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20th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference - Friday, November 6th, 2026
Celebrate this historic year with the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Conference. As we commemorate our 20th anniversary alongside America’s 250th year, we will honor the achievements that have shaped our history and explore what it means to make history through leadership, growth, and possibility. Our 2026 theme, “With Grace, We Rise: Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground,” invites participants to consider how grace, determination, and vision can help leaders break through barriers, reach HIGHER Ground, and leave a lasting legacy.
Registration
With Grace, We Rise: Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground
“With Grace, We Rise: Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground” honors both the enduring power of grace and the remarkable legacy of Dr. Grace E. Harris, a visionary leader who made history not only through achievement, but through character, resilience, dignity, and the commitment to lift others on the journey to HIGHER Ground.
As we celebrate historic moments in our nation and Commonwealth, this theme calls us to lead with purpose, rise above division and limitation, and create pathways and possibilities for future generations. Together, we gather to explore how grace-centered leadership can inspire progress, transform communities, and move all of us toward HIGHER Ground.
Whether you are a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone simply curious about cultivating leadership in yourself and others, the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Conference provides:
- Interactive workshops that provide practical strategies for leading with confidence, resilience, and grace;
- Opportunities to strengthen relationships within the HIGHER Ground community and expand your network of champions and support;
- Encouraging environment designed to renew your perspective, restore your energy, and strengthen your leadership venture; and
- Powerful conversations inspired by the theme, “With Grace, We Rise: Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground,” and the enduring legacy of courageous leadership.
Together at this auspicious conference and through the spirit of grace, resilience, and community, we will break through to HIGHER Ground.
Call for Proposals
If you are a dynamic facilitator who inspires action, fosters engagement, and challenges others to grow, we invite you to submit a proposal to speak at the 20th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference. We seek facilitators who can deliver transformational learning experiences and practical, actionable strategies aligned with our conference theme.
Join us in contributing to the development of more than 300 exceptional leaders. Submit a session proposal that embraces our theme and celebrates making history through leadership, growth, and possibility.
All submissions must be received by August 1st, 2026 to be considered.
Engage with leaders, tap into your potential, make new connections, and build leadership skills that last!
Guided by the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, participants will explore the latest and innovative practices in leadership excellence.
- Narrative-driven discussions
- Interactive panels with industry leaders
- Workshops
- Regional and national speakers highlighting timely issues
- Individualized strategic reflection activities
- Action planning for practical takeaways
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When and Where
- November 6, 2026
- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Richmond Marriott Downtown, 500 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
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