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

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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. 

Register Now!

2026 HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Conference Schedule

8:00am          Check-In and Continental Breakfast
8:30am          Conference Opening and Welcome
8:45am          Plenary Panel:  With Grace, We Rise
9:30am          Power Break
9:45am          Breakout Session I:  Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground
10:45am        Power Break
11:00am        Breakout Session II:  Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground
12:00pm        Lunch and Keynote Address (12:15pm – 12:35pm)
1:15pm          Mini-Break
1:25pm          Your Next Great Connection Is in This Room (Networking Activity)
2:00pm          Power Break
2:15pm          Breakout Session III:  Breaking Through to HIGHER Ground
3:15pm          Power Break
3:30pm          Today Was Just the Beginning (Final Remarks)
4:00pm          Exhibitor Reception and Networking
5:00pm          END

2026 Keynote, Emcee, Breakout Speakers, and Panelist

Sheila Battle, Chief Operating Officer, The BattleStation Corporation
Alexa Beavers, PCC Principal Coach Founder & CEO, The Alexa Group
Kristin Collins, Tax Commissioner, Department of Taxation
Kristen Dahlman, Deputy Secretary of Commerce & Trade, Office of the Governor
Ella Danilovich, MBA, Mentoring Chair-Elect, VCU Leadership Career Community
Katie K. Frazier, Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry, Office of the Governor
Dr. Fred Gatty, Founder/ Principal Consultant, Gatty Consulting
Ghazala Hashmi, 
Kellie Jenkins, PCC, Head of Client Experience & Executive Coach, The Axela Group
Michelle Johnson, Spicy Leadership Institute
Jacquelyn Katson, Deputy Secretary of Public Safety & Homeland Security, Office of the Governor
Sheena Lyle, Founder, WorkTalk Academy
LaShawanda Moore, MBA, Certified Professional Coach, Elevate Success
Tynesha O’Quinn, Chief HR Concierge, Fine HR Consulting
Paula I. Otto, APR, President, Otto Training and Consulting
Dr. Edward Raimundi III, Director of Student Services, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Lani Shaw, Attorney & ICF Certified Executive Coaching, Lani Shaw, Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Sarah Stanley, Web Administrator, Virginia Commonwealth University
Tamara Walcott, Property Manager, Bainbridge Residential
Cheryl S. Whitehead, Co-Founder, The Whitehead Group
Dr. Dwayne Whitehead, Training Facilitator, Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute
Senator Angelia Williams Graves, U.S. Senator, Virginia Senate, 21st District