Celebrating Women Leaders in Education

Women in School Leadership Awards at the 2025 AASA National Conference on Education. Left to right: Kelly Ruwe, Horace Mann: Martha Salazar-Zamora, superintendent, Tomball Independent School District (Texas); Wendy Birhanzel, superintendent, Harrison School District 2 (Colo.); Jennifer Halter, principal, Clay County District Schools (Fla.); Alicen Gaytley, Director of Teaching and Learning, Quincy School District (Wash.)

March 7, 2025

Horace Mann and AASA proudly recognize the winners of the 2025 AASA Women in School Leadership Awards, honoring outstanding female educators for their leadership, innovation and dedication to student success.

Horace Mann’s Kelly Ruwe, National Business Solutions Executive, announced the winners at the AASA National Conference on Education in New Orleans on March 7, 2025:

• Central Office/Principal: Alicen Gaytley, Director of Teaching and Learning, Quincy School District (Wash.)
• Superintendent: Wendy Birhanzel, Superintendent, Harrison School District 2 (Colo.)

Finalists included Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent, Tomball Independent School District (Texas), and Jennifer Halter, Principal, Clay County District Schools (Fla.).

“I am honored to recognize these leading women in education,” Ruwe said. “They play an integral role in shaping the future of education and do outstanding work every day, inspiring their staff, students, and communities.”

The AASA Women in School Leadership group pays tribute to the talent, creativity, and vision of exceptional women educational administrators in the nation’s public schools. The initiative aims to create more pathways for women seeking professional growth and leadership opportunities in education.

Sponsored by Horace Mann, the Women in School Leadership Awards support this mission by celebrating outstanding female role models, reinforcing the importance of strong, diverse leadership in education.