Heidi OLeary

I am the founder of Rooted in Knowledge: Women Leading in Education and an educational leader dedicated to empowering women to thrive and grow in their leadership careers. As a Superintendent of Schools and a lifelong educator, my work is grounded in the belief that leadership is a journey of clarity, visibility, and shared wisdom. These values shape how I mentor aspiring leaders, including teacher leaders, instructional coaches, and administrators, to overcome barriers and step confidently into their next professional chapter. 

With extensive experience spanning from the classroom to the central office, I have successfully led initiatives in special education, strategic district planning, and school administration. Throughout my career, I have developed frameworks that empower women to leverage their unique skills and personal experiences, enabling them to create a lasting impact within their organizations. 

I am deeply committed to fostering civil discourse, ethical leadership, and authentic storytelling in all aspects of my work—whether navigating complex district transitions, coaching emerging leaders, or facilitating impactful workshops. My mission is straightforward:
to empower women in education to define their 'leadership readiness,' articulate their unique narratives, and build supportive peer-mentorship networks that ensure long-term success and growth. 

Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s about being rooted in knowledge and empowered to lead (O’Leary, 2025), and I’m here to help you bring that vision to life in your own career.