FIRST GENERAL SESSION
Sunday, Nov. 15
4 p.m.  I  Union Station Ballroom

George Couros is a worldwide leader in innovative teaching, learning and leading, and has focused on innovation as a human endeavor. His belief that meaningful change happens when you connect to people’s hearts is modeled in his writing and speaking.

In his 20-plus years in education, he has worked at all levels of school, from K-12 as a teacher, technology facilitator and district administrator, and is currently an adjunct instructor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Couros is the author of the books “The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity,” “Innovate Inside the Box” and the “Because of a Teacher” series. He also hosts the popular “Innovator’s Mindset” podcast.

His latest book, “Forward Together: Moving Schools from Conflict to Community in Contentious Times,” is a deeply human guide for leading through challenging times by creating conditions for collaboration, understanding and shared ownership.

OSBA BLACK CAUCUS DINNER
Sunday, Nov. 15
7 p.m.  I  Short North Ballroom
Ticketed event price: $95

Caroline Bennett (CarolineINSPIRES) is a youth development expert, two-time TEDx speaker, cultural artist, poet, singer and professional emcee who has impacted more than 41,000 young people across 19 states. Born and raised in North Tulsa, Oklahoma, surrounded by the legacy of Greenwood’s Black Wall Street, she made a decision early in life that her environment was not an excuse to quit — it was a reason to keep going.

Through more than 350 speeches, workshops, and programs, she partners with schools, nonprofits, corporations and community organizations to build culturally responsive experiences rooted in identity development, leadership, and mental wellness. A John C. Maxwell-certified speaker, coach, trainer and DISC consultant, Bennett holds a B.A. from  University of Oklahoma and an M.A. from  Ohio State University. She is a first-generation, debt-free college graduate.

Her cultural influence extends beyond the stage — she has shared stages with Grammy-nominated artists, been featured on Abercrombie & Fitch’s “Justice for Joy” mural tee and served as a brand influencer for K&G Fashion. She has raised more than $127,000 for youth initiatives and is honored as one of twenty Living Legends with a permanent mural on Greenwood’s Black Wall Street.

She lives by this truth: “A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” Bennett has devoted her life to being part of the village.

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. Tickets for this event must be purchased by noon on Oct. 30.

CHAMBERS/RYAN CONFERENCE LUNCHEON
Monday, Nov. 16
11:45 a.m.  I  Short North Ballroom
Ticketed event price: $75 

Sarita Maybin is a dynamic workplace communication expert who shows audiences how to transform uncomfortable conversations into constructive ones and work together better. With real stories and real-world solutions, she empowers people to break down barriers and strengthen relationships.

Raised as a “military brat,” Maybin learned early how to navigate change and thrive in stressful situations, discovering that it’s not just what you say, but how you say it that matters.

Over the past two decades, she has shared strategies to strengthen communication, collaboration and positivity in the midst of change. She is the author of “If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?” and “Say What You Mean in a Nice Way,” and her presentations have resonated with audiences across the U.S. and 10 countries and on the prestigious TEDx stage. A former university dean of students, she has held leadership positions at four state universities.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for this event must be purchased by noon on Oct. 30.

SECOND GENERAL SESSION
Tuesday, Nov. 17
Noon  I  Union Station Ballroom

Journalist Steve Hartman is a captivating storyteller with a unique ability to inspire and uplift. Through his heartwarming On the Road” segments, Hartman shares extraordinary stories of ordinary people, demonstrating the power of kindness and connection. His “Kindness 101” stories are used in classrooms worldwide to teach important values, including kindness and character.  

A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Hartman has won dozens of prestigious broadcast journalism awards, including five national Emmy awards and 15 national Edward R. Murrow awards, including a record 12 citations for best writing. He received an Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award for his “Everybody Has a Story” series, and an OSCAR for best documentary short for “All the Empty Rooms.”

As a keynote speaker, Hartman brings his passion for storytelling and his commitment to positivity, leaving audiences inspired and motivated to make a difference in the world.