Global Hour of Code
Aug
11
to Aug 16

Global Hour of Code

Thank you for your interest in having your students participate in the Global Hour of Code presented by McKenzie's Adventures in partnership with Flip Learn Kids (Nigeria) and Coding with Culture. This opportunity is open to all PreK-12 students around the world. Please note that this is an interest form. We will use the information you provide below to share updates and joining details as we approach June 2025. To ensure you receive all correspondence, please add our contact email to your address book. 

Expected Launch: August 2025
Event Offering: In person (Nigeria), Virtual Synchronous, Asynchronous 
Contact Email: MCKENZIESADVENTURES@GMAIL.COM

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MIEE Aotearoa Hui 2025 Keynote
Sep
22
to Sep 23

MIEE Aotearoa Hui 2025 Keynote

“Tech and Text: Increasing Literacy Through Cultural Responsiveness”

• Highlight the importance of cultural responsiveness and inclusion in education.

• Discuss the role of culturally affirming literature in pedagogy.

• Share insights into leveraging educational technology to support these goals.

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Panel: Navigating School Spaces Through a Social Justice Lens
Aug
7

Panel: Navigating School Spaces Through a Social Justice Lens

Join our CEO, Yaritza Villalba, live for the Centering Black Children in Education Not Like Us Conference on July 7th at 2pm ET.

Yaritza will be a part of a dynamic panel, sharing ways she continues to empower future-ready students by leveraging technology for global collaboration and project-based learning.

Register for her session here.

  1. Celebrating Global Collaboration and SDGs: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage technology to foster global collaboration among students, particularly those from marginalized communities, while deepening their knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  2. Empowering Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Attendees will learn effective strategies to integrate computational thinking and problem-solving skills into project-based learning, celebrating the unique perspectives and strengths of students of color and those from marginalized communities.

  3. Creating Inclusive and Empowering Learning Environments: Participants will be equipped with the tools and techniques to design inclusive projects that engage diverse learners, fostering an empowering environment where every student, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, can thrive and develop a collaborative, innovative mindset.

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eduthemes: Ultimate Teacher PD
Jul
31

eduthemes: Ultimate Teacher PD

Title: Beyond the Buzzwords: Real Talk on Culturally Responsive Teaching

Description: Culturally responsive teaching is more than a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool for fostering global collaboration and advancing sustainability through project-based learning. This session dives into practical strategies to move beyond surface-level inclusivity, helping educators design engaging, real-world projects that honor diverse perspectives and equip students with the skills to tackle global challenges. Through thought-provoking discussions and hands-on examples, participants will gain actionable insights to create classrooms where students don’t just learn content specific information, they become problem solvers and drive impact in their own community.

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Edpuzzle Summit
Jul
16

Edpuzzle Summit

Catch our CEO live at the #edpuzzlesummit on July 16th at 2:30 pm ET.

Yaritza will be breaking down how culturally responsive teaching can transform student engagement in real time.

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Parents As Partners in Progress
May
17

Parents As Partners in Progress

We are excited to lead this event for Uniondale Union Free School District (UUFSD) Families:

Opening Remarks by the National Parents Union’s very own Ashara Baker.

Uniondale School District invites YOU to Parents as Partners in Progress!  

Workshop Highlights:  
AI Magic in the Classroom – Learn how AI is shaping Math & Literacy education!  
Parent Advocacy – Empower yourself with tools to support your child’s success.  

Need childcare? We've got you covered! Supervised Activity Room available (ages 5-12). Space is limited!  

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AI Adventures: Advocating for Your Child's Future!"
May
10

AI Adventures: Advocating for Your Child's Future!"

  • Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

OPEN ONLY TO P-TECH FAMILIES

Workshop Objectives

  1. Educate Parents on AI: Provide a foundational understanding of AI and its practical applications.

  2. Enhance Advocacy Skills: Equip parents with the knowledge to effectively advocate for the use of Title I funds to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) and dual enrollment programs.

  3. Utilize AI for Advocacy: Demonstrate how AI tools, specifically Microsoft Copilot, can enhance advocacy efforts.

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Spring CUE 2025 Closing Keynote
Mar
22

Spring CUE 2025 Closing Keynote

Exciting News!

Yaritza Villalba will be the Closing Keynote Speaker at this year's Spring CUE 2025! Join us as Yaritza delves into the multifaceted nature of learning and the essential journey of self-discovery that every educator must undertake. We'll explore the principles of culturally responsive sustaining education and equity, and how they foster critical thinking and creativity in our classrooms. Don't miss this inspiring and transformative session!

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Voices of Heritage: Teaching Black History Through Culturally Affirming Books
Feb
26

Voices of Heritage: Teaching Black History Through Culturally Affirming Books

  • Hacienda La Puente USD Conference Room District Office (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by McKenzie’s Adventures in partnership with Hacienda La Puente USD Intersectional Ethnic Studies Department, this workshop is designed for educators who are passionate about honoring and celebrating Black excellence, culture, and heritage. Together, we’ll explore strategies to integrate culturally affirming literature into your curriculum in a meaningful and respectful way.

⭐️Grades K-5:

✔️Book Exploration Stations
✔️Interactive Read-Aloud with Novel Effect Soundscapes

⭐️Grades 6-12:

✔️Group Discussions and Case Studies
✔️Lesson Plan Development

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IDTALK4ED LIVE Podcast Interview
Feb
20

IDTALK4ED LIVE Podcast Interview

Yaritza Villalba joins IDTALK4ED LIVE with host Kwame Sarfo-Mensah for a conversation you wont want to miss!

If you are interested in a conversation on identity, education, culturally responsive teaching, and embracing who you are, this is a segment just for YOU!

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O'Dea IST Conference 2025
Feb
7

O'Dea IST Conference 2025

Empower, Innovate, Transform: Leveraging Technology for Global Justice and Social Change in Underserved Communities through Inclusive Educational Tools.

Join us for "Empower, Innovate, transform: Leveraging Technology for Global Justice and Social Change in Underserved Communities through Inclusive Educational Tools. This workshop will explore how global collaboration and EdTech tools can connect students worldwide, teaching them about culture, digital citizenship, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance students' future-ready skills, computational thinking and digital fluency, using inclusive tools that cater to diverse learners. This session is a call to action for educators, policymakers, and community leaders to harness technology for social change and justice in underserved communities.

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Social Media Mastery: Amplifying Your Brand’s Voice
Jan
16

Social Media Mastery: Amplifying Your Brand’s Voice

Attention all Black Women Education Leaders (BWEL)!

Get ready for an exciting session with Yaritza Villalba on social media mastery and amplifying your brand's voice, brought to you by the Sisters of BWEL. Dive into dynamic social media marketing tips, engaging activities to showcase your true self, and strategies for setting measurable marketing goals. This is a virtual event you absolutely can't miss! If you've been thinking about how to amplify your business, school/district, or your work via social media but don't know where to start, this is the perfect opportunity. Join us and elevate your brand to new heights!

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Parents As Partners in Progress
Jan
11

Parents As Partners in Progress

🎉 Attention Uniondale Union Free School District families!

Mark your calendars for January 11th and get ready for an exciting Parent Academy with our amazing CEO & Founder, Yaritza Villalba! This session of the Parents as Partners in Progress series is packed with fun and learning. Dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence and discover how it can transform your daily life and workplace. Plus, you'll get hands-on with coding basics and use Microsoft Designer to create stunning cultural illustrations. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn and grow together!

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#UMustLearn Radio Show
Jan
9

#UMustLearn Radio Show

Join us on the #UMustLearn Radio Show as we welcome Yaritza Villalba, CEO and Founder of McKenzie's Adventures. She'll discuss how she's using technology to foster global collaborations across six continents. Tune in to discover how you can bring these digital citizenship and culturally responsive opportunities to your schools and districts.

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