On February 28, 2025, the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (GEHLI) commemorated its 25th anniversary by hosting the 18th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference at the Richmond Marriott Downtown. Themed "Stepping In: Cultivating Graceful Leaders," the conference brought together over 300 leaders from various sectors to engage in a day of inspiration, connection, and growth.

A Milestone Celebration

The 2025 conference marked a significant milestone for GEHLI, celebrating a quarter-century of dedication to developing transformative leadership. The event honored the legacy of Dr. Grace E. Harris, whose commitment to leadership excellence continues to inspire generations.

Theme: Stepping In—Cultivating Graceful Leaders

The conference theme, "Stepping In: Cultivating Graceful Leaders," resonated throughout the day's sessions, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, resilience, and empathy in leadership.

Dynamic Keynote Address

The conference featured a compelling keynote address by Christopher “CJ” Gross, founder and CEO of Ascension Worldwide. CJ Gross, a TEDx speaker and cultural change management expert, who shared insights from his book What's Your Zip Code Story? and discussed strategies to embrace cultural integration and foster inclusive leadership.

Engaging Workshops and Sessions

Attendees participated in a series of interactive workshops designed to foster collaboration and personal growth. Sessions covered a range of topics, including:

• Cultural Intelligence
• Resiliency and Self-Care
• Challenging Times
• Community Development
• Courageous Conversations
• Food for Thought: When Healthy Foods Aren’t Healthy
• Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
• Principles of Self Confidence
• Risk and Reward
• Storytelling
• Power of Art as Praxis
• And More! See all sessions in the Conference Booklet.

Each session offered practical tools and strategies for leaders at all levels, from emerging supervisors to seasoned executives.

Building Connections

In addition, the conference emphasized the importance of networking and community building. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing experiences and forging connections that will continue far beyond the day of the conference. The event fostered a supportive environment where leaders could learn from one another and build lasting relationships.

Looking Ahead

As GEHLI continues its mission to empower leaders, plans are underway for the Fall 2025 session of the HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference, scheduled for November 7, 2025. This half-day event will further explore themes of resilience and renewal in leadership.

For more information about upcoming events and programs, visit gehli.vcu.edu.