The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), in partnership with the Administrators Network, hosts the inaugural Educators of Color Leadership Symposium on Friday, June 6, at 7:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza-Princeton Conference Center at 900 Scudders Mill Road in Plainsboro.
This first-of-its-kind statewide convening brings together more than 300 educators, administrators, and thought leaders committed to advancing equity, innovation, and leadership excellence in New Jersey’s educational systems. The symposium features keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking sessions designed to empower and elevate diverse voices in educational leadership.
The cost to attend is $250, which includes breakfast, lunch, three breakout sessions, and networking. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.aaccnj.com/eoc.
“This symposium is more than a gathering — it’s a movement,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., founder, president, and CEO of the AACCNJ. “By partnering with the Administrators Network, we are reaffirming our commitment to building inclusive leadership pipelines and ensuring that our schools reflect the brilliance and diversity of our communities. This is about creating opportunities and advancing a vision for systemic change.”
Founded by a collective of educational leaders throughout the state, the Administrators Network has long served as a hub for mentorship, advocacy, and shared learning for leaders of color across districts.
“Our goal is to shift the narrative and create a platform where diverse leadership is celebrated, developed, and sustained,” said Dr. Robert M. Tull, Jr., co-founder of the Administrators Network. “This symposium is an affirmation of our excellence and a strategic opportunity to build bridges across systems, sectors, and communities.”
This year’s symposium features keynote presentations by two nationally renowned educational leaders: Principal Baruti Kafele and Steven A. Bollar. Their messages are expected to energize and equip attendees with fresh perspectives and tools for success in education and leadership.
Principal Baruti Kafele.
Kafele, an award-winning educator, author, and motivational speaker, is celebrated for his transformative work in urban education and leadership development. He earned his bachelor’s in management science/marketing from Kean University and a master’s in educational administration from New Jersey City University. He received awards for his work as an elementary school teacher in East Orange and as the principal who orchestrated Newark Tech’s ascent from struggling school to state leader. He is the author of 14 books, the most recent of which is “What is My Value INSTRUCTIONALLY to the Teachers I Supervise?” released in 2024.
Bollar, known as “Stand Tall Steve,” is an engaging speaker and school culture expert who brings humor, insight, and practical strategies to empower educators and inspire school improvement. He has worked as an art teacher, school principal, and superintendent and has served on the board of directors of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. He is the author of “Stand Tall Leadership” and “Ideas, Ideas, Ideas!”
Steven A. Bollar
The symposium will spotlight innovative practices in school leadership, culturally responsive pedagogy, career pathways for aspiring administrators, and solutions to the equity challenges facing New Jersey’s students and school districts.
Between the keynote talks attendees have the opportunity to participate in three breakout sessions covering 15 different topics including:
• Infusing Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Into Your Schools and Classrooms
• Making It Impossible to Fail: Building Leader Capacity and Culture for Literacy Excellence
• Power of Advocacy: Shaping Futures of Students
• Tech Titans Program: Building A Thriving Tech Eco-System
• Building Educational Leadership Resilience
• No More Broken Black Boys: Dismantling Carceral Frameworks in Education
• Student-Centered Behavioral Transformation: Harnessing Digital, Social, and Cultural Dynamics.
This initiative is part of AACCNJ’s broader mission to drive economic equity and workforce innovation, recognizing the pivotal role of education in shaping New Jersey’s future.
