2021 Awards

Dr. Joshua P. Starr has been the Chief Executive Officer of PDK International since July 2015. Since then, PDK has relocated its headquarters to Arlington, VA and celebrated 50 years of the PDK Poll and 100 years of Kappan magazine. Under Dr. Starr, PDK has expanded Educators Rising across the nation, including launching Educators Rising Collegiate, increased foundation support for its programs, and renewed support for PDK members and other educator scholars. He is the author of numerous essays, book chapters and op-eds and writes a monthly column, “On Leadership,” for Kappan.

Prior to joining PDK, Dr. Starr was superintendent of schools in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland for nearly four years and previously superintendent of schools for Stamford, Conn., for six years. Starr earned his undergraduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Masters in Sp.Ed. from Brooklyn College, and Doctorate from Harvard Graduate School of Education with specialization in the Urban Superintendents Program.

Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is a renowned, charismatic, passionate and influential speaker with a mission to empower the next generation of leaders. Throughout her career, Consuelo has shared her personal knowledge on becoming an effective leader in today’s global marketplace with hundreds of schools, colleges, universities, corporations, and government institutions both in the U.S. and abroad.

Born and raised along the border in a small barrio in Laredo, Texas, Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch is all too familiar with the challenges of poverty, discrimination and illiteracy. Although she grew up without material wealth, Consuelo was taught by her immigrant parents that she was rich in culture, tradition, values and faith.

Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch currently shares her story with people of all ages and creeds. Her strong dedication to saving the youth of America (including those living under similar circumstances as she did during her childhood) has led Consuelo to work with over one million children and their parents across the United States.

The “Outstanding Friend of the League” award will be presented to Ms. Cristy Johnson and her staff at Artemis Connections for developing the League’s strategic plan. Ms. Johnson is President and CEO of Artemis Connections. Their business plan includes donating time and talent to help non-profit associations, like the Horace Mann League, to create their 2020 Strategic Plan.