Black Montessori 
Conference

“Black In Montessori: Cultivating Our Environment”

Inaugural 2025

BMEF Members get a discounted rate. Become a member now.

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Black Montessori Conference, set to take place at Howard University in Washington, DC, USA! This groundbreaking event, themed “Black in Montessori: Cultivating Our Environment,” is designed to bring together all Montessori educators, parents, and advocates for an inspiring and transformative experience.

For the first time, we are creating a space dedicated to centering and celebrating Black voices in Montessori, and all are welcomed to gather as a community, learn from one another, and work toward a more inclusive, equitable, and thriving Montessori experience for all. This conference is more than just a gathering—it is a movement, a chance to be seen, heard, and to foster a deep sense of belonging within the Montessori community like never before.

What to expect:

  • A weekend of workshops led by dynamic Montessori thought leaders, educators, and practitioners

  • An evening of networking, providing opportunities to connect, share ideas, and build community

  • A Black-tie fundraising Gala, where we will celebrate our collective achievements and invest in the future of the Black Montessori Education Fund

  • Powerful keynote session and discussions that explore the unique experiences and contributions of Montessorians of all backgrounds

  • A space to engage with Montessori rabble-rousers and visionaries, ready to share their knowledge, expertise, and passion

This conference is an opportunity to cultivate an environment where Black and BIPOC Montessorians can thrive, grow, and lead. Whether you are an educator, a parent, a school leader, an advocate, or simply a person who is passionate about the Montessori philosophy being welcoming to all, you do not want to miss this historic occasion.

Keynote Speaker

Maati Wafford

Maati Wafford, Founder and Principal Consultant of Radiant Mind Solutions, strengthens schools and elevates practice through education, coaching, and curated communities of care.

Maati is a licensed social worker, equity practitioner, and spirit-led credentialed Montessori leader (Early Childhood, Lower El, Upper El, Administrator), and is the former Director of Equity and Engagement at the American Montessori Society.

Presenters

  • Ashley Causey-Golden

  • Bhairavi Chandramouli

  • Brunette Boreland

  • Celina Cowan

  • Hannah Richardson

  • Justin Tosco

  • Kim Elliott

  • Koren Clark

  • Leah Williams

  • Nichole Gant

  • Ochuko Prudence Daniels

  • Taysiah Lawson

  • Tesha Cobb

  • Dr. Ayize Sabater

  • Dr. Nicole Evans

Become a Sponsor

“With the inaugural BMC, we endeavor to create a transformative space that celebrates, empowers, and supports Black Montessori educators, students, parents and communities by fostering collaboration, promoting equity, and inspiring innovation in Montessori education.”

- BMEF Team

Event Details

  • Where?

    The bulk of the conference will take place at Howard University’s campus in Washington, DC, USA in the new School of Education Miner Building. We will also have a site visit and reception at Blue Montessori School.

    Hotel Info

  • When?

    The #BMC25 kicks off on Friday, June 20 at 5:00 pm EST and runs until Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm EST, concluding with a university tour of Howard’s campus by some of their students.

    Register

  • What else?

    Join us as a sponsor or exhibitor at the upcoming Black Montessori Conference, where educators, parents, and advocates come together to celebrate and advance Black excellence in Montessori education.

    Sponsor
Full Program

*BMEF Members get a 35% discount on conference registration. Become a member now.

A Special Thank You to 
Blue Montessori in DC

For sponsoring Friday’s reception!