Leading Minds Webinar Series
Leading Minds Webinar Series - 2026
Virtual conversations to help live, learn, and lead in the real world
Mindsets That Move the Needle: Hillsborough County’s ESSA-Validated Journey with 7 Mindsets
A Panel Discussion with HCPS Leaders on School & District Transformation
Live Session: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 4:00PM ET
Leadership Panel: Julia Sarmiento-Cohen, District Supervisor; Jennifer Woods, Principal; Brian Spiro, Principal; Allen Goodman, Student Success Coach
Moderated by: Aleasha Stevens, Senior Director of Partner Alliances, 7 Mindsets
In Spring 2025, an independent study of Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) found that implementation of 7 Mindsets led to significant improvements in academics, behavior, attendance, and student confidence. These results earned 7 Mindsets ESSA Level 2 validation and confirmed what educators nationwide have long observed: mindset-based learning drives meaningful, measurable outcomes.
Join moderator, Aleasha Stevens, Senior Director of Partner Alliance at 7 Mindsets, for this timely webinar with HCPS Leader Panel, as they explore the district's journey, key evidence from the study, and how research translates into real-world practice.
Attendees will:
- Understand the ESSA Level 2 research and what it means for districts
- Hear directly from HCPS leaders implementing 7 Mindsets at scale
- Get practical and actionable takeaways based on your role (district leaders, building leaders, and educators)
This impactful session is designed to equip educators and leaders to move confidently from evidence to action. Participants will walkaway inspired by Hillsborough County’s experience, with a deeper understanding of how mindset-based learning can drive lasting results and be prepared toapply proven mindset strategies within their own schools and districts.
Our HCPS Leader Panel features:
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Julia Sarmiento-Cohen, District Supervisor, Resiliency, Character and Life Skills Education
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Jennifer Woods, Principal, South County Career Acceleration Academy (Cahn Fellow 2024)
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Brian Spiro, Principal, Riverview High School
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Allen Goodman, Student Success Coach, Giunta Middle School
About the Moderator: Driven by a passion to advocate for the education needs of all learners, Aleasha Stevens draws from a combined 30 years in the education field ranging from classroom teacher to professional learning executive working with learners and leaders to amplify their success so they can make a measurable and meaningful impact in school and the world around them. As Senior Director of Partner Alliances, Aleasha combines her passion for education, extensive leadership experience, and certification as a Project Management Professional to cultivate strategic partnerships that advance educational initiatives. With a deep commitment to empowering educators and students, she excels at aligning goals across diverse stakeholders, guiding complex initiatives to completion, and developing scalable solutions that drive meaningful impact.
