Empowering Educators: Cultivating Future Leaders in Meteorology
Wednesday, 13 January 2027 | 1:45-3:00pm MST
Colorado Convention Center | Denver, CO
What happens when today’s educators become tomorrow’s leaders? The future of meteorology begins with people who teach, mentor, inspire, and create pathways for others to succeed. Join us for the Presidential Session, “Empowering Educators: Cultivating Future Leaders in Meteorology.” Together, we’ll explore mentoring, leadership, and practical strategies to strengthen educators shaping the future of weather, water, and climate. Aligned with “PEOPLE: People Educated On Planet Live Empowered,” this session is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action. Come ready to connect, share, learn, and leave empowered to build the next generation of leaders!
Moderator
Dr. Kandis Boyd
Dr. Kandis Boyd, PMP, is a distinguished leader in Weather, Water, and Climate whose career reflects both scientific expertise and a deep commitment to service. She was named a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and received the Society’s 2021 Charles E. Anderson Award in recognition of her career-long efforts to advance diversity and inclusion within the profession. Building on this record of service, she was elected to the AMS Council in 2022, and her peers subsequently selected her to join the AMS Executive Committee in 2023 — a testament to the trust and respect she has earned within the scientific community. Beyond her AMS contributions, Dr. Boyd is an internationally renowned speaker who has addressed audiences at conferences and meetings around the world, and she has authored more than 100 articles, sharing her expertise across numerous podcasts and television presentations. Her blend of scientific leadership, mentorship, and public engagement continues to shape the future of the weather, water, and climate community.
Panelists
Dr. Karin Ardon-Dryer
Texas Tech University
Dr. Belay Demoz
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Dr. Vernon Morris
Arizona State University
Dr. Mayra Oyola Merced
University of Wisconsin- Madison
Dr. David A. Padgett
Tennessee State University
Dr. Jamese Sims
Jackson State University