On March 8, 2025, American International Schools in the Americas (AMISA) hosted its inaugural International Women’s Day (IWD) event, bringing together an incredible global community with participants from over 30 nations. With 21 engaging workshops—including one led by an inspiring group of students—the energy was electric, the conversations inspiring, and the connections deep and meaningful. It was a day filled with learning, laughter, and the kind of collective energy that fuels lasting change.
While the atmosphere was warm and celebratory, the heart of the event focused on something much deeper. Inequities still persist, research continues to highlight gender pay gaps and underrepresentation in leadership, and the work for true inclusion is far from over. With that in mind, this year’s symposium, Her Power, Her Legacy: From Vision to Reality, was designed to move beyond discussion and into action—helping women step into leadership, own their expertise, and amplify their impact in our schools and beyond.
The day opened with an impactful conversation with our keynote panelists, Bambi Betts and Paola Torres de Pereira, who set the stage with a powerful call to action: own your story, recognize your strengths, and lift each other up. Bambi shared her insights on knowing and articulating our professional expertise with confidence, ensuring our voices are heard and valued in the spaces we occupy. Paola reminded us of the transformative power of storytelling and how aligning our strengths with the needs of our communities can create lasting impact. Their words resonated, paving the way for a day filled with reflection, empowerment, and momentum toward meaningful change.
Throughout the day, participants immersed themselves in workshops covering a wide range of topics—each one offering a unique perspective on leadership, growth, and the shared experiences of women in international education. From navigating leadership transitions to exploring the impact of menopause on leadership and wellbeing, and from mapping personal leadership journeys to fostering respect and harmony in teams, the sessions reflected the diversity of experiences, expertise, and challenges faced by women in education. Whether new to international education or long-time changemakers, everyone found something to challenge, inspire, and affirm their journey.
Beyond the workshops, the true magic of the event was in the connections. Conversations flowed in breakout rooms, in the chat, and in the final networking session—where women and allies came together to reflect, share next steps, and commit to continued action. The sense of solidarity was palpable, a reminder that change happens not in isolation but through collective effort and shared purpose.
This event would not have been possible without the dedication and vision of so many. A huge thank you to AMISA for sponsoring the event, to Madeleine Maceda Heide - our self-proclaimed modern elder and fearless leader whose wisdom, passion, and unwavering commitment helped bring this event to life, to the AMISA Women in Leadership group for laying the foundation, and to the International Women’s Day steering committee for making this inaugural event a reality. And to all who joined us—thank you for showing up, for supporting the Strike a Pose campaign, and for celebrating the power and impact of women around the world!
As we carry forward the spirit of Her Power, Her Legacy: From Vision to Reality, we remain committed to accelerating action, making space for one another, and ensuring that our voices, contributions, and leadership are not only recognized but celebrated. Together, we are shaping a future where our visions have meaningful impacts and our legacies are everlasting!
Vickie Swann is a global educator, leadership builder, and advocate for equitable pathways in education. With experience as a Principal, director of teaching and learning, instructional coach, and science teacher across four continents, she has walked the path of those she now mentors and supports. She works alongside schools to dismantle barriers, cultivate inclusive leadership pipelines, and ensure that talent—not background—determines opportunity. Committed to moving beyond rhetoric into action, she champions learning for all, fosters meaningful change, and ensures leadership is both strategic and deeply humane. At the heart of her work is a core belief: education, at its best, drives equity, transformation, and lasting impact.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickie-swann-/
