May 3, 2026

I had the distinct pleasure of speaking at the Maine State Organization convention for The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) this past weekend. While I am not yet a member of this network, I am honored to be joining soon. The experience was transformative; I learned as much from these women as they did from me, and I have never felt more appreciated as a professional.

My gratitude for this invitation stems from the deep respect I have for this organization’s history. In 1929, twelve women founded DKG to promote women in education and bring prestige to a profession that was often undervalued. At the time, their mission was so radical that meetings were only permitted under the guise of a social group. They maintained a social facade to navigate the era’s pervasive anti-suffrage sentiments and avoid public suspicion. As their history records:

“Gatherings of women for non-social purposes were viewed with suspicion amid lingering anti-suffrage sentiments, where both men and women opposed such organizations due to fears of challenging gender norms” (DKG, n.d., 1:42).

Nearly a century later, this group is no longer a secret, but the need for such a network remains. When I stood up to deliver my first keynote, centered on my course, Rooted in Knowledge: Women Leading in Education—I found myself walking back the path to a young girl who could never have imagined her journey would lead from being an educational technician in 1988 to a teacher, Special Education Director, and eventually, a Superintendent.

Throughout my speech, I was honest about the “comments” and subtle doubts that often trail a woman’s rise. I spoke about how we often minimize our leadership behind the word “just,” and challenged the room to look past vague encouragement to find the hard evidence of the wisdom they already possess. I reminded them that while we may retire from a position, we never retire from influence.

The gratitude began immediately after the keynote lunch. Throughout the afternoon and into the next morning, women approached me individually to share how much the message resonated. They were incredibly gracious, letting me know that they, too, had lived through the experiences of being questioned or underestimated in their own professional journeys. It was an honor to listen to their stories.

By sharing our stories of resilience, we became mirrors for one another, reflecting back a rooted strength that we had each been carrying, but perhaps hadn’t yet fully named. What began as twelve educators meeting in the shadows has grown into a vibrant network where this community of women no longer has to hide its purpose.

On a personal note, I want to thank the members of the Maine State Organization for the invitation, the warmth and the kindness you showed me. To sit among women who carry such immense decades of wisdom and experience was a privilege I don’t take lightly. You didn’t just invite me to speak; you invited me in. I walked away feeling deeply seen and energized, knowing that when we stand together in the light—proud of our evidence and rooted in our knowledge—we ensure that our collective wisdom continues to lead the way for the next generation.

To learn more about DKG follow this link: https://www.dkg.org/

References

DKG: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. (n.d.). DKG Centennial Celebration 1930s [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4_BZFOqfHg