Name: Hope. Opportunity. Tenacity: The Mindset That Shapes Futures
Start: 2026-08-03T09:00:00-0700
End: 2026-08-03T11:00:00-0700

Hope. Opportunity. Tenacity: The Mindset That Shapes Futures

Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am PDT

Grand Ballroom A,B,C

This keynote ignites the conference by exploring how hope fuels possibility, how
opportunity is intentionally created, and how tenacity sustains progress in career and
technical education. Participants will be introduced to The Energy Map — a dynamic
framework that helps leaders recognize how their internal mindset influences external
outcomes. Through engaging storytelling and actionable insight, attendees will begin to
identify how stress, pressure, ownership, and leadership energy show up in their daily
work. This session challenges leaders to become more aware, more intentional, and more
resilient in how they respond to challenges. Participants will leave inspired and equipped
with a powerful lens for understanding how their energy shapes the futures of students and
teams.

Speakers

Niki Spears

Business Owner, Culture Cre8ion

Niki Spears is an educator, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and culture strategist passionate about helping people and organizations transform the way they think, lead, and work together. A former school principal and the founder of Culture Cre8ion, Niki has spent years empowering educators, leaders, and teams through powerful conversations centered on mindset, self-awareness, ownership, and culture transformation.Known for her high-energy storytelling and practical leadership strategies, Niki challenges audiences to recognize... Read More →

Michelle Spenser

Executive Director, WA-ACTE

Michelle Spenser is the Executive Director of the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE). With a decade of classroom teaching under her belt and experience as a former OSPI Program Supervisor, Michelle is deeply committed to empowering educators and expanding opportun... Read More →

Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom A,B,C

WA-ACTE Sessions

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WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

Niki Spears

Michelle Spenser

Attendees (158)

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Success you have shared X tickets.

WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference

Niki Spears

Michelle Spenser

Attendees (158)

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