sessions held throughout the year. These conversations go beyond trends or tactics – they are a true community.
Each session highlights the personal stories, insights and lived experiences of women across education and industry. Members explore topics like mentorship, navigating change, building inclusive cultures and leading with purpose in high-impact spaces – from classrooms and boardrooms to design studios and manufacturing floors. These aren’t passive webinars; they’re rich, interactive conversations that offer both practical takeaways and space for reflection.
In-person connections
While virtual sessions provide consistent connection, in-person events allow for deeper dialogue and community-building. In 2025, BWC members will gather at two major industry events: NeoCon at KI’s Showroom in Chicago and at EDspaces in Columbus, OH.
These are not just networking opportunities. They’re intentional gatherings designed to bring the energy and authenticity of the BWC to life. From leadership roundtables to informal meetups, attendees engage in conversations that span across roles and industries. Whether you’re designing products, supporting districts, implementing educational change or influencing policy, these in-person moments create space for meaningful collaboration and new ideas.
Backstory podcast: Real conversations with real leaders
In 2025, the Bold Women Collective Backstory was launched – a podcast that brings honest, energizing conversations to anyone passionate about education and innovation. Each episode offers quick, impactful reflections from women across the sector. Recently BWC was on the road and recorded live sessions at CUE 2025; Backstory captures the voices of women tackling today’s biggest questions in education: How do create a true culture in today’s schools? What does AI mean for classrooms? How can space, tools, and curriculum reflect student voice? Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for on-the-go inspiration and insight.
A collective that spans the industry
One of the most powerful aspects of the BWC is the diversity of its members. Educators, dealers, manufacturers, architects and designers all bring unique perspectives but share a commitment to shaping the future of learning.
“Being part of the BWC has reminded me that I don’t have to lead alone,” shared a recent member. “It’s a space where women from across the education world can connect, learn and grow together.”
For the A&D community, it’s a chance to better understand the lived experiences of the educators and leaders you’re designing for. For manufacturers and dealers, it’s an opportunity to engage directly with changemakers and decision-makers shaping the future of schools. For educators, it’s a place to be heard, supported and inspired. If you’re a woman working in any part of the education ecosystem, there’s a place for you in the Bold Women Collective. Lead Boldly. Together.
Learn more at edmarket.org/bwc.
Kelly Fisher is the marketing director for EDmarket.
