Emily Hartnett, Executive Director of Women Leading Ed, shares her journey from being a first-generation college student and teacher in post-Katrina New Orleans to leading a national nonprofit supporting women leaders in education. She discusses the unique challenges women face in education leadership, including higher standards of behavior and expectations, lack of training in negotiation and financial management, and the pressure to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Emily emphasizes the power of collective networks among women leaders for sharing opportunities, learning from mistakes, and pushing forward education equity and excellence. She also highlights current challenges such as AI in education, literacy, and fiscal uncertainty, while advocating for sustainability and resilience among women superintendents.