Administrators of Color Conference 2026
Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte City Center
9201 University City BoulevardCharlotte, NC 28223-0001
United States
The NCAIS Administrators of Color Conference returns October 22–23, 2026, in Charlotte, NC, bringing together educational leaders for a transformative two-day experience centered on connection, growth, and community. Centered on the theme, “The Algorithm of Peace: Curating a Recipe of Proximity, Purpose, and Possibility in Leadership,” this year’s conference blends a jazz-inspired, mixology-infused atmosphere with powerful professional learning.
Attendees will engage in a dynamic keynote by Rosetta Lee, interactive workshops, and meaningful dialogue with administrators of color from across the region. The agenda also features a service learning partnership with Bright Blessings, opportunities for networking through social events like the AOC Speakeasy, and intentional spaces for reflection and collaboration.
Designed to uplift and sustain leaders, this conference offers a unique opportunity to build community, deepen practice, and imagine new possibilities for equitable and impactful leadership in education.
Many thanks to our event sponsors:
| Credits | Price | |
|---|---|---|
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NCAIS Member Registration
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12.00 (CEU) |
$375.00
Price will increase to $425.00 on
10/15/26 12:00 AM EDT
|
|
Guest Registration
|
12.00 (CEU) |
$425.00
Price will increase to $475.00 on
10/15/26 12:00 AM EDT
|
AOC 2026 by Leah VanLandingham
Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown
222 S Caldwell St, Charlotte, NC 28202
NCAIS has reserved a block of rooms at the cost of $155 per night for a single-occupancy room with a king bed, plus an additional $42/day charge for on-site parking, if needed. A complementary hot breakfast buffet is included in the rate.
To book your room, call 1-888-492-8847 or go online to Hyatt.com and enter your reservation using G-NACC as the group code.
Reservations by attendees must be received on or before 10/02/2026 to receive this rate. After this cut-off date, the hotel will determine whether or not it can accept reservations based on a space- and rate-available basis.
Rosetta Lee serves Seattle Girls’ School in dual roles. SGS is an innovative school for Junior High School girls and nonbinary youth, aiming to empower leaders and change agents and dedicating its energies to a diverse community of students and faculty, an anti-bias mission, and an integrated curriculum. As a faculty member, Rosetta teaches subjects such as science, math, technology, art, ethics, social justice, and more. As an outreach specialist, she designs and delivers trainings internally for the SGS community as well as externally for schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses.
Since 2004, Rosetta has been a diversity speaker and trainer on a variety of topics, including cross cultural communication, identity development, implicit and unconscious bias, gender and sexuality diversity, facilitation skills, affinity groups, and bullying in schools. She has worked with over 350 K-12 schools throughout the country, along with over 100 colleges and universities, nonprofits, businesses, and more.
Tosha Arriola is the Head of Upper School at Providence Day School and has served the community for the past eight years. With more than 30 years in education, she has taught students from preschool through college and is deeply committed to student-centered, relational leadership. Prior to Providence Day, she was a professor and Director of the Teaching Fellows Program at Queens University following a 15-year career with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. She holds master’s degrees in Literacy and another in Organizational Development from Queens University. A former Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica, she is passionate about global learning and cultural connection, having recently volunteered in Peru, attended a mindfulness retreat in Thailand, and presented at a teacher conference in South Africa.
Dr. Diana Parente is the Head of Upper School and Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Westchester Country Day School in North Carolina. With more than 22 years of experience in education, she has served as a teacher, coach, school based and district athletic director, principal, district leader, and national education consultant. Diana previously led Title IX and athletics equity initiatives for both New York City Public Schools and DC Public Schools. Her doctoral research in K 12 Urban Education Leadership focuses on gender bias and intersectionality for women in sports leadership. She is a nationally published author and speaker on diversity and belonging topics and serves on the Women’s Sports Foundation Youth Advocacy Board. 
Nicky Allen is a social worker turned educator who has worked with children since she was a teenager. She taught math in public schools in both Chicago, IL and Chapel Hill, NC before joining the faculty at Cary Academy. After a brief foray at another area independent school and an educational testing company, Nicky returned to Cary Academy for current role and dream job as Assistant Head of Middle School.
André is a visionary educational consultant whose expertise lies at the intersection of governance, strategic planning, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and executive leadership coaching. A keen strategist and dynamic public speaker, André has built a national reputation for delivering transformative insights and actionable solutions that drive meaningful change within schools and educational organizations. With over two decades of experience in the independent school sector, André is celebrated for guiding institutions through complex challenges with clarity and confidence while empowering leaders and organizations to unlock their full potential and create inclusive school communities where students and educators alike can thrive.
Crystal Bozeman M.S.Ed., ADHD CE (Certified Educator), is a passionate educator and committed child advocate with an unwavering dedicated to effectively meeting the individualized needs of learners. She left the world of Media Advertising to enter the field of Education to satisfy her passion for working with adolescents. Currently, Crystal is the Middle School Learning Specialist at Cary Academy.
Donna Eason is dedicated to supporting students in their academic and extracurricular growth throughout high school. Since joining Cary Academy in 2005, she has served as an English teacher, Grade Level Leader, Dean of Students, Assistant Head of Upper School, and now Head of Upper School. Donna collaborates closely with faculty and staff to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all students. She also prioritizes the social and emotional well-being of students and families, making purposeful, student-centered support central to her leadership. 
Leya Tseng Jones began her education career in the Duke admissions office. Following graduate school, she worked as a college counselor, dean and English teacher at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, and as a college counselor and dorm parent at Milton Academy in Boston. She was delighted to return to the Triangle and join Cary Academy as co-director of college counseling in 2011. After three decades in college admissions counseling, she is excited by her new role as Assistant Head of Upper School. 
CC Miller, a Charlotte native, began her writing journey rooted in a love for reading. While she explored various forms, poetry truly flourished for her. Embracing the challenge of publishing, she aims to close the literacy gap through vibrant, textured pieces that resonate with readers and reflect their own stories. For More Information:
