Bringing Florida together for college & career readiness
Earlier this year, educators and partners from across the state gathered for the 2026 Xello Florida Summit: An event designed to unite those committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
Rooted in the idea that college and career readiness is a shared responsibility, the Summit created space for meaningful conversations, practical learning, and real connection.
With a focus on collaboration across roles, the event welcomed professionals from Career and Technical Education (CTE), counselling, district administration, and business and community organizations. The goal was simple: Create an environment where attendees could learn from one another, share strategies, and walk away with ideas they could immediately put into practice. This year’s theme was Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate, and was felt in every aspect of the experience.
A high-energy gathering built on connection and collaboration
This year’s Florida Summit saw a record-breaking 350 attendees, all showing up ready to engage, learn, and contribute. To make the experience more meaningful, participants were organized into cohorts based on their roles: CTE, counselling, district administration, and business & community. Attendees stayed within these groups throughout much of the event, allowing for deeper conversations and stronger connections. At key moments, cohorts paired up to exchange perspectives, sparking valuable cross-functional collaboration.
One thing that stood out right away was the energy. There were no passive sessions; instead, workshops were interactive, relevant, and grounded in real-world practice. The diversity of roles in the room added richness to every discussion, reinforcing the idea that student success depends on a connected ecosystem.
The Summit also featured two powerful keynote sessions. On Thursday evening, Todd Speciale, CEO of MSGA Consulting, delivered a heartfelt and motivating talk centered on the importance of building genuine connections with students. On Friday morning, Shedly Casseus, Founder of The Scholarship Plug, brought a renewed sense of purpose to the audience, focusing on college planning, scholarship access, and the importance of staying grounded in the “why” behind the work.
Thursday evening’s Celebratory Awards Dinner was another highlight. Twenty awards were presented to outstanding educators and partners, recognizing excellence and innovation across Florida. It was a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible work happening across the community.
Throughout the Summit, Xello client cohort leaders helped guide conversations and shared insights from their own experiences, adding practical, peer-driven perspectives that resonated across sessions.
Turning strategy into action: Sessions that sparked real-world impact
The attendees attended engaging keynotes and sessions across the four different cohorts. Here is a peek at just a few of those sessions:
The Executive Elevator Pitch: How to Sell the Value of CCLR
District administrators came together for a focused session on communicating the value of college and career readiness (CCLR). The conversation centered on how to clearly and confidently articulate the impact of CCLR initiatives to stakeholders—whether that’s school boards, leadership teams, or community partners. Attendees explored ways to align messaging with district priorities and left with practical strategies to advocate for continued investment and support.
When CTE and Counseling Collide (in a Good Way)
This session brought together CTE and counselling professionals to explore what’s possible when these roles work in true partnership. Discussions focused on breaking down silos, aligning goals, and creating more cohesive support systems for students. The session highlighted how collaboration between these teams can lead to stronger pathways and better outcomes for learners.
The Partner Perspective: Defining the Conditions for Success
Business and community partners explored what it takes to build strong, sustainable partnerships with schools and districts. The session emphasized shared goals, clear communication, and mutual understanding as key ingredients for success. Attendees discussed how to create meaningful opportunities for students while ensuring partnerships remain impactful and aligned over time.
Carrying the momentum forward
The 2026 Xello Florida Summit once again proved the power of bringing the right people together with a shared purpose. Attendees left with new ideas, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of motivation for the work ahead.
“Words truly can’t express the love, support, and sense of connection I’ve felt since teaming up with this incredible group,” said As Paulette Orphanos, College & Career Advisor at Palm Beach Schools.
“Being part of the Florida Summit was such an honor, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity. The entire Summit was such a vibe, from the collaboration to the genuine connections. This experience was definitely one for the books: inspiring, refreshing, and filled with purpose.”
Her words capture what so many experienced over those two days: A strong sense of community, shared purpose, and genuine connection.
As we look ahead to the year to come, the momentum from this summit will continue to shape meaningful progress for students across Florida. We’re already looking forward to what’s next, and to seeing this incredible community come together again next year.
