Joyce Abbott, namesake of the hit ABC television series “Abbott Elementary,” former US Army Staff Sergeant, and retired teacher, will be speaking at the 21st annual Pennsylvania Conference for Women held Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The Pennsylvania Conference for Women features renowned speakers sharing inspirational stories and leading seminars on issues that matter most to women, including health, personal finance, executive leadership, small business and entrepreneurship, work/life balance, and more. It is a non-profit, non-partisan, professional and personal development event.
Since the first Conference in 2004, this annual event has grown to attract 10,000+ attendees and impact lives. The Conference offers opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth.
We asked Abbott some questions prior to her upcoming keynote.
As a speaker for the upcoming PA Conference for Women, what is the message you want to get across for attendees?
I would like to share the message that there is power in unity! When women encourage, uplift and support each other they can change the world, one woman at a time.
Were there any female role models who inspired you growing up?
My mother is my role model and primary influencer. As a retired teacher’s aid with the School District of Philadelphia, I witnessed the countless sacrifices that my mother made for the students in her class, in addition to being a phenomenal matriarch to her family.
Why is it so special for you to be speaking at this conference – and in Philadelphia?
It is such an honor to be speaking at the 2024 PA Conference for Women, especially since it is in Philadelphia. I was born, raised, and currently reside in Philadelphia. I am also so excited about collaborating with and meeting women from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Any areas of the country you like to explore in your free time?
I would love to visit several states within the U.S., but I have not yet had the opportunity to explore. I discovered in my retirement that I do love to travel! Something I did so rarely as an educator, I can’t wait to get out there and leave some footprints.
Your book Teaching the Ms. Abbott Way: Lessons in Learning, Leadership, and Life was released last month. How did that come about? Did you write it yourself or was there a ghostwriter?
Several publishing companies reached out to me in reference to writing a book. This was something that I initially did not want to do, but after meeting and conversing with Dave and his team at Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc, I decided to move forward with the book. I had help from DBC’s representative, Sal Borriello, with structuring my thoughts. Aside from that, I wrote the book myself–no ghostwriter.
Were you surprised by the success of the hit TV show Abbott Elementary? How closely are you involved with the show’s content and working with their writers?
Abbott Elementary is such a great show, I always believed in Quinta, so it (the success) doesn’t surprise me. I don’t have any involvement with the creation of the show, but I love following each new season and episode!
What will it be like for you to share the PA Conference for Women stage with actress Sheryl Lee Ralph?
I am always elated to share space with any of the cast of Abbott Elementary. I am excited to be alongside the amazing Sheryl Lee Ralph. As a side note, Sheryl Lee Ralph, nor anyone else, plays a character that portrays me. The series is simply named after me. Those characters are brainchildren of Quinta (Brunson, the executive producer) and AMAZING ones at that.
What’s next for your flourishing career?
What excites me moving forward is opportunities to continue sharing the lessons in my book. My hope is that I can continue to motivate, uplift and inspire others through this work.
