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CALSA’s Summer Institute is where innovators, educators, and leaders come together to shape the future of public education. Grounded in the theme Somos el Puente entre Generaciones, this year’s conference elevates the voices, practices, and partnerships that strengthen schools and communities across California.

Click here to view the Know Before You Go Guide to help you plan your conference experience!

 For more information on Summer Institute 2026, visit calsa.org/summerinstitute.

Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
This dynamic panel, presented on behalf of CALSA's Women Leadership Network, highlights the diverse and inspiring journeys of women leaders across the educational landscape. Through personal narratives and professional insights, panelists will explore the full arc of leadership—from early influences to executive roles—demonstrating how resilience, mentorship, and opportunity shape leadership pathways.Panelists will share unique experiences successfully bridging leadership and advocacy, and a nontraditional pathway to leadership that challenges conventional norms. Each story reflects the power of perseverance, representation, and intentional support systems.


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Leticia Bhatia

Dr. Leticia Bhatia

Superintendent, John Swett Unified School District
Educational Leader | Advocate for Equity | Systems Strategist
Dr. Leticia Bhatia is a distinguished educational leader dedicated to transforming school systems through a lens of equity, innovation, and linguistic empowerment. With a career rooted in the belief that every student deserves a high-quality, inclusive education, Dr. Bhatia has c... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Elizabeth Blanco

Dr. Elizabeth Blanco

Superintendent, Pasadena Unified School District
avatar for Velma Veith

Velma Veith

Director of State & Federal Program, Adelanto Elementary School District
Dr. Velma Veith is the Director of State and Federal Programs for the Adelanto Elementary School District. She is an experienced educational leader with expertise in LCAP and SPSA development, Emergent Bilingual programs, Dual Language Immersion, State and Federal Programs, and Curriculum... Read More →
avatar for Saida Valdez

Saida Valdez

Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, Adelanto Elementary School District
Dr. Saida Valdez is currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in the Adelanto Elementary School District. Dr. Valdez brings more than 30 years of experience in public education and has served as a teacher, principal, district administrator, and higher... Read More →
avatar for Susanna C. Smith

Susanna C. Smith

Retired Superintendent; Former CALSA Board Member, CALSA
Susanna Contreras Smith graduated from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles with Honors in 1973. She pursued post-secondary studies at California State University, Los Angeles, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Teaching Credential, Master of Arts in Secondary... Read More →
Friday June 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Live Oak 2

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