Keynote Speakers
Dr. Lateshia Woodley
Dr. Lateshia Woodley has over 20 years of experience in education. She was an alternative school student and has dedicated her life to working with at promise students and school transformation initiatives. Her educational background includes a specialist degree in educational leadership and a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology. She has been a teacher, school counselor, school improvement specialist, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. Since 2008, she has worked as a turnaround leader helping to bring about positive changes in some of the lowest performing schools in Georgia and Missouri. She is currently the CEO of Dynamic Achievement Solutions, LLC an International Counseling & Educational Consulting Firm. Her research interests include comprehensive school improvement, alternative education, dropout prevention, trauma and social and emotional learning. She is the author of four books: Transforming Alternative Education, Why Did I Choose to Get Pregnant, Issues of the Heart and Navigating Life's Sling Shots and Leading from Within. She is also TEDX Featured Presenter https://youtu.be/fmU6-4DKXGM. http://www.drlateshiawoodley.com/
Dr. Trent North Georgia SUPERINTENDENT of the year
A lifelong advocate for students and public education, Trent North has served as the Douglas County School System’s superintendent since 2017.
North is a native of Carrollton, where he grew up in public housing before attending the University of West Georgia. The lifelong learner attended the University of West Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He continued his education by earning a Specialist’s degree in leadership and curriculum from Lincoln Memorial University.
Before becoming superintendent, he began his career as a Carrollton City School System paraprofessional. There, he rose to become founding principal of New Horizons Alternative School. In this role, he served three years as Instructional and operational leader of the first district school opened to meet the specific needs of at-risk student Population. He later spent five years as director of community affairs, program compliance, human resources, and Race to the Top for Carrollton City Schools.
In 2017, North joined the Douglas County School System as superintendent. Since his arrival, he has inspired student achievement, strengthened family partnerships, and increased employee engagement districtwide.
Throughout his tenure, his priority has remained student-focused. He has introduced several safety initiatives in line with the district’s mission and vision statements. Under his leadership, the district has become a school community that fosters social and emotional well-being by providing a safe environment and supportive resources for learning.
While superintendent, the district has been recognized at the state, regional, and national levels. In 2023, the Georgia School Superintendents Association named Superintendent North Georgia Superintendent of the Year. He remains committed to creating a challenging curriculum that prepares students to become responsible individuals, independent thinkers, and productive citizens in a global society.
He and his wife, Toya, are the proud parents of two daughters.