1EdTech's Women in Data + Edtech Network (WIDEN) program seeks to empower women in data roles within the education technology sector by providing professional development, meaningful networking opportunities, and structured mentorship.
We aim to create a scalable, high-ROI learning experience that fosters career growth, leadership development, and community engagement. Recognizing that complexity often stifles success, we focus on simplicity and repeatability in professional development to ensure accessibility and long-term impact.
What's Happening with WIDEN
- Spring 2026 Cohort: Completed in June 2026
- Fall 2026 Cohort: Runs October 2026 through February 2027.
- WIDEN Participant & Alumnae Networking: Learning Impact 2027 (February 8-10, San Antonio, Texas, USA)
- WIDEN Networking Portal: Details are forthcoming
- Winter 2027 Cohort: Starts in January/February 2027 (dates and details will be available in early December)
Thank You!
WIDEN Fall 2026 Cohort Sponsor
WIDEN Fall 2026 Cohort
Our next WIDEN cohort kicks off in October 2026.
We're now looking for eligible candidates interested in being a mentor or mentee.
Applications are open through October 15, 2026.
In addition to WIDEN's structured mentorship activities, cohort participants will attend a four-part virtual leadership series led by Susan Drucker Hunsaker, principal coach and founder of Keystone Leadership Advisors, that combines expert perspectives, interactive learning, and actionable takeaways.
Special thanks to ClassLink for their support of the WIDEN Fall 2026 Cohort Leadership Series and Mentorship Program.
Photo of speakers and participants at the "WIDEN Your Impact" launch session during 1EdTech's 2025 Learning Impact Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
Join Us
You can learn more about WIDEN at these upcoming industry events.
ClassLink Learning Analytics Summit (CLAS26)
Designing for Impact: Structured Support as a Leadership Strategy
October 7, 2026 • 2:50 PM – 3:25 PM EDT
Online
Learning Impact Conference
February 8-10, 2027
Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk | San Antonio, Texas, USA
Past WIDEN Speakers
Dr. Mary Hemphill
Dr. Hemphill is a leadership strategist, educator, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience in K–16 education, administration, and coaching. Her thought leadership has gained recognition in national circles—she’s been featured in Forbes, named one of EdTech Digest’s Top 100 Influencers (2023–24), and selected as a Senior Fellow at The Center for Model Schools.
Dr. Mary Hemphill
Donna T. Petherbridge, Ed.D.
At our December cohort meeting, we're joined by Dr. Donna Petherbridge, Vice Provost for Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA) at NC State University.
Dr. Petherbridge is a purposeful advocate and positive instigator of change. She is a former chair of NC State’s Strategic IT Committee and its Council on the Status of Women. She is a past member of the Paid Parental Leave workgroup, which worked tirelessly for over four years to help adopt and implement Paid Parental Leave into the UNC System in 2019. With extensive experience in IT strategy, instructional design, and learning technologies, Dr. Petherbridge empowers educators—especially women—to use technology with confidence and creativity. Her work is grounded in a passion for helping people.
Dr. Donna Petherbridge
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis is the Superintendent and CEO of Cherokee County School District in Georgia, which serves 42,000 students across 40 schools.
Previously, she was the Superintendent of Henry County Schools, when the district saw significant improvements in student performance, including reading proficiency growth, an 11-point gain on the state’s CCRPI, a doubling of students enrolled in advanced coursework, and growth on national metrics, including the SAT and ACT. Mary Elizabeth also served as a Presidential Appointee in the George W. Bush Administration and an Education Policy Advisor in the U.S. Senate. She began her professional career as a teacher.
Mary Elizabeth was named one of the 100 most influential U.S. educational leaders by District Administrator and was a finalist for the Georgia Superintendent of the Year award.
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis
Danita Ishibashi, Ed. D
With over thirty years of experience, Dr. Danita Ishibashi has distinguished herself as a leader in New Jersey's public education system. Her 15 years in central office roles and tenure as Assistant Superintendent highlight her commitment to academic excellence and her impact in advancing culturally responsive curricula and student achievement in high-needs districts.
Dr. Ishibashi has secured nearly a million dollars in grants, leading to innovative projects like teacher preparation programs and STEM dual enrollment initiatives. As an adjunct professor at The College of New Jersey, her relentless pursuit of educational advancement and equity continues to shape future education leaders and opportunities for students in challenging environments.
Danita Ishibashi, Ed.D.
Susan Drucker Hunsaker, M.A., PCC
Susan Drucker Hunsaker is the principal coach and founder of Keystone Leadership Advisors. She is a certified executive and team coach who partners with senior executives to determine their strategic priorities, simplify complex leadership challenges, and create harmony in their team dynamics. She draws on her experience as a successful hospitality entrepreneur to help clients gain powerful insights and execute plans that move the needle forward in their organizations.
Susan holds a B.A. from Loyola Marymount University, an M.A. in Educational Technology from the University of San Francisco, a Certificate in Executive Coaching and Team Coaching from the Center for Executive Coaching, and a Professional Coach Credential from the International Coach Federation. She is a Certified The Six Types of Working Genius facilitator, a Certified The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team partner, and serves as a Guide for CHIEF, leading groups of C-Suite leaders on their CHIEF leadership journey.
Susan Drucker Hunsaker
WIDEN Your Impact
WIDEN welcomes participation from any individual or organization interested in supporting and advancing women in data roles within EdTech. We encourage you to learn more and get involved!