AISNE 2026-27 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Practitioners Cohort
The role of a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging practitioner in an independent school is dynamic and multifaceted. You engage with every school constituent—including students, families, faculty and staff, and trustees—to plan and execute strategies that create organizational change.
AISNE’s DEIB Practitioners Cohort is a yearlong program aimed at DEIB leadership development in New England schools. Over a series in-person meetings, you will discuss the current opportunities and challenges of the field, share your professional triumphs and tribulations, and receive leadership coaching aimed at creating enduring system change in your community.
You will learn alongside peers, led by experienced educational leader Shernice Lazare, who has worked extensively with schools nationwide on comprehensive and systemic DEIB action planning, leveled training, and assessment. Shernice will lead your cohort through topic presentations, case studies, discussions, and peer problem-solving.
Your fellow learners will consist of Directors of DEIB and other similar roles from around the region. It will be a place to forge and fortify deep professional relationships, engage in generative conversations, find support and creative feedback for your ideas, and explore the current and future landscape of the profession.
Topics covered include:
- Exploring best practices in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging leadership
- Interpreting and using quantitative and qualitative data
- Strategizing engagement and stakeholder relationships
- Co-creating the growth of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in independent schools
- Examining your leadership self-journey
This Cohort is a 3-part program. Shernice will lead all of these sessions with rich presentations and learning resources. The sessions will also offer a space for peer networking and group support to build a powerfully connected regional group of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging leaders.
Invest in yourself and your community and reinvigorate your commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work.
Dates & Registration
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Practitioners Cohort is a 3-part program. Your registration includes admission to all sessions, the 2026 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference, as well as access to learning materials and resources.
Cost:
Cohort registration (inclusive of registration for the 2026 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Conference)
$1,269 per person for AISNE Members
Cohort registration (inclusive of the 2026 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Conference) and the 2026 BIPOC Symposium
$1,569 per person for AISNE Members
Please note that cohort registration closes Friday, October 9.
2026-2027 Dates
- Session 1 | Wednesday, 10/21, 2:00 – 5:00 PM | In-Person, The Westin Waltham Hotel (Waltham, MA)
- Session 2 | Tuesday, 1/26, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM | In-Person, The Wentworth by the Sea (New Castle, NH)
- Session 3 | Wednesday, 5/5, 1:30 – 4:30 PM | In-Person, Four Points Sheraton Norwood (Norwood, MA)
About the Facilitator
Shernice Lazare is a nationally recognized educational leader and facilitator specializing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in independent schools. As a senior leader at Pollyanna, she works closely with school heads, senior leadership teams, trustees, and faculty to design and implement comprehensive, mission-aligned DEIB strategies that are both sustainable and actionable. With a strong foundation in organizational development and systems-level change, Shernice leads schools through multi-phase processes that often include institutional assessment, climate analysis, strategic planning, and ongoing professional learning. She is particularly skilled at helping schools move from aspirational DEIB statements to clearly defined goals, measurable outcomes, and embedded practices that shape daily school culture. Shernice has facilitated workshops and long-term engagements with independent schools and educational organizations nationwide, supporting communities in addressing complex challenges related to identity, belonging, and equity. Her approach integrates research-based frameworks with practical application, ensuring that faculty and staff are equipped not only to understand DEIB concepts, but also to apply them in classrooms, leadership structures, and community interactions. Known for her thoughtful, engaging facilitation style, Shernice creates spaces that balance challenge with support—encouraging honest dialogue while fostering trust and accountability. She brings particular expertise in guiding difficult conversations, building shared language across stakeholders, and supporting leadership teams in navigating change with clarity and purpose.
Through her work with Pollyanna, Shernice contributes to the organization’s broader mission of helping schools cultivate inclusive, equitable environments where all students and adults can thrive.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations and transfer requests must be sent via email to info@aisne.org. Cancellations received up to 14 days before the start of the event will receive a 100% refund, less a $100 administrative fee. Transfers of registrations from one person to another are permitted up to 3 business days before the start of the event, or the first event of a series of events.
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