Aspiring Leaders Symposium empowers staff to lead with purpose

What does it take to lead with purpose? For a number of Red Deer Public staff, the answer began to take shape at last month’s Aspiring Leaders Symposium. The event, which took place on May 29, was the final installment of the 2025 Aspiring Leaders sessions for the 2024-2025 school year aimed to unlock leadership potential and inspire the next generation of Division leaders.

The symposium challenged participants to reflect on their values, identity and leadership voice. With an interactive presentation, keynote speaker and Educational Consultant Ray Hoppins, shared leadership lessons he has learned along his journey about what really matters as a leader. Participants could then choose between two breakout sessions, the first of which included a presentation by Amanda Kiat, Principal at Normandeau School regarding values-based leadership, and the second from Sheila Sillery, Vice Principal at G.W. Smith Elementary on the importance of leading with why.

“The Aspiring Leaders Symposium is about recognizing the leadership that already exists within our schools and helping people grow that potential,” said Corrine Thorsteinson, Associate Superintendent of People Services for Red Deer Public Schools. “No matter where participants are in their leadership journey, this symposium gave them the tools to take the next step.”

The event offered both inspiration and practical insights for participants ready to make a difference both in their professional and personal lives.

Now in its third year, the Aspiring Leaders initiative is part of a broader effort by Red Deer Public Schools to build leadership capacity within, ensuring schools have strong, thoughtful leaders to guide students and staff in the future.

“Great schools need great leaders, and that starts by supporting our staff who already make a difference every day,” said Corrine. “We want our staff to feel empowered, supported and inspired to lead.”