Groundswell Network National Convening
Opportunity Schools in the Spotlight
Wednesday, May 13, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (8:30 am breakfast, lunch is provided) & Thursday, May 14, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (8:30 am breakfast, lunch is provided)
Location: University of Memphis Maxine A. Smith University Center 505 Zach Curlin St., Memphis, TN 38152
We are excited that you can join us at the 2026 Groundswell Network National Convening in Memphis, TN, where you’ll engage with national Opportunity School leaders and their proven models, hear from leading-edge policy-makers and experts, and explore how Opportunity Schools can serve children and families in your community.
Spotlight on Great Opportunity Schools
Hear directly from visionary Opportunity School leaders whose schools are creating transformational change in their communities.
Legislation & Policy to Drive Quality at Scale
What policy conditions allow Opportunity Schools to truly thrive? Learn how accountability and school oversight frameworks are being developed nationwide to support effective schools.
Connect with Groundswell's National Network
Join a growing community of mission-driven educators, policymakers, authorizers, and community leaders committed to the growth of high-quality Opportunity Schools.
Questions? Please reach out to us at info@groundswellnetwork.org
Convening Highlights
Spotlight on four transformational Opportunity Schools from across the country
Urban Dove (New York), a sports-based youth development high school.
Newark Opportunity Youth Network (New Jersey), a specialized high school for 16-21 year-olds with industry-recognized job training in construction, healthcare, and IT.
New Legacy Charter School (Colorado), a school tailored to the needs of pregnant/parenting teens.
Elevate Academy Network (Idaho), a network of year-round 6th-12th grade CTE schools where students work toward graduating with industry certification.
Reimagining the Future for Opportunity Youth in Memphis
A highlight of the 2026 Groundswell Network National Convening is the Panel: Reimagining the Future for Opportunity Youth in Memphis - moderated by long-time Memphis leader, educator and founder, Groundswell Network Vice President, Dr. Bobby White - where Memphis and Tennessee leaders share their vision for the future of the city, how to best address the needs of opportunity youth, and the role the Opportunity Schools can play in achieving that vision.
The panel will be moderated by long-time Memphis leader and Groundswell Network Vice President, Dr. Bobby White in conversation with:
Bob Nardo, Executive Director, Libertas Montessori Schools
Bob Nardo is founding Executive Director of Libertas School of Memphis, founded in 2015 as the first Montessori charter in Tennessee. Bob was an Education Entrepreneurs Fellow at Tennessee Charter School Center. He was the Founding Chief Operating Officer of the Tennessee Achievement School District. He lives on a homestead in 38127 with his wife Sara and 6 children.
Cardell Orrin, TN Executive Director, Stand for Children
Cardell is an advocate for education, equity, justice, and community change in Memphis/Shelby County. He is a leader in Memphis' organizing ecosystem, and former chief information officer at LeMoyne-Owen College.
Ali G. Reid, Chief of Strategy, TN State Board of Education
Ali is the Chief of Strategy for the TN State Board of Education and a former educator and school administrator with experience working in charter and traditional schools in Nashville and New Orleans. In her current role, Ali oversees the State Board’s Master Plan for K-12 education, the regular evaluation of Tennessee's charter school authorizers, and the newly established accountability hearings process that calls district and charter school leaders before the State Board to discuss Tennessee’s lowest performing schools.
Danny Song, Project Lead, M3
Danny is the former CEO of Give Services, and the Founder and Executive Director of Believe Memphis Academy Charter School. He is a culture builder and organizational leader.