December 4 & 5, 2025 | The Verve Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Natick, MA

Join fellow BIPOC educators, administrators, and staff from independent schools across New England for this 1.5-day gathering. The AISNE BIPOC Symposium is a space to recharge while learning, connect with colleagues who share your lived experience, and engage in honest, uplifting conversations about what it means to lead, teach, and thrive in predominantly white institutions.

This is more than a professional development event—it’s a celebration of community.

Whether you are looking for affinity space, career guidance, shared strategy, or simply a chance to exhale and laugh with people who get it, this experience will center your needs, your voice, and your joy.

What to Expect:

  • Affirming Community: Dedicated time to be in affinity with other BIPOC professionals navigating the unique challenges—and opportunities—of independent schools.
  • Inspiring Conversations: Dynamic facilitators Jason Craige Harris and Martha Haakmat will guide a series of sessions that explore how we sustain ourselves, reclaim rest, build solidarity, and rise together in this work.
  • The Leadership Lounge: One-on-one coaching with a phenomenal group of BIPOC consultants and mentors—offering personalized support on your journey.
  • Networking: From welcome receptions and cocktail hours to intentional lunch conversations and casual connections, you’ll find plenty of space to build lasting relationships.
  • Affinity + Strategy Sessions: Gather with colleagues across shared racial, ethnic, and professional identities to exchange ideas, share best practices, and lift each other up.
  • Restorative Offerings: Begin your day with yoga or mindfulness, and leave with tools for sustainable self-care, grounded leadership, and community-rooted action.

Who Should Attend:

This event is designed for BIPOC-identifying faculty, staff, administrators, and school leaders working in independent schools. You’ll find space here to connect, grow, and recharge.

Pricing and Hotel

Number of Attendees AISNE Member Schools Non-Member School
1 – 3 $519/pp $619/pp
4 – 9 $470/pp $570/pp
10 – 12 $415/pp $515/pp

 

Please note that there is a limit of 12 tickets per school for this event. If you would like to place additional members of your school community on our waitlist, please reach out to info@aisne.org. 


Hotel reservations are not included.

REGISTER HERE

We strive to create an inclusive learning environment for all. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact us at info@aisne.org.

Hotel Information
The Verve Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
1360 Worcester St, Natick, MA
(508) 653-8800

AISNE has a block of rooms reserved at the The Verve Hotel for the evening of December 4th and December 5th. The rate is $139/nt + taxes for a king bedroom. To book your reservation please click here. Please note that reservations to the AISNE block must be made on or before November 4, 2025, and are based on availability.

Agenda at a Glance

Thursday, December 4, 2025

  • 3:00 – 5:00 PM | Registration
  • 3:00 – 5:00 PM | Leadership Lounge: One-on-One Conversations
  • 5:00 – 6:00 PM | Welcome Reception
  • 6:15 – 7:15 PM | Opening Connection: Grounding in Community
  • 7:30 – 9:00 PM | All-Attendee Dinner
  • 9:00 PM – | Cocktails and Conversation

Friday, December 5, 2025

  • 7:30 – 8:30 AM | Morning Activities
  • 7:30 – 9:30 AM | Breakfast & Leadership Lounge
  • 9:30 – 10:15 AM | General Session: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
  • 10:30 – 11:30 AM | Affinity Groups
  • 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM | General Session: Reclaiming Rest, Resistance, and Solidarity
  • 12:45 – 1:45 PM | Lunch
  • 1:45 – 3:00 PM | General Session: Rooted and Rising
  • 3:154:00 PM | Closing Connection
  • 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Farewell Reception
  • 5:00 PM — | Dinner-On-Your-Own (Optional Dinner Groups for Guests Staying Overnight)

Detailed agenda coming soon! 

We look forward to learning alongside you and your peers at this event.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations and transfer requests must be sent via email to info@aisne.org. Cancellations received up to 10 days before the start of the event will receive a 100% refund, less a $150 administrative fee. This fee covers the cost of our minimum commitments with our hotel partners; thank you for your understanding. Transfers of registrations from one person to another are permitted up to 3 business days before the start of the event.


Not an AISNE Member?

Become part of a network of more than 270 schools across New England. Enjoy opportunities for your entire school staff and faculty to connect with and learn from peers, and engage in high-quality professional development. AISNE is here to support your school’s excellence and continuous improvement.

Join today or renew your membership.