TechEmpowered K-12 Technology Conference - MAIN

THIS EVENT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BLACC & IKON EDUTECH GROUP

TechEmpowerED is an informative event designed to empower K-12 Charter and Independent schools through innovative technology solutions.

BLACC & IKON EduTech Group are excited to bring you cost-effective strategies to enhance instruction, strengthen data privacy, fortify network security, and streamline fiscal management. Our goal is to create a collaborative coalition of school leaders who will share best practices and expertise, fostering a community of growth and success.

CONFERENCE DETAILS & REGISTRATION

DATE

Saturday, March 1st, 2025
10:30am-4pm EST

LOCATION

199 Water Street
8th Floor
New York, NY 10038

Registration for this event has ended.
We hope to see you next time.

AGENDA

Be sure to check back regularly for updates.

10:30am	REGISTRATION, BRUNCH & OPEN NETWORKING
11:30am	WELCOME + OPENING REMARKS Presented by Ken Nero, IKON EduTech Group & Jeremiah Grace, BLACC
12:00pm	KEYNOTE PRESENTATION Enhancing School Security with Verkada: Safeguarding Your Campus Against Unwanted Visitors Presented by Hassiem Williams, Verkada As school security challenges grow, proactive protection is essential. This keynote explores how Verkada’s cloud-based video surveillance, access control, and real-time alerts help schools monitor, prevent, and respond to threats. Attendees will gain actionable insights on integrating these technologies to create a safer environment for students and staff.
1:00pm	BREAKOUT SESSIONS How to Run a Social Media Marketing Campaign for Student Recruitment Charter schools across NYC face declining enrollment, but strategic digital marketing can help. This session explores how to leverage web and social media—both free and paid—to increase awareness and drive applications. Speaker Charles Stern, co-founder of Amani Public Charter School, shares firsthand insights from Amani’s multi-year digital strategy, showcasing successful ad campaigns, web tactics, and key takeaways. Attendees will gain practical guidance on effective tools, common pitfalls, and proven strategies to enhance student recruitment at the charter school level. What’s New with Google Come learn about the latest launches from Google for Education with Danieta Morgan. This session highlights the latest features in Google Workspace, Chromebooks, and AI. Connect directly with Google and have the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. Google for Education’s Approach to AI with Gemini Google Gemini is leading the way in responsible AI development with a focus on creating a safe and positive experience for teens and adults alike. Join Danieta Morgan to learn how Google for Education provides the only full stack AI solution, see demos of exciting features, and get tips and training on incorporating AI into your schools. K-12 Data Privacy & Security Essentials for Administrators Do you know how to handle a parent’s privacy complaint, file a data incident report, or ensure compliance with Ed Law 2-d? Laura Pollak, Supervisor of the Nassau RIC’s Data Privacy and Security Service, will provide a concise overview of essential policies, compliance requirements, and best practices for school administrators. She’ll share free resources and expert strategies to help schools navigate student data privacy laws—guidance that earned her team recognition in the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology. TechEmpowered Visionary Awards Presentation & Panel Discussion: The Future of Technology in K-12 Education Join our TechEmpowerED Visionary Award recipients Adrianne Grant, Dale Richardson, Karen Marino, and Kevin Williams for a dynamic discussion on the role of technology in transforming education. Panelists will share insights on innovation, leadership, and the future of technology in schools, offering practical strategies for school leaders.
4:00pm	CLOSING REMARKS & HAPPY HOUR

Keynote Speaker

HASSIEM WILLIAMS

As a physical security specialist at Verkada, I collaborate with numerous schools across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Lower Manhattan in New York. We identify gaps in safety measures and implement cutting-edge technologies and strategies for proactive protection. It has become my passion to address the challenges facing schools in New York and provide them with the best possible solutions. Working daily with schools and cities, I am dedicated to ensuring their safety and security, and continuously striving to enhance their overall protection.

PRESENTERS

Danieta Morgan

As Mid-Atlantic Head of K12 at Google, Danieta brings a multi-faceted perspective to the promise of education technology. Beginning as a NYC teacher, she transitioned into district-level technology support and program management. Danieta bridges the gap between educational needs and technological solutions. This unique background across teaching, coaching and product development offers insights for educators, administrators and district leaders. Outside of work, you’ll find Danieta traveling and connecting with others.

Laura Pollak

Laura Pollak supervises Nassau RIC’s Data Privacy and Security Service (DPSS) and is a member of RIC One, a statewide collaborative supporting school districts with data privacy and cybersecurity. She also contributes to the RIC One Cyber Intelligence Task Force, the Data Privacy and Security Service, and the Risk Operations Center. In addition, Laura leads the Nassau Association of School Technologists (NASTECH), a network of edtech leaders, and serves on the CoSN Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Board and Student Data Privacy Committee. She recently joined the Options for Community Living Board of Directors.

Charles Stern

Charles Stern is a Digital Content Producer as well as a co-founder of Amani Public Charter School, located in Mount Vernon, New York. He produces several podcasts, creates YouTube content across multiple topics, writes for a Substack blog and has developed successful web and digital campaigns for Amani since 2011. He has a background in enterprise technology sales and datacenter security.

THIS EVENT IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY...

IKON Edutech Group specializes in providing managed IT services for K-12 Schools. We help Executive Directors and Operations Managers at charter and independent schools maximize E-Rate funding, meet compliance requirements, and implement best-in-class technology solutions for students and staff.

Black Latinx Asian Charter Collaborative (BLACC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating charter schools founded and led by people of color in New York City. We represent educators and stakeholders in the community who, through our shared experiences, acknowledge a hopeful opportunity in the sector: community-based schools founded by leaders of color are powerful vehicles for change and progress.

Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors!

Leading in Cloud Physical Security

Protect people and places in a privacy-sensitive way. Trusted by over 28,000 organizations, Verkada builds physical security solutions that integrate seamlessly behind a single, cloud-based software platform.

WWW.VERKADA.COM

Cybersecurity Made Simple

OpenText Cybersecurity is the end-to-end suite of cybersecurity solutions that helps streamline your growth without compromise. Protect all people, data and systems with seamless, end-to-end coverage.

WWW.OPENTEXT.COM

FirstNET, Built with AT&T
Enhancing Charter & Independent School Communications

FirstNET, built with AT&T, is the only private network created by Congress to support first responders and schools with priority, 24/7 wireless communication. Designed for emergency readiness, it ensures reliable connectivity, enhanced safety technologies, and grant assistance, providing schools with the critical communication tools they need when it matters most.

WWW.FIRSTNET.COM

Superior Printer & Copier Leasing

At Superior Office Solutions, our mission is simple: to put a personal touch into office equipment leasing and management. Everybody claims to have Superior Service; we let our reviews speak for themselves. Compare us to the competition!

WWW.SOSNY.COM