Dr. Benita Scheckel is a joyful, visionary and transformative educational leader with extensive experience spanning K-12 teaching, arts specialization, principalship, university-level instruction and central office administration. Having recently transitioned to the role of Coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Dr. Scheckel oversees the Proposition 28 plan and has enjoyed leading a team of VAPA teachers through the writing of a new 5-year strategic arts plan. 

Dr. Scheckel is a published author, who co-authored an article for the peer reviewed Journal for Learning through the Arts and was an invited presenter to the prestigious AERA conference in 2020 highlighting her quasi-experimental, mixed methods research with long term English learners taking a choral music class instead of a second hour of ELD and then measuring their academic and social emotional growth. 

With over two decades of driving change, Dr. Ball inspires those around her to reach their full potential. As an accomplished author and professor, her books and courses provide invaluable guidance for current and future leaders. Dr. Ball's extensive leadership experience at the highest levels gives her a uniquely informed perspective. Highly regarded for her knowledge and commitment, she is an authoritative voice on leadership.

Dr. Edoho-Eket is a leader with 20 years of experience in education. She works with individuals, groups, and organizations to help support aspiring, new, and veteran school-based leaders meet success in their roles.

Dr. Edoho-Eket serves as principal of a National Blue Ribbon School in Maryland, is the President-Elect of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, and is an ASCD faculty member.

Jaime Carias is a nationally award-winning educator, bilingual author, and highly sought-after empowerment speaker known for his expertise in Family and Community engagement. With over 20 years of experience in education, Jaime equips educators, parents, and students with the mindsets and skill sets needed to thrive in the After-COVID Stage of Education. An architect of culturally responsive programs, he draws on his humble upbringing in South Central Los Angeles to inspire communities embodying the motto “Give yourself a chance” inspiring others to create and define their legacies The proud son of Guatemalan immigrants, he holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. He is currently working on a memoir reflecting on his journey from living with a stuttering disability while becoming a leading advocate in K-12 and higher education.

Marco Ibarra, M.Ed. currently serves as Coordinator III for the Center for Advancement of Racial Equity (CARE) Unit within the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Division at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. He collaborates with various Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to provide professional development focused on implicit bias, bias mitigation, cultural proficiency, transformative dialogue, and restorative justice.

With over 16 years of experience in education, including more than 6 years as a middle school principal, Marco has spearheaded anti-racist initiatives in his role. These initiatives include facilitating Courageous Conversations about Race, creating People of Color Affinity Spaces, and leading Valor Compass Community Circles for both staff and students.

Melanie Matta is a small school Superintendent/Principal whose commitment to educational equity is unwavering. For over 20 years, she has been a tireless advocate for underserved communities, working to bridge the achievement gap and create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion has had a profound impact on students and educators alike. In addition to her leadership within the education sector, Melanie is a thought leader, speaker, and mentor. She has shared her insights and expertise on educational leadership at events across the state.  Melanie's passion for mentoring emerging leaders has helped shape the next generation of educational visionaries, empowering them to disrupt the status quo and champion meaningful change.

Rebecca Leroux is the CEO and Lead Creative Strategist for B43 Productions. As the Founder of B43Productions, she leads a team specializing in high-impact video storytelling, live-stream production, and strategic messaging- ensuring every project resonates with the right audience and drives real impact. Since 2011, she has partnered with nearly 75 LEAs, working alongside superintendents, school leaders, and communications teams to craft meaningful narratives.