Girls school educators gather in Nashville for an ICGS symposium that highlights mission, creativity, and connection

By Jessica Bliss

Evie Bentley walked out onto the steps of Ann Scott Carell Library and picked up her guitar, prepared to begin her headlining performance at the International Coalition of Girls Schools fall symposium.

Backed by her father (and country music star) Dierks Bentley, along with band members Ben Helson and Dan Hochhalter, Evie impressed the crowd with her confidence and beautiful voice as she sang country hits and a few of rock’s classics. It was undoubtedly one of those only-in-Music-City experiences as Evie and Mr. Bentley treated attendees to a quintessential Nashville afternoon and set the tone for the ICGS Educating Girls Symposium to follow.

“There was not a dry eye in the crowd as Evie sang a beautiful rendition of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now,’ focusing us all on the power of girls’ voices and the importance of perspective as we learn and grow,” said Danielle Heard, president of the ICGS governing board of directors and head of Nashoba Brooks School. “Music has a unique ability to help us listen, empathize, and find connection, and Nashville is a city brimming with dreams, stories, talent, and hope. I can think of no better place to convene with a commitment to active listening as a key to learning and growth.”

Educators from throughout the country and abroad traveled to Nashville in late October to attend the symposium. With a theme of “Meaning, Mission, and Making Connections,” the event highlighted creativity of thought, featuring breakout sessions that included a rich array of topics ranging from design thinking to empowering girls through leadership. It also uplifted the idea of curiosity and collaboration in a city known for its creative energy. Throughout the symposium attendees networked with educators and girls school advocates from dozens of schools and professional organizations around the globe. Harpeth Hall teachers presented on civic engagement, supporting girls’ confidence in math, and building global citizens. Keynotes included a presentation by Vanderbilt University’s Samir S. Ali, the founding president and CEO of Millions of Conversations, who focused on listening as a central pivot point to understanding.

The event concluded with a conversation with best-selling author Dani Shapiro and her literary agent, Harpeth Hall alumna Margaret Riley King ’03, who represents some of the world’s most recognizable authors and elevates their creative voices through her own leadership.

“When we center on girls, amplify their voices, and celebrate their presence,” Ms. Heard said, “the possibilities are endless.”