Acclaimed Author and Catholic Educator Ann Garrido to Keynote the 2025 ACE Leadership Conference at the University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN — The Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame is excited to announce that Ann Garrido, nationally renowned theologian, Catholic educator, and best-selling author, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2025 ACE Leadership Conference, taking place November 9–11, 2025, on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.
With the theme “Anchored in Hope: Forming Resilient Disciples and Strong Communities,” this year’s conference will gather Catholic school leaders from across the country to reflect and reconnect around the shared mission of advancing Catholic education and forming faith-filled leaders. Garrido’s keynote will offer a compelling vision for hope-filled leadership rooted in Catholic identity, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of vocational purpose.
Garrido is the author of more than ten influential books on Church leadership, communication, and spirituality, including Redeeming Administration, Let’s Talk About Truth, and Redeeming Conflict. A seasoned speaker and professor at the Aquinas Institute of Theology, she brings a unique blend of theological insight and practical wisdom to her work with Catholic schools, dioceses, and ministry leaders nationwide.
“Ann Garrido has a rare ability to speak both to the soul and to the daily realities of Catholic school leadership,” said John Staud, Executive Director of ACE. “Her words challenge, encourage, and inspire—and her presence will be a true gift to those who attend the conference.”
The 2025 ACE Leadership Conference is designed for those in leadership roles in Catholic education—principals, presidents, superintendents, and aspiring leaders—who seek to deepen their spiritual formation while gaining tools for effective school administration. Sessions will explore themes such as spiritual formation, instructional leadership, executive management, school culture and fostering strong school communities and partnerships.
A pre-conference retreat focused on spiritual growth will be offered on Sunday, November 9th.
Conference Registration:
$250 (Early Bird before June 30)
$300 (After July 1)
Eligible for Title IIA funding in some districts.
Event Details & Registration: https://ace.nd.edu/ace-leadership-conference
About the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE)
Founded in 1993, the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) at the University of Notre Dame works to sustain, strengthen, and transform Catholic schools. ACE forms teachers and leaders; develops and disseminates innovative tools and research to integrate academic excellence and spiritual growth; and enhances financial accessibility and operational vitality to ensure that all children—especially those in historically marginalized communities—have the opportunity to experience the gift of an excellent Catholic education. ACE annually serves more than 300 schools and 250,000 students in over 40 states.
To learn more, visit https://ace.nd.edu.
About the Institute for Educational Initiatives
Founded in 1996, the Institute for Educational Initiatives consists of more than two dozen initiatives that strive to improve education for all youth, particularly the disadvantaged, paying special, though not exclusive, attention to Catholic schools. Through research, the formation of teachers and leaders, and direct service to educational systems, the IEI’s scholars and practitioners pursue interdisciplinary collaborations to better understand and improve PK-12 education both in the United States and internationally.
For more information about the IEI and its initiatives, visit https://iei.nd.edu.
