Reflections on SXSW EDU 2025: Conversations and Connections

As an Austin local, SXSW EDU always feels a little different for me. It’s not just a conference—it’s a chance to step out of my everyday routine and fully immerse myself in big ideas, inspiring conversations, and the energy of thousands of people committed to transforming education. This year’s conference was an especially exciting staycation—an opportunity to be more than just a spectator and fully engage as both a conference attendee and a session organizer.

And now, after a week filled with thought-provoking discussions and meaningful connections, I’m still buzzing! SXSW EDU was a powerful reminder of the energy and innovation driving change in higher education, and I left feeling more inspired than ever.

One of the biggest highlights was helping produce “Redefining Success: Dismantling College Readiness Standards.”  For a moment, I felt like I was back in my TV producing days as an associate producer – curating the right voices, shaping the narrative, and ensuring everything flowed seamlessly, just like I did behind the scenes for live newscast segments. The high-stakes environment of TV news taught me how to organize complex stories, and those skills came rushing back as I helped organize this session.Supported by the Gates Foundation, the panel was moderated by Omari Burnside and featured Dr. Vanessa Keadle, Dr. Victoria Ballerini, and Jennifer Ortiz — colleagues connected through the work of Strong Start to Finish. Together, they challenged outdated metrics and explored how we can better support today’s students. Seeing a standing-room-only crowd engage in this conversation reinforced just how critical this work is.

Beyond our session, I had the chance to sit in the audience for a live podcast recording of Voices for Justice: Navigating Priorities and Realities on U.S. College Campuses. The conversation featured dynamic higher education professionals—one from an HBCU and another from a women’s college—sharing how they have been both directly and indirectly impacted by the ever-shifting political landscape. They discussed the innovative ways they’ve adapted to support students and prioritize self-care.

When asked how they stay motivated, one panelist shared a quote that they once heard from their mother that really stuck with me: “Plant trees under a shade you’ll never sit.” It was a powerful reminder that the results of our work to change systems and transform institutions aren’t always immediate. Progress isn’t always something we get to personally experience, but that doesn’t make it any less critical. The impact of this work—whether in policy shifts, institutional reforms, or student success—often extends far beyond our own timelines, shaping a more just and equitable future for those who come next.

Of course, I couldn’t end the conference without making a stop at the bookstore and exhibit hall—one of my favorite SXSW EDU traditions. I loved browsing the latest books shaping conversations in education and grabbing a few brochures for my favorite educator friends.

SXSW EDU always brings together the best minds, but this year felt especially energizing. The conversations didn’t just stay in the room—they’re continuing as we work toward real, tangible change. Leaving Austin (or in my case, stepping back into everyday life just a few miles away), I’m feeling more motivated than ever to push forward in the work of transforming higher education.

This blog can also be found on the Strong Start to Finish website.