Keynote Speakers
Rafael A. Villalobos
Superintendent of Schools, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Rafael A. Villalobos serves as Superintendent of Schools for Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), one of the nation’s largest public school systems and the school district that helped shape his own life. A proud M-DCPS graduate, he began his career as a teacher at South Dade Senior High School in 1994 and, over more than three decades, has served at virtually every level of the organization—from classroom teacher and principal to Region Superintendent and Superintendent of Schools. A former M-DCPS Principal of the Year, his commitment to education was shaped in part by witnessing the profound impact educators had on his brother, who was blind and autistic—an experience that helped define his life’s work: ensuring that every child is seen, supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential.
As Superintendent, Mr. Villalobos is focused on ensuring that M-DCPS remains a premier educational organization and the best choice for every child and family in Miami-Dade County. His vision combines academic excellence with innovation, exceptional employees, safe and welcoming schools, fiscal responsibility, modern facilities, expanded career and educational opportunities, and strong partnerships with the community. At the heart of his leadership is a simple conviction: great schools do more than educate students—they strengthen families, build stronger communities, and help create a stronger society and nation. For Mr. Villalobos, leading M-DCPS is both a privilege and an opportunity to give back to the school system and community that shaped his life while building even greater opportunities for the generations that follow.
Guest Speakers
Kyndall Brown
2027 Florida Teacher of the Year
Kyndall Brown is the 2027 Florida Teacher of the Year and Florida’s Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education. As an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County, she has transformed learning into an experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Through hands-on agricultural projects, student leadership opportunities, and partnerships with local farms, Kyndall has created spaces where students build confidence, discover their strengths, and find a genuine sense of belonging. She also founded Harmony Middle School’s first Fishing Club, bringing students across grade levels together through a shared love of the outdoors. Kyndall has a passion for agriculture, creating unique learning opportunities for students, and encouraging both teachers and students to be the best versions of themselves. She believes education is about planting seeds of possibility that can grow far beyond the classroom.
Roberto Rabelo
2027 Francisco R. Walker Miami-Dade Public Schools Teacher of the Year
Roberto Rabelo is entering his 38th year as an educator with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and is the 2027 Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year. Throughout his career, he has made students’ social-emotional well-being a cornerstone of his teaching, believing that academic success begins with students recognizing their own abilities and potential.
His signature TWAH Method—“Thoughts, Words, Actions, Habits”—and DWOW (“Do What Others Won’t”) Mindset of Success combine positive thinking, executive functioning skills, purposeful student engagement, and innovative instructional strategies to empower students to feel LIMITLESS. His classroom practices include daily student and parent communication, individualized support, purposeful seating, guided notes, technology integration, and movement-based learning designed to make civics engaging and accessible to all learners.
These approaches have helped his mixed-ability civics students, including ELL and ESE learners, consistently exceed district and state proficiency rates. As he approaches four decades in education, Mr. Rabelo hopes to share his passion, experience, and effective teaching strategies with current and future educators.
Dr. Saima Sanaullah
2025-2026 Broward County Public Schools Teacher of the Year
Dr. Saima Sanaullah is the 2025–2026 Broward County Teacher of the Year, an accomplished educator, instructional leader, and passionate advocate for student success. With extensive experience in science education, teacher mentorship, professional development, and schoolwide leadership, she is dedicated to empowering educators and creating meaningful opportunities for students.
Dr. Sanaullah holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and has served in numerous leadership capacities, including Science Department Chair, Professional Learning Community Facilitator, and School Advisory Council Chair. She is also a graduate of Broward County Public Schools' LEAD leadership development program.
Her contributions to education and community service have earned her numerous recognitions, including being named City of Sunrise Teacher of the Month twice, receiving the 2026 World Humanitarian Day Recognition Award, and being recognized as part of BCPS's Fraternity of Excellence.
Having transitioned from a career in dentistry to education, Dr. Sanaullah brings a unique perspective on purpose, perseverance, and the transformative power of teaching. She believes that educators do more than deliver instruction—they inspire possibilities, shape futures, and create lasting change.
Graduate Student Speakers
Aynour Soliman
Graduate Student, Educational Leadership
Florida International University
Aynour Soliman is an early childhood and special education educator with a passion for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments where every child can thrive. She holds a Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Florida International University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Her professional journey has included teaching, leadership, family engagement, and supporting diverse learners. These experiences have shaped her belief in meeting students where they are and recognizing that learning may look different for every child. Aynour is committed to empowering educators to create meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support the success of every learner.
Roi Ji
Graduate Student, Curriculum Development and Instruction
Florida International University
Roi Ji is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Florida International University (FIU). Originally from Myanmar, she has extensive experience in teaching and the field of international development education. Her research interests focus on international education, with particular attention to global learning. As a Graduate Assistant with FIU’s Office of Global Learning Initiatives, she contributes to advancing global learning initiatives that promote inclusivity, cross-cultural understanding, and respect for diverse perspectives.
Emmanuel Mallah
Graduate Student, Curriculum Development and Instruction
Florida International University
Emmanuel N. Mallah is a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Florida International University (FIU), specializing in Curriculum Development and Instruction. At FIU, he has served as a Teaching Assistant across multiple courses and currently serves as the primary instructor for a classroom management course. In this role, he supports preservice teachers in developing knowledge of Florida teacher certification requirements and pathways while strengthening their understanding of effective classroom management and instructional practices that foster positive, inclusive, and productive learning environments
Leah Oppel
Graduate Student, School Psychology
Florida International University
Leah Oppel is a graduate student in the School Psychology Ed.S. program at Florida International University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a minor in Child and Family Studies. Leah is passionate about advocating for the field of school psychology and helping others understand the important role school psychologists play in supporting students, families, and schools. As a Graduate Assistant for the School Psychology program, she is excited to inform and connect with students who may be interested in the field while highlighting the meaningful impact school psychologists can have within their communities.
Daria Lapeka
Graduate Student, Curriculum and Instruction
Florida International University
Daria Lapeka is an educator and graduate student in Curriculum and Instruction at Florida International University. Her experience includes English language education across diverse cultural and educational settings, as well as a background in dance, movement, and performance. These interdisciplinary experiences have shaped her interest in experiential, student-centered learning and the role of communication, creativity, and interaction in education. Daria has worked with learners of different ages and language backgrounds in formal and community-based educational environments. Her current academic work focuses on curriculum development and exploring new ways to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences.