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The Illuminators Gathering

The Illuminators Gathering

A foggy sunrise over the Meadows captured by senior Wyeth Andrews
The Illuminators Gathering lockup

Back for a second year! The Illuminators Gathering — sponsored by Loomis Chaffee’s Center for Inclusive Excellence & Belonging — returns in fall 2026, bringing together BIPOC and queer educators, along with co-conspirators of all identities, from independent schools across the country for a convening centered on renewal, reflection, and joy. Through opportunities to learn from and connect with colleagues in higher education whose scholarship informs educational practice, participants will build community, support one another, and imagine the path forward.

Save the date!

November 10–11, 2026

The Loomis Chaffee School, 4 Batchelder Road, Windsor, CT

Lighting the Way, Together

Across independent schools, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators have long served as more than teachers, counselors, or administrators — they are truth-tellers, culture bearers, and bridges for change. Often navigating spaces where they are underrepresented, they lead with empathy, wisdom, and vision. They are, in David Brooks’ words, Illuminators — people who “shine the brightness of their care on others,” helping those around them feel seen, respected, and understood.

That’s why The Loomis Chaffee School is honored to host the second annual Illuminators Gathering: A Community for Educators in Independent Schools — a convening designed to offer independent school educators the opportunity to connect, feel grounded, and be inspired. 

Join fellow BIPOC and queer educators and co-conspirators of all identities, from across the country as we convene here in central Connecticut.

The Illuminators Gathering is about presence, connection, and care. 

It’s a space for BIPOC and queer educators and co-conspirators to exhale, reflect, and rise — together.

Our purpose is grounded in three core beliefs:

One

Independent school BIPOC and LGBTQ+ educators deserve spaces that recognize and celebrate the fullness of their identities and contributions.

Two

Sustaining our work in these spaces requires community — intentional spaces of affirmation, joy, and collective strength.

Three

Illuminators — those of us who lead with insight, empathy, and courage — are essential to the future of independent school education.

At a time when the world can challenge our hope, resolve, and resilience, this gathering is meant to be a way to keep the light alive. To hold space for each other. To rest. To imagine. To lead.

Bettina L. Love, Ph.D
Illuminators Gathering 2025 attendees enjoying the keynote address
Featured speaker Jonathan Feingold, J.D, Associate Professor, Boston University School of Law
Featured speaker Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, UConn Hartford

“It is hard work being an educator today, and especially being an educator who deeply cares about making sure all students have a space to be seen, to feel values, and to bring value, and there are days it feels like we’re pushing a boulder up a hill. ... To be in a space with so many educators who are so deeply committed to this work is incredible. It is inspiring. I’m ready to go back to our campus and just get to work.” 

Alexis Liston
Dean of Community Life at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire

2025 Gathering Recap

To be an Illuminator is to walk with purpose.

To care boldly. To lead even when the path is unclear. 

This is a space to be seen, to rest, to reconnect with your purpose — and to gather strength for the work ahead.

We hope you’ll join us.

 

Stay tuned for more details!

Sign up to receive event and registration details for the 2026 gathering.

 

Have questions?

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at illuminatorsgathering@loomis.org.

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Cover photo of a foggy sunrise over the Meadows captured by senior Wyeth Andrews