We Rise Higher Together: Leading the Culture We Want to See, From Shared Values to Collective Action

Culture isn’t only something we inherit, it’s something we cultivate together. In this dynamic, interactive keynote, award-winning author, artist and activator of joy, Joe Davis, invites early childhood professionals into a powerful exploration of what it means to lead the culture we want to see, no matter our title or role. Through poetry, storytelling, empowering prompts, participants will reconnect with their purpose, recognize their collective power, and gain practical tools for shaping a workplace culture rooted in care, dignity, and belonging. Grounded in the collaborative spirit of the early childhood community, this session affirms that every setting deserves an environment where staff feel valued, children thrive, and families are supported. Whether you are a teacher, program coordinator, parent educator, or support staff, you will be guided to see leadership not as authority, but as daily relational practice. We Rise Higher Together is both a call to action and a deep-rooted reminder: when we shape culture collectively, we don’t just support Minnesota’s youngest learners, we sustain the community of people who serve them.