This year’s impactful summit was Education in the Balance: Advancing Equity and Social Justice in Today’s America, and it brought together educators, leaders, and advocates to reflect on the state of public education in today’s America and to advance meaningful, equity-centered conversations that can lead to positive outcomes.
As schools and districts confront deepening social divides, shifting policy landscapes, and questions about the role of education in a democratic society, this gathering provides a space for engaging in thoughtful dialogue and practical problem-solving. Participants will explore how data, leadership, and policy can be leveraged to identify persistent inequities and drive systemic improvement in the current political landscape.
Here were the speakers for our 2025 summit:
Tony Thurmond
28th California State Superintendent of Public Instruction
A lifelong advocate for educational equity with a background as a social worker, educator, and legislator, Superintendent Thurmond has championed transformative policies to close opportunity gaps for students across the state. Under his leadership, California has invested billions in community schools, mental health support, universal school meals, and early education—initiatives rooted in equity and access. A product of public education himself, Thurmond brings a deeply personal and systems-level perspective to leveraging government as a force for educational justice.
Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle
Founder and President of Orenda Education
For more than 28 years, Dr. Avelar La Salle and the Orenda team have been thought partners for districts and schools aspiring to transform their systems and practices to raise student achievement. An equity warrior and an advocate for justice within the educational system, Dr. Avelar La Salle’s mission is to change the odds for the twenty million kids in US schools for whom the current systems of instruction and improvement are not working - predominantly Latino, African American, and a host of students from underresourced families
Dr. Ashish Vaidya
President & CEO of Growing Inland Achievement
Dr. Vaidya leads regional efforts to increase educational attainment and economic mobility across the Inland Empire. A seasoned higher education leader and economist, Dr. Vaidya brings decades of experience from roles at Northern Kentucky University, Cal State LA, and other public institutions. His leadership is rooted in data-informed strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and a deep commitment to equity. A longtime champion of regional development, Dr. Vaidya’s work positions the Inland Empire as a model for advancing educational and economic opportunity.
Dr. Gordon Amerson
Superintendent of Val Verde Unified School District
Bringing over 25 years of leadership experience across diverse school systems. A former professional athlete turned educational leader, Dr. Amerson is known for his deep commitment to cultivating leadership talent and driving equity-focused transformation. His personal journey, from overcoming adversity to building successful school communities, informs his mission to help leaders find clarity and purpose to lead with integrity. A proud alumnus of CSUSB, Dr. Amerson was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his professional achievements and the lasting impact he has made in his community.
Why Attend the Educational Leadership Summit
Learn From Experts
Hear from leading experts and advocates who will share their insights on public education's historical and current challenges.
Research Presentations
These sessions will showcase emerging ideas, best practices, and data-driven solutions designed to address the most pressing issues in education.
Leadership Recognition
At the Summit, we will honor exceptional district leaders, principals, teachers, classified staff, parents, and students!
CSUSB, Santos Manuel Student Union | North
The Santos Manuel Student Union North building on the CSUSB San Bernardino campus is a three-story, 120,000-square-foot facility. The Santos Manuel Student Union is one of the largest building complexes in the 23-campus California State University system named for an indigenous leader, Santos Manuel.
