Leaders, educators and advocates from across Los Angeles County gathered in Universal City on March 27 for the annual Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Conference, organized by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). The event celebrated women’s achievements and issued a powerful call to action to advance gender equity and uplift community voices under this year’s theme: “Rise Up.”

Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, opened the event by acknowledging the many challenges shaping society today, including ongoing attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, threats to public education, global conflict, immigration enforcement actions and the emotional weight surrounding issues like the legacy of César Chávez.

Drawing from her early career with the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women (now known as Peace Over Violence), Dr. Duardo spoke with deep conviction about the importance of supporting survivors and creating safe spaces for women to speak out. “Shame should never be placed on them,” she stressed. “Women deserve to be heard, respected and protected.” 

This year’s conference also marked a personal milestone for Dr. Duardo, who reflected on her upcoming 10-year anniversary in her role, having been sworn in by Supervisor Hilda Solis in 2016.

She shared candidly about the moment that almost changed her trajectory, when she nearly didn’t apply for the superintendent position.

Looking at the job description, she was overwhelmed by self-doubt and uncertainty. Having never served as a superintendent before, she questioned whether she was qualified. The rigorous eight-month selection process, filled with interviews and long periods of waiting, only intensified those feelings.

“Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s moving forward anyway,” she said, encouraging attendees to push past negative self-talk and recognize their value.

Dr. Duardo also spoke about the “invisible weight” women carry, expectations, pressure and self-judgment, and urged participants to give themselves grace, release comparison and lead with authenticity.

Keynote speaker Mariana Atencio, former national correspondent and author, delivered a message centered on authenticity. She encouraged women to embrace their full selves and lead with confidence rooted in who they truly are.

The conference featured workshops on leadership, resilience, storytelling and career growth, along with a marketplace supporting women-owned businesses. It included musical performances from Dr. Tina Vartanian, Jamie Lee, Callie Pyken and Ruby Finkelstein, all from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Joy An, from Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District lead the pledge of allegiance. Yareli Victoria, Kiana Shelton and Naomi Cerezo, all members of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, also attended the event. The Women's Conference was sponsored by LACOE’s premier philanthropic partner, the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, recognized for its ongoing dedication to uplifting women across Los Angeles County.

In the spirit of “Rise Up,” the day closed with a reminder for women: take what was learned, apply it beyond the room and continue creating opportunities for others along the way.