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Meet Robyn Hamasaki:
Robyn Hamasaki is Managing Director of Leadership Development for the National Principals Association, supporting efforts to develop PreK–12 school leaders, National Honor Society advisers, and student councils. Previously, she served as a teacher, assistant principal, and PreK–8 principal and helped establish the Principal Leadership Institute with the Colorado Department of Education. She also served as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Born and raised in Hawaii, Robyn brings a deep commitment to servant leadership, coaching, belonging, relationships, and developing others.
The Realities of School Leadership:
Robyn begins by discussing one of the persistent realities of school leadership: it can be lonely. Whether leading a rural school, serving without an assistant principal, or simply carrying responsibilities others may not fully understand, school leaders need meaningful connections with people who understand the work. Robyn emphasizes the importance of networks, coaching relationships, and communities where leaders can safely talk through challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
Belonging:
A central theme of the conversation is belonging. Robyn explains that belonging matters not only for students, but also for teachers and school leaders. When people feel seen, heard, and connected, they become more committed and confident. The progression can be summarized in this way:
Belonging → Attachment → Commitment → Transformation
Five Guiding Principles:
The conversation also explores lessons Robyn has learned from decades of leadership across education and the military. She identifies five principles that continue to guide her:
- I can’t do it alone.
- It’s not about being right and making someone else wrong.
- Include and empower others in leadership.
- Lead by example.
- Trust your gut and the experience behind it.
2027 National Principals Conference:
Robyn also previews the February 2027 National Principals Conference in Tampa, built around the theme “One Conference, One Community.” She shares how the conference is being designed as a PreK–12 gathering focused not simply on professional development, but on creating meaningful experiences, relationships, and memories for school leaders. Conference strands will address teaching and learning; belonging and well-being; systems leadership; community voice and shared responsibility; and innovation, technology, and AI.
Closing Comments:
As the conversation closes, Robyn offers a reminder to school leaders to cherish the experience of leadership. The work is difficult, but leaders have an extraordinary opportunity every day to influence students, teachers, families, and communities. She encourages leaders to notice and celebrate what’s going well, reach out when the work becomes difficult, build a community of support, and remember the power of something as simple as noticing another person and saying hello.
Staying Connected:
To connect with Robyn Hamasaki, you can shoot her an email at: robyn.hamasaki@principals.org.
If you would like to learn more about the 2027 National Principals Conference, you can visit https://www.principals.org/ or see the information below!
National Principals Conference 2027:
February 6–9, 2027
Tampa Convention Center | Tampa, Florida
https://npc.principals.org/
Conference Registration & Rates:
https://npc.principals.org/conference-rates-and-hotel/
The $699 early-bird registration rate is available through September 30, 2026.
