Save the Date: 2026 Convention - Florida Council of Independent Schools

SAVE THE DATE! November 4-6, 2026 in Orlando

Join us in Orlando for the FCIS Annual Convention - Beyond Boundaries! Participation in the Convention is an outstanding opportunity for FCIS administrators, faculty, and staff to volunteer to share their expertise and passion for education. Please take advantage of this opportunity to showcase innovative ideas and to network with other FCIS educators. We are looking forward to a program filled with diverse, dynamic, and innovative sessions about teaching and learning.

MEET JESS

MEET JESS

Jess Ekstrom is the founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, investor in women, best selling author, Forbes Top Rated Speaker and mom.

Her first brush with success was selling all of her toys on eBay when she was twelve. Since then, Jess and her companies have been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America and more. More importantly, her companies have helped millions of women and girls around the world.

She’s the bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Making it Without Losing it. Her hobbies include writing, hiking, board games with her husband, playing hide and seek with her kids, and searching for the best breakfast burrito in America.

MEET DAN

MEET DAN

Dan Lerner is a psychology professor and strengths-based performance coach who helps high performers achieve more while avoiding burnout. A former talent agent, he now works with clients ranging from Fortune 500 executives to Metropolitan Opera singers, guiding them to manage stress, rediscover strengths, and reach their potential. His engaging talks focus on thriving under pressure, boosting performance, and maintaining well-being.

Dan teaches at NYU’s Stern School of Business, where he co-created Thrive@Stern with Jonathan Haidt, a required course on work-life excellence. He co-authored U Thrive with Dr. Alan Schlechter, a research-based guide to success in college and life. Dan also consults for major firms like Deutsche Bank and UBS, and trained with sports psychologist Dr. Nathaniel Zinsser. He holds a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also teaches.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

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