About WE LEAD
WE LEAD facilitates the empowerment of women in education to become educational leaders, to navigate their career options, to lead a balanced and healthy life, to plan for their personal and professional futures, to develop their skills by navigating the political climates and professional pipelines, and to create a network of support and mentors and for women in the field.
The goal of WE LEAD is for more females to reach executive positions in educational leadership and to successfully manage these roles for sufficient lengths of time to positively impact student achievement and school and district culture. By providing opportunities for women in K-12 and higher education to network, support, develop, and encouraging each other in the field of educational leadership, participants will build leadership skills, professional relationships, and insights into their futures as school and district leaders. |
WE LEAD Together is a cohort of women in education collaborating, networking, and growing to explore their own leadership skills and apply research in leadership to what might happen if education has a balance with more females as school and district leaders. WE LEAD Academy courses are stand-alone sessions meeting the highest demand areas of leadership for women to provide immediate resources and assistance in just a few hours. WE LEAD Wednesdays are FREE sessions for women on areas of interest focusing on mental health, physical health, hobbies, and activities that make us well-rounded and better leaders. WE LEAD Supported provides women in educational leadership with one-on-one mentoring, support, and consultation throughout the professional journey. |
Origin
WE LEAD was created by Dr. Lillie Cox to provide an opportunity for women in educational leadership to find support and growth on their professional journeys. For her work with female leaders and for the creation of WE LEAD, Dr. Cox has been awarded the AASA 2021 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award. Those recognized have a commitment to the advancement and mentorship of women and minorities in positions of leadership.
Dr. Cox is currently the Executive Director of North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NCASCD) and the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium (PTEC). She is a former district superintendent, central office administrator, elementary, middle and high school principal and teacher in North Carolina.
Dr. Cox is currently the Executive Director of North Carolina Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (NCASCD) and the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium (PTEC). She is a former district superintendent, central office administrator, elementary, middle and high school principal and teacher in North Carolina.
Testimonials
"I encourage women in school districts to consider this learning opportunity @WE LEAD Women in Educational Leadership. I learned a lot by participating in the workshops last year. I believe that any woman working an a school district can benefit from this professional development regardless of your role at a school or within the central office. Invest in yourself and your future! You won't regret it."
Angela King Smith, Ed.D. , Atlanta Public Schools
"WE LEAD leaves a lasting impression on all of us by leaning no stone unturned when working to meet our educational needs so that we may succeed and lead as extraordinary women! Because of Lillie's untiring commitment to ensure we have leadership sessions that are worthwhile, we are able to network with other women, we benefit from the coaching and mentoring available to us, and we adopt the mindset and legacy of the Nortoius U.S. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who's stated, "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made[...] It shouldn't be that women are the exception."
Monica Smith-Woofter, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, James Madison University
"The WE LEAD conference have been intentional in their design to invite, include and inspire ALL women but especially the underrepresented women in school and district leadership. Featured sessions and keynote speakers lift up women from many professions, backgrounds, races and experiences to demonstrate success. Even the sponsors represent diverse and innovative business and services. WE Lead has created an "infrastructure" building out opportunities for others to grow, learn and question in a safe environment. Without fanfare, Dr. Cox is nurturing an entire generation of diverse women leaders with confidence and a skill set that will ensure their success."
Beverly Reep Emory, Ed.D.
Deputy Superintendent of North Carolina Deparment of Public Instruction
"WE LEAD is timely, high class and relevant for the women who attend. WE LEAD created an excitement, desire, and need for women to get together for networking and learning from one another. We had fun and wanted more! Lillie wants women to know the ropes both inside and outside our profession. Women are learning the power of their leadership through the many areas of WE LEAD in health, finance, and leadership. WE LEAD meets the "whole woman's" needs and interests to enhance their leadership."
Dr. Deborah Jones, Retired Principal, Consultant, and Coach
"WE LEAD had a tremendous impact on my life as a future educational leader. I began the program hesitant about my ability to pursue leadership while balancing the responsibilities many of us women have. However through the activities and presentations, I found that I am qualified and capable of becoming a leader and I have this cohort to thank for reminding me of that."
Jennifer Pride, Teacher, Heritage Middle School, Wake County Public Schools, NC
"This cohort experience has given me confidence to pursue something beyond the classroom. Despite knowing that I was ready for a change for a few years now, I have hesitated. After this training, I have learned that even the most prepared, best educated candidates feel insecure too, and that the only way I will learn what I am truly capable of is by putting myself out there."
Sarah Byrd, English Teacher, St. Stephens High School, Catawba County Schools, NC
"I was able to build confidence to know I am capable of taking the next steps to move into leadership."
LuJuana Daniels, Music Teacher, Bolton Academy, Atlanta Public Schools, GA
"It has lit a fire about what is possible. Even if our end goals are different, the possibilities seem more real and attainable after seeing real women walking in similar shoes as each of us in the group. "
Michelle Williams, Teacher, Spring Hill Middle School, Scotland County Schools, NC
"This cohort experience had a profound impact on me to challenge myself, not only as an educator but more importantly as a woman in education. I am ready to soar after hearing from the phenomenal speakers Dr. Cox brought to our cohort experience."
Christine Pratt, In School Suspension Coordinator, Trask Middle School, New Hanover Schools, NC
"This cohort impacted me in so many great ways. After much discussions, networking and listening to how others overcame challenges; I am motivated to change trajectory with every disappointment, reflect, and challenge myself to keep moving forward towards my goal."
Kerrian Blake, 5th grade teacher, Guilford Preparatory Academy, Greensboro, NC
"This was a great cohort, I have learned so much about leadership, impacting others and finding love for what I do. Teaching will never stop and I can always impact others no matter if is inside or outside the classroom. Thanks for all the wonderful lessons you taught me in this cohort."
Zindy Wilfong, Foreign Language Teacher, Maiden High School, Catawba County, NC
"It allowed me the opportunity to talk with other women in the education profession. During our discussions I was able to learn from them and grow myself into a better leader. The speakers were inspirational and motivated me to want to do more! "
Angie Walston, Teacher, White Oak Elementary, Edenton-Chowan Schools, NC
Angela King Smith, Ed.D. , Atlanta Public Schools
"WE LEAD leaves a lasting impression on all of us by leaning no stone unturned when working to meet our educational needs so that we may succeed and lead as extraordinary women! Because of Lillie's untiring commitment to ensure we have leadership sessions that are worthwhile, we are able to network with other women, we benefit from the coaching and mentoring available to us, and we adopt the mindset and legacy of the Nortoius U.S. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who's stated, "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made[...] It shouldn't be that women are the exception."
Monica Smith-Woofter, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, James Madison University
"The WE LEAD conference have been intentional in their design to invite, include and inspire ALL women but especially the underrepresented women in school and district leadership. Featured sessions and keynote speakers lift up women from many professions, backgrounds, races and experiences to demonstrate success. Even the sponsors represent diverse and innovative business and services. WE Lead has created an "infrastructure" building out opportunities for others to grow, learn and question in a safe environment. Without fanfare, Dr. Cox is nurturing an entire generation of diverse women leaders with confidence and a skill set that will ensure their success."
Beverly Reep Emory, Ed.D.
Deputy Superintendent of North Carolina Deparment of Public Instruction
"WE LEAD is timely, high class and relevant for the women who attend. WE LEAD created an excitement, desire, and need for women to get together for networking and learning from one another. We had fun and wanted more! Lillie wants women to know the ropes both inside and outside our profession. Women are learning the power of their leadership through the many areas of WE LEAD in health, finance, and leadership. WE LEAD meets the "whole woman's" needs and interests to enhance their leadership."
Dr. Deborah Jones, Retired Principal, Consultant, and Coach
"WE LEAD had a tremendous impact on my life as a future educational leader. I began the program hesitant about my ability to pursue leadership while balancing the responsibilities many of us women have. However through the activities and presentations, I found that I am qualified and capable of becoming a leader and I have this cohort to thank for reminding me of that."
Jennifer Pride, Teacher, Heritage Middle School, Wake County Public Schools, NC
"This cohort experience has given me confidence to pursue something beyond the classroom. Despite knowing that I was ready for a change for a few years now, I have hesitated. After this training, I have learned that even the most prepared, best educated candidates feel insecure too, and that the only way I will learn what I am truly capable of is by putting myself out there."
Sarah Byrd, English Teacher, St. Stephens High School, Catawba County Schools, NC
"I was able to build confidence to know I am capable of taking the next steps to move into leadership."
LuJuana Daniels, Music Teacher, Bolton Academy, Atlanta Public Schools, GA
"It has lit a fire about what is possible. Even if our end goals are different, the possibilities seem more real and attainable after seeing real women walking in similar shoes as each of us in the group. "
Michelle Williams, Teacher, Spring Hill Middle School, Scotland County Schools, NC
"This cohort experience had a profound impact on me to challenge myself, not only as an educator but more importantly as a woman in education. I am ready to soar after hearing from the phenomenal speakers Dr. Cox brought to our cohort experience."
Christine Pratt, In School Suspension Coordinator, Trask Middle School, New Hanover Schools, NC
"This cohort impacted me in so many great ways. After much discussions, networking and listening to how others overcame challenges; I am motivated to change trajectory with every disappointment, reflect, and challenge myself to keep moving forward towards my goal."
Kerrian Blake, 5th grade teacher, Guilford Preparatory Academy, Greensboro, NC
"This was a great cohort, I have learned so much about leadership, impacting others and finding love for what I do. Teaching will never stop and I can always impact others no matter if is inside or outside the classroom. Thanks for all the wonderful lessons you taught me in this cohort."
Zindy Wilfong, Foreign Language Teacher, Maiden High School, Catawba County, NC
"It allowed me the opportunity to talk with other women in the education profession. During our discussions I was able to learn from them and grow myself into a better leader. The speakers were inspirational and motivated me to want to do more! "
Angie Walston, Teacher, White Oak Elementary, Edenton-Chowan Schools, NC