Beyond Inclusion:
Building Schools That Weren’t Designed for Us—But Can Be 

Grounding the convening in a deeper understanding of belonging, identity, and what it takes to build schools where more students can truly thrive. 

In this opening keynote, Kala Omeiza invites school and system leaders to rethink how intelligence, behavior, and belonging are defined within their schools.

Drawing on grounded research and lived experience, she explores how neurodiversity intersects with race, culture, and identity—and what that means for students who are often misunderstood, underserved, or overlooked.

Kala challenges leaders to move beyond traditional approaches to inclusion and consider what it takes to design learning environments that recognize and value different ways of thinking as strengths.

Participants will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of how identity and neurodiversity shape student experience
• Insight into how leadership decisions influence who is supported—and how
• Practical ways to create more inclusive, affirming, and responsive environments

About Kala Omeiza

Kala Omeiza is an educator, speaker, and advocate whose work centers neurodiversity, identity, and belonging in education. She partners with schools and organizations to challenge traditional definitions of intelligence and behavior, helping leaders build environments that better support diverse learners.

Through her work, Kala brings both research and lived experience to conversations about inclusion—supporting educators and systems in creating spaces where more students are understood, valued, and able to thrive.

Why This Opening Keynote Matters

Kala’s keynote sets the foundation for the entire convening—grounding participants in a shared understanding of belonging, identity, and the systems that shape student experience.

It creates the conditions for deeper reflection, stronger alignment, and more meaningful engagement throughout the day.