The Power Seat You’re Already In (Conference Call Back - Highly Rated 2026 Conference Session)

Description

You don’t need a title change to be a leader; you already hold one of the most powerful seats in the organization. As communicators, we shape narratives, manage perception, influence decisions, and guide how our organizations show up in the world. We sit at the intersection of strategy, trust, and action. This session is a reminder, and a challenge, to stop waiting for permission to lead and start owning the strategic value (and secret sauce) you bring every day.   

We’ll explore how to lead with intention, show up with authority, and speak with a voice that moves missions forward.  

If you've ever been overlooked, underestimated, or stuck in a support role while providing top-level insight, this session is your permission slip (and your playbook) to fully tap into your talent and power.  

About the Presenter:

Jill Wagner, APR, is an experienced and award-winning public relations expert, trainer and speaker with more than 25 years devoted to serving California K-12 public schools. 

In 2015, she opened her public relations consultantcy, with her primary clients in the education sector where she provides creative and comprehensive public relations, crisis communications and marketing services and advises leaders throughout organizations. 

She loves her career and brings a fun and fresh approach to her talks that allows others to relax and participate as fully as possible. 

Jill is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America, and holds memberships in CalSPRA, NSPRA, and PRSA. 

Jill has presented at dozens of conferences around the state and nation including NSPRA, CalSPRA, ACSA, CSBA, PRSA, American Association of School Administrators, The California State University, and many more.

 Her public relations projects have earned local, regional and national Awards of Distinction and Excellence from organizations such as PRSA, NSPRA, CALSPRA and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and she’s earned ADDYs and Tellys. She was named “Professional of the Year” twice by her local PRSA chapter and was inducted as a Fellow into Fresno State’s Department of Media Communications and Journalism, recognizing distinction in her career. 

Jill’s specialty is crisis communications. She has managed hundreds of crises across a complex range of issues, helping organizations respond appropriately, proactively, honestly and in support of their mission while repairing any damage to their reputation.