Igniting Equity in Education Annual Conference
Igniting Equity Annual Conference brings together educators, community leaders, higher education partners and advocates committed to advancing educational opportunity and student success across the region.
Conference Details
Theme: Models of Excellence Across Western New York
Focused on showcasing proven strategies and partnerships, the 2026 WNY Education Equity Taskforce Conference will highlight real-world examples of effective cross-sector collaboration that are creating meaningful change for students, families and communities. Through engaging discussions, shared learning and actionable planning, participants will explore ways to break down traditional silos between schools, community organizations, higher education institutions and other stakeholders, leaving with practical ideas, strengthened partnerships and clear commitments to advance equity in their own work and communities.
Date and Time:
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location:
Hayes Hall
Room 403
250 Hayes Road, Buffalo, NY 14214
UB South Campus
Register To Attend
CTLE Credit Hours
Attendees who participate in the conference in its entirety are eligible to receive a certificate documenting up to five (5) approved Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours. Verification forms will be distributed at the conference for attendees who wish to receive CTLE credit.
Share Your Work and Inspire Others
We know great work is happening every day across Western New York to create more equitable opportunities for students, families and communities—and we want to showcase it.
Whether you're part of a school, community organization, BOCES, college or university, nonprofit, family support program or another community initiative, we invite you to share examples of successful partnerships and innovative programs that are making a difference.
By sharing your work, you'll help us identify and highlight models of excellence that can inspire and inform others across the region. Selected examples may be featured through:
- Conference exhibit tables
- An online collection of resources, posters, flyers and program materials
- Networking and collaboration opportunities during the conference
If your work brings people together, breaks down barriers or creates positive outcomes for learners and communities, we encourage you to submit your example and be part of the conversation.
Conference Schedule
| TIME | ACTIVITY | PANELISTS/PRESENTERS | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 a.m. | Registration & Check-in | Hayes Hall | |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome & Introductions | 403 Hayes Hall | |
| 9:45 a.m. | Breakout Session 1 | ||
| Option 1: Courageous School Leadership & Collaboration: wellness, suspension reduction, commissary | Jessica Bauer Walker School 45 Leaders, Teachers, Community Health Workers | Hayes Hall | |
| Option 2: Supporting Students Through Collaborative Engagement: Erie 1 BOCES & Buffalo Public Schools | Erie I BOCES, Erie II BOCES, Buffalo Public Schools Moderator: Sam Radford | Hayes Hall | |
| Option 3: Workforce Development: Supporting Student Success Through Collaboration | Say Yes Buffalo, TechBuffalo, Northland Workforce Development, Intersect Buffalo Moderator: Amanda Winkelsas | Hayes Hall | |
| BREAK | |||
| 11:00 a.m. | Breakout Session 2 | ||
| Option 1: Literacy session with partners | Dr. John Strong, Dr. Blythe Anderson, and partners | Hayes Hall | |
| Option 2: Courageous School Leadership & Collaboration: wellness, suspension reduction, commissary | Jessica Bauer Walker School 45 Leaders, Teachers, Community Health Workers | Hayes Hall | |
| Option 3: Regional Collaboration Models and Opportunities | Jeff Smink, Yvette Russell | Hayes Hall | |
| LUNCH, NETWORKING | |||
| 1:00 p.m. | Breakout Session 3 | ||
| Option 1: Workforce Development: Supporting Student Success Through Collaboration | Say Yes Buffalo, TechBuffalo, Northland Workforce Development, Intersect Buffalo Moderator: Amanda Winkelsas | Hayes Hall | |
| Option 2: Ring The BELE! The root is Early Care Education | Vonetta Rhodes & WNY Child Care Action Team | Hayes Hall | |
| Option 3: Supporting Students Through Collaborative Engagement: Erie 1 BOCES & Buffalo Public Schools | Erie I BOCES, Erie II BOCES, Buffalo Public Schools Moderator: Sam Radford | Hayes Hall | |
| 2:15 p.m. | Youth-Centered Panel Discussion | Youth Panelists Moderator: Rhonda Bivens Talley | 403 Hayes Hall |
| 3-3:30 p.m. | Wrap Up and Call to Action | 403 Hayes Hall | |
This conference is sponsored by the WNY Education Equity Task Force. We are grateful for financial support from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo for making this conference possible. To learn more about the WNYEETF, please contact one of the four co-conveners: Sam Radford, Wil Green, Amanda Winkelsas, Suzanne Rosenblith.