Paducah Public Schools Chief Equity Officer Shonda Hollowell and Director of Finance Angela Copeland have been named by KASA, the School Leaders Association, to the 2024 cohort of the Kentucky Women in Education Leadership (KWEL). This distinguished group comprises 27 accomplished school leaders carefully selected through a rigorous application process that evaluated them against specific leadership criteria. Each member brings a wealth of educational experiences, unique talents, and a commitment to ensure the children of Kentucky receive a world class education.
Dr. Rhonda Caldwell, Executive Director of KASA, emphasized the significance of preparation in achieving success. She stated, “The KWEL program offers a structured framework to support and guide cohort members in charting their path to high-level executive positions within Kentucky’s public schools. These new cohort members join more than 200 female colleagues who are reshaping education today, acting as trailblazers in identifying and overcoming barriers to equity and excellence for every student, contributing to a stronger and healthier Kentucky.”
The overarching goal of this KASA initiative is to establish and sustain a community of professional female education leaders—promoting knowledge, competence, exemplary quality, equity, and self-confidence through personal leadership growth, mentorship, and career advancement support. KWEL serves as a catalyst for promoting exemplary female leadership and raising the percentage of women in executive-level roles in education.
The program provides ongoing networking opportunities, key professional development learning events, and a mentor who is currently an executive leader in public education.
The new cohort members will be inducted to the program at the annual KWEL forum January 24-25, 2024, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. The induction ceremony and leadership forum will bring together cohort members alongside some of the state’s leading female executive educators. This event promises to be a gathering of like-minded professionals dedicated to advancing women in educational leadership.
KASA, The School Leaders Association, is the largest school administrator group in Kentucky, representing more than 3,300 education leaders across the commonwealth. Formed in 1969, KASA connects education leaders to policymakers, legislators, and other interest groups, and provides numerous benefits and services to Kentucky’s school administrators.