Purposeful Gatherings - Sidecar Summit
“This is the power of gathering. It inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful; in a word, more alive.”
— Alice Waters
Sidecar Summit is an in-person professional development gathering offering women leaders a chance to purposefully connect with one another, support each others’ leadership aspirations, brainstorm ways to address individual and collective leadership challenges, appreciate and celebrate female leadership attributes and ways these can best serve leaders and schools, and create new visions for individual and school success. They are co-created with participating summiteers in order to address relevant topics and provide a sense of buy-in and collective efficacy.
Summits are not like your typical professional development conference: no PowerPoint marathons, no vendor booths, no 'networking' in the transactional sense. Instead:
Deep conversations with women who understand your world
Reflective practices that reconnect you with your purpose
Community building that lasts beyond the weekend
Professional and personal development that honors your whole self
And yes—adventure and joy too
The Sidecar Summit approach integrates:
Adult learning principles, including experiential learning and small group/ peer-to-peer learning
Mindfulness and contemplative practices
Cultural exploration/ Adventure
Nourishing meals and nurturing accommodations
Rest and restoration in nature
Because women leaders deserve learning spaces that nourish rather than deplete them.
Summits are held several times a year in locations where nature and adventure opportunities are welcome guests, and are kept intentionally small to cultivate an atmosphere of trust, camaraderie and intimacy. Confidentiality is paramount in order to encourage whole-hearted participation. What happens at the Summit … stays at the Summit.
2026 Summit Schedule
Summits are currently planned or under development for the following locations and dates:
Abundance as Resistance: A Sidecar Summit in Canada
October 15-19, 2026
Collingwood, Ontario
See below for more info and to register.
Vital Leadership: A Sidecar Summit in Portugal
November 20-24, 2026
Quinta Carvalhas, Ribatejo
Details arriving shortly.
Abundance as Resistance:
A Sidecar Summit in Canada
There's a particular kind of exhaustion that comes from leading in uncertain times. Fear is loud right now - in the world, in institutions, in school cultures - and is creating a sense of scarcity that is quietly shaping decisions, shrinking visions, and narrowing what we believe is possible. But scarcity is just a story. And abundance is a different one: one that opens rather than closes, that expands rather than contracts, that leads from fullness rather than fear. What if abundance were to replace scarcity as the response to uncertainty? What new visions and possibilities might that open up?
Come explore those visions and possibilities and their application for school leadership in the Blue Mountains of Ontario from October 15-18 at Sidecar Summit Canada.
“The summit exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The venue, set amidst nature, provided a serene escape from the city chaos. The fresh and healthy food reflected a commitment to well-being. Prioritizing social and emotional well-being created a conducive environment for meaningful connections. The diverse professional backgrounds of attendees enriched discussions, and rejuvenating activities like massages and yoga added a retreat-like experience. The summit, with its holistic approach, surpassed expectations, offering a perfect blend of intellectual stimulation and personal rejuvenation.”
- Farhana Bari, Head of Primary, Esjberg International School
Sidecar Summit has been a revolutionary experience, providing a unique space for women to be truly authentic and open in their leadership journeys. It offers an opportunity to connect with other women leaders in an environment that feels completely safe and supportive. There is no other professional development experience that allows for this level of vulnerability and real connection. I will absolutely be returning!
— Heather Naro, Head of School, Schutz American School, Egypt
HEAR WHAT PREVIOUS SUMMITEERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE
“The openness of the other participants, the generosity of sharing of experiences, and the willingness to put aside rank & role to be there as ourselves.”
— Kyra Kellawan, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Benjamin Franklin International School, Barcelona
“I believe something wonderful happened as we connect, learned, and supported one another.”
Amanda Sunderman, Head of School, Tarsus American College, Turkey