At TMS, we saw an opportunity to help create a network of like-minded women leaders in independent education after a tough three years. We want to start a movement to provide meaningful ways for women to connect, re-connect, inspire (and be inspired), feel uplifted and in turn, lift up others.
The idea behind this movement is twofold: personal and professional. On a personal level, we hope participants will take the opportunity to consider the conversations they want and need to have with themselves. On a professional level, our goal is to build a community that provides support, mentoring, and encouragement for women as they undertake those conversations. This is about taking a collective approach to helping each other - in a joyful, fun and meaningful way!
Join us on March 7th as we come together to Reflect, Celebrate and Inspire: Reflecting on the foundation built by strong women leaders before us, Celebrating the unique strengths we bring to our relationships and our work, and Inspiring those around us to create a stronger community where we all feel a sense of belonging.
We look forward to hearing from some amazing role models and mentors as they share ideas about stepping into courage in all facets of life.
Martha Perry
Principal of St. Clements School
Martha Perry is a passionate advocate for girls’ education. As the Principal of St. Clement’s School (SCS) in Toronto, Canada, a position she has held since 2010, Martha is focused on ensuring that a school with almost 125 years of storied history continues to embrace its solid roots - while also being well positioned to innovate and reimagine what it means to learn, both in the present and in a quickly changing future. Martha works tirelessly to ensure that St. Clement’s School’s path forward is aligned with its stated mission of developing curious, courageous, and compassionate young women. In an ongoing effort to ensure that each student is known and valued - a key goal of the School - Martha has also overseen significant initiatives related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This work remains a cornerstone of SCS’s vision for the future.
Martha has a wealth of experience in the independent school system, working with staff and with students at all levels and in all aspects of school administration. Martha’s background as a Special Education specialist, combined with her leadership training through the CAIS Independent School Leadership diploma program, has enabled her to support both students and staff to be their most authentic selves. Opportunities to support and sponsor women interested in leadership are important to Martha. She was a facilitator for Canadian Accredited Independent Schools for New Heads, having led the Women in Leadership module for five years; she also co-taught the Accreditation and School Improvement module for eight years at the CAIS Leadership Institute.
Kimberley Tavares
Deputy Principal of UTS, University of Toronto Schools
Kimberley Tavares is the Coordinating Vice Principal of Anti-Racism, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Program Innovation at University of Toronto Schools (UTS). Kim supports UTS evolving educational programming to foster greater equity and inclusion. Her work intersects and impacts every area of UTS. She also leads the work to increase UTS representation of traditionally underrepresented groups, ensuring all students feel included, affirmed and welcome.
Prior to joining UTS she was an Education Officer in the Education Equity Secretariat in the Ontario Ministry of Education. Over the course of her 20-year career, Kim has taught students in the K-12 system and Diploma, Masters and Doctoral candidates. At the Ministry, Kim worked on projects focused on addressing persistent problems in education, in support of the government’s mandate towards equitable and inclusive education for all learners. Kim uses her learning in Human-Centered Design principles to develop culturally relevant resources that address racism, cultural, and educational disconnects as well as other barriers Black and marginalized students face in the Ontario education system.
Leanne Foster
Principal of UTS, University of Toronto Schools
Leanne Foster is Principal of UTS, University of Toronto Schools, a co-educational Grade 7-12 school affiliated with University of Toronto. Prior to joining UTS, Leanne served as the Head of School at Trafalgar Castle School and has also worked in administrative roles at Branksome Hall and St. Clement’s School. She began her career in education with Toronto District School Board where she was a classroom teacher and Special Education Consultant.
Leanne holds a PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Toronto, where her doctoral research focused on school improvement and educational change management. Her research work provided opportunities to consult with school boards, provincial and international educational agencies, focusing on program implementation and evaluation.
Leanne has been an active member of the independent school community for many years, having served as a Director of the CAIS Board. Every July, Leanne works with aspiring school leaders as part of the CAIS Foundations for School Leadership program.
