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Women in leadership Uplift/Lift up event

Education Forum

Leadership is a mindset not a position

As a collective of women in Independent School education, we saw an opportunity to help create a network of like-minded female leaders in our field. This idea was the beginning of a journey of discovery to find meaningful ways for women to connect, re-connect, inspire (and be inspired), feel uplifted and in turn, lift up others.

This Annual Conference is intended to help women grow both personally and professionally. Offering a space for women to have courageous conversations with themselves and others, while building a community that provides support, mentoring and encouragement for women in their careers. This is about helping each other - in joyful, fun and meaningful ways!

"The Women in Leadership movement is a true experience as it brings together women in education in all roles to share stories, learn from thought leaders and reframe challenges and opportunities. Through courageous conversations, women find ways to lift up and uplift each other, knowing we are stronger when we share the same voice. As a co-founder of WIL, I am excited to see our movement growing with the ability to reach women across Ontario. "

(Kirsten Eastwood, President of Dress for Success, Toronto)

Our Journey

Inaugural Event - March 1, 2023

On March 1, 2023 over 90 women gathered in our Lower School Atrium to hear from Tammy Heermann about Courageous Conversations. The buzz in the room was amazing as women from Lauremont (formerly TMS) and a number of schools in Ontario connected, supported and shared – all over delicious treats.

April 2023

We followed that up in April with a Zoom evening with Lara Koretsky who had us reflect on our inner voices (that help or hinder) our leadership identity and inner leader.

October 11, 2023

Our third gathering on October 11 brought back Lara to share (in person) the idea of saboteurs – the inner voices that get in the way of us being able to step into Courageous Conversations.

March 7, 2024

On March 7, 2024 we brought women leaders from our CIS Ontario schools to hold a panel discussion about their leadership journeys, sharing stories and answering questions from attendees.

Upcoming Event

March 4, 2026

Lauremont Lower School Atrium

(8569 Bayview Ave)

5:30-8:00 PM

All the details:
Panel Discussion, Networking, Mentorship

Join us as we celebrate, inspire and learn from women leaders.

Meet our Panelists

Hilary Adamson

Executive Director, Enrolment Management and Student Experience, BSS

Hilary is the Executive Director of Enrolment Management at BSS (The Bishop Strachan School). Prior to that, she worked at Havergal College as the Associate Director of Admissions, Junior School and at St. Clement’s School in both the Admissions and Student Services departments. Before transitioning to her work in student recruiting, Hilary taught Kindergarten for many years in Toronto and worked in India educating teachers on the High Scope Curriculum, which is a play-based, child-centered, active learning philosophy that guides children to explore, interact and exercise their creative imagination through purposeful play.

Hilary holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Western University and an Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Education from Toronto Metropolitan University.

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Krista Koekkoek

Vice Principal, Student Life & Wellbeing, Havergal College

Krista Koekkoek is the Vice Principal of Student Life & Wellbeing at Havergal College, with over 20 years experience in independent schools, having also worked at Trinity College School and The Country Day School in a variety of academic, learning support, student life and guidance leadership roles. She is a passionate advocate for student support and wellbeing and has worked extensively in schools to align vision, research and programming as it pertains to the healthy development of students in a community that prioritizes connection and belonging.

Krista holds a Master of Education from OISE/UT and her Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts (French/History) from Queen’s University. She is also a registered psychotherapist.

Kimberley Tavares

Deputy Principal,
University of Toronto Schools

Kimberley Tavares is the Deputy Principal at the University of Toronto Schools (UTS). Kim supports UTS evolving educational programming to foster greater equity and inclusion. Her work intersects and impacts every area of the school. She also leads the work to increase UTS' representation of traditionally underrepresented groups, ensuring all students feel included, affirmed and welcome. Prior to joining UTS she was an Education Officer in the Education Equity Secretariat in the Ontario Ministry of Education. Over the course of her 20-year career, Kim has taught students in the K-12 system and Diploma, Masters and Doctoral candidates. Kim uses her learning in Human-Centered Design principles to develop culturally relevant resources that address racism, cultural and educational disconnects as well as other barriers Black and marginalized students face in the Ontario education system.