FIRST GENERAL SESSION
Sunday, Nov. 16
4 p.m.  I  Union Station Ballroom

From migrant farmworker to Emmy Award-winning journalist, John Quiñones embodies the transformative power of education and perseverance. Kicking off our First General Session, Quiñones will share his remarkable, odds-defying journey — from growing up in poverty to building an exceptional career spanning over 30 years at ABC News, anchoring “20/20” and “Primetime,” and earning seven national Emmys for reporting.

A proud Latino American and trailblazer in his field, Quiñones broke barriers to become a role model for millions. His story celebrates the life-changing power of education and the Latino American dream, providing thought-provoking insights into human nature and ethical behavior.

As the creator and host of “What Would You Do?” — the acclaimed hidden-camera show exploring ethical dilemmas and human behavior, now in its 17th season — Quiñones has become widely recognized as “the face of doing the right thing.” His compelling storytelling and deeply human perspective challenge us to consider the moral choices we face every day.

Known for leaving audiences uplifted and inspired, Quiñones delivers a powerful message: Believe in yourself, never give up, and always, always do the right thing.

OSBA BLACK CAUCUS DINNER
Sunday, Nov. 16
7 p.m.  I  Short North Ballroom
Cost: $95

Dr. Antoinette Miranda recently retired from The Ohio State University where she spent 37 years as a Professor of School Psychology and the last five years as Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Before coming to OSU, she worked as a school psychologist in New York City Public Schools. Dr. Miranda has had a life-long passion for making schools work for school-aged children, especially those most vulnerable. Her research was focused on issues of diversity such as: developing effective interventions with at-risk children in urban settings, consultation services in urban settings, culturally responsive practices, and social justice. Dr. Miranda was elected to the Ohio State Board of Education in November 2016 and was re-elected in November 2020 and recently completed her eight years on the board. As an elected state school board member in Ohio, she worked to promote practices that provided equitable services to the children of Ohio. She has over fifty publications and has received numerous awards recognizing her work, advocacy, and service including Outstanding Trainer Award, OSU Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, OEA/NEA Advocate for Education Award, Distinguished Alumna-University of Cincinnati, Ohio School Psychology Association Outstanding Advocate Award, National Association of School Psychologists Advocacy Award, and Champion of Children Awards to name a few. She is currently the President of APA Division 16-School Psychology. She is a candidate for the Columbus City School Board.

The OSBA Black Caucus Dinner is open to all attendees and provides a platform for networking, discussions and recognition of the achievements of African American and ethnically and culturally diverse students and board members.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required; the cost to attend is $95. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 31.

CHAMBERS/RYAN CONFERENCE LUNCHEON
Monday, Nov. 17
11:45 a.m.  I  Short North Ballroom
Cost: $75

Erin Gruwell is an acclaimed author, educator and leader whose work has inspired countless communities from around the world to embrace hope, overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. Her original “Freedom Writer” students faced significant obstacles in their pursuit of an education, including poverty, gang violence and hate. However, under her guidance, they defied the odds, graduated high school and achieved academic success. Their journey was chronicled in the 1999 book, “The Freedom Writers Diary,” which was later adapted into a movie. Through her nonprofit, the Freedom Writers Foundation, Gruwell continues to provide resources for educators seeking to inspire their students to forge their own path to success.  

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required; the cost to attend is $75. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 31.

SECOND GENERAL SESSION
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Noon  I  Union Station Ballroom

Join us for an unforgettable General Session with Laila Ali, world champion athlete, wellness advocate and daughter of legendary humanitarian Muhammad Ali. A four-time undefeated boxing world champion, she brings the same strength and resilience from the ring to her mission of empowering youth and advancing student health.

As past president of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Ali has advocated for sports programs that foster confidence, strength and health for girls and young women. Her continued leadership in wellness includes hosting national health shows, founding the Laila Ali Lifestyle brand, and authoring “Reach: Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power!” — a motivational book for young women. She also is a major supporter of charitable organizations such as Feeding America, Peace 4 Kids, American Dental Association and more.

Through her lived experience as a world-class athlete, entrepreneur, mother and advocate, Ali speaks to the heart of what matters in education: helping students overcome obstacles, access opportunity and build a foundation for lifelong wellness.