After a competitive application process, 30 female educators have been selected for the first cohort of the Kentucky Women in Education Leadership (KWEL). Among the honored 30 is Auburn Assistant Principal Sarah Hatton. Applicants were chosen based on specific leadership criteria.

These leaders, along with 30 of the state’s top female executive educators, convened January 19-20 in Louisville for a leadership forum and induction ceremony.

KWEL is designed for women working in P-12 public education who are entering or advancing their careers. KWEL members will benefit from a support system, leadership development opportunities, career advancement, shared experiences through a network of on-going professional growth and development, coaching and mentoring, and reward and recognition of women who are exemplary leaders.

“KWEL is defining the future for women in public education while building on the foundation laid by the Kentucky Women in School Administration, which was KASA’s first women’s initiative in the 1980s and 1990s when few women held leadership positions in school districts,” said Rhonda Caldwell, Ed.D., KASA executive deputy director.

The KWEL forum brought generational leaders from both programs together for an extraordinary growth opportunity. Its purpose is three-fold. First, it gave women that are currently serving in an executive leadership role the opportunity to mentor other women aspiring to lead at the same level. Second, it supported women that aspire to lead but may need the confidence, courage and support to take the next step. Finally, this network can give all women serving in an executive leadership role an additional support system unique to the needs of women and the challenges they face.

The 2018 inductees are:

Kimble Best, Principal Boone County Schools

Christina Boone, Instructional Supervisor LaRue County Schools

Melissa Bowling, Teacher Greenup County Schools

Kendra Bronsink, Instructional Coach Daviess County Schools

Rhonda Callaway, Director Secondary Instruction Webster County Schools

Kim Chevalier, Assistant Superintendent Walton-Verona Ind. Schools

Tiffanie Clark, Director Special Education Nelson County Schools

Rebecca Custis, Teacher Jefferson County Schools

Ginger Estes, Assistant High School Principal Hancock County Schools

Kasey Farmer, Attendance Specialist Henderson County Schools

Kristie Gorman, Assistant Superintendent Perry County Schools

Amy Harris, Instructional Supervisor Williamstown Ind. Schools

Sarah Hatton, Assistant Elementary Principal Logan County Schools

Ellen Hoffman, Assistant High School Principal Clark County Schools

Althea Hurt, Elementary Principal Hardin County Schools

Tanya Jury, High School Principal Nelson County Schools

Stacy Kidwell, Elementary Principal Lewis County Schools

Holly Kimble, Coordinator Title I Mason County Schools

Emma Martin, Teacher Breckinridge County Schools

Kate McAnelly, Director Curriculum/Instruction Fayette County Schools

Milli McIntosh, Director Human Resources Simpson County Schools

Patrice Collins, Teacher Daviess County Schools

Tina Penley, Assistant High School Principal Somerset Ind. Schools

Devon Roberts, Assistant Elementary Principal Jefferson County Schools

 Michelle Ruckdeschel, High School Principal Daviess County Schools

Hannah Scott, Instructional Supervisor Franklin County Schools

Sara Tucker, Instructional Supervisor Taylor County Schools

Jenny Watson, Assistant Superintendent Boone County Schools

Katie Webb, Elementary Principal Paintsville Ind. Schools

Holly Wood, Instructional Coordinator W