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.
| Credits | Price | |
|---|---|---|
|
NCAIS Member Registration
|
12.00 (CEU) |
$375.00
Price will increase to $425.00 on
10/15/26
|
|
Guest Registration
|
12.00 (CEU) |
$425.00
Price will increase to $475.00 on
10/15/26
|
AOC 2026 by Leah VanLandingham
Born in Boston and raised in the South, Brian graduated from Wake Forest University in 2003 with a double major in mathematics and anthropology. After graduation, he embarked on his next adventure—teaching in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following a year at a local high school, ‘B. Li’ joined the Providence Day School community in 2004, where he has been teaching math and finance ever since. His passions include reading, weightlifting, and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion through financial literacy. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his family.Recently, Brian has presented on the importance of financial literacy at major conferences such as the NAIS People of Color Conference, NAIS THRIVE - The Annual Conference, the NYSAIS Diversity Practitioners Conference, Strategenius EmpowerED Workshop Series, and several community platforms, including Charlotte is Creative and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP branch. He has also spoken at multiple NAIS member schools and volunteered at numerous financial literacy events. His expertise has been featured on WCNC Charlotte News, WDRB Media Radio, and the Teachers Forum podcast. Among his honors, Brian is a former Teacher of the Year and Endowed Chair of Teaching Excellence at Providence Day School. He has been recognized as a Charlotte Ledger 40 Over Forty recipient and voted a Top 16 Charlotte Observer Education Superhero. Additionally, Brian serves on the Board of Directors for Commonwealth Charlotte, Generation WE, and the Jadyn Davis Foundation.
Ms. 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. 