The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute proudly celebrates the graduates of the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program Class of 2026.

Over the course of five months, these emerging and established leaders embarked on a transformational leadership journey that challenged them to grow personally and professionally. From February through June, participants explored what it means to lead with courage, authenticity, grace, and purpose while building meaningful relationships that will continue long after graduation.

The Class of 2026 began their journey under extraordinary circumstances. With temperatures hovering around 13 degrees and an ice storm forcing a last-minute change in venue, the cohort gathered at Maymont for the program's opening session. Despite the unexpected challenges, the positive energy in the room was undeniable. Within the first hour, participants shared personal stories, shed tears, laughed uproariously together, and began building genuine connection and trust that became the foundation of this exceptional cohort.  

Participants engaged in a comprehensive leadership curriculum designed to strengthen self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, strategic networking, conflict management, leadership branding, organizational effectiveness, strengths-based leadership, community impact, work-life balance, financial well-being, and authentic storytelling. Through leadership assessments, book discussions, experiential activities, a retreat experience, portfolio development, and conversations with accomplished leaders from across Virginia, participants gained practical tools to elevate their leadership both inside and outside the workplace.

One of the defining characteristics of the Class of 2026 was the extraordinary level of connection they developed with one another. The spirit initiated on that first day only grew stronger and generated a powerful camaraderie among the group.  Their support extended well beyond the classroom, with an active group chat that continues to foster encouragement, collaboration, and accountability nearly every day.

That encouragement translated into real-world impact during the program. Two participants earned promotions (and one got engaged!) while completing HIGHER Ground and credited the confidence they gained — as well as the unwavering support of their fellow cohort members — with giving them the courage to pursue new leadership opportunities.

While the curriculum equips participants with valuable leadership knowledge and skills, HIGHER Ground is ultimately about transformation. Throughout the program, participants challenged assumptions, embraced difficult conversations, discovered strengths they didn't know they possessed, and developed the confidence to lead with authenticity and purpose.

The result is a cohort of leaders prepared to make meaningful contributions in their organizations and communities while lifting others along the way.

Congratulations to the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program Class of 2026:

• Ve'Lita Ahyoung, Virginia Retirement System
• Heather Ashton, Virginia Commonwealth University
• BrittanyBerry, Department of Housing and Community Development
• Shanta Bland, VCU Health
• Elizabeth Bowry, VCU Health Continuing Education
• Tramaine Carroll-Payne, Department of Veterans Services
• Sheanita Carter, Department of Housing and Community Development
• Vivian Delts, Department of Veteran Services
• Je'Linda Edmonds, Department of Medical Assistance Services
• Noltty Givens, Shineforth
• Sabrina Grace Guerin, Virginia Credit Union
• Michaela Harris, St. Joseph's Villa
• Melissa Johnson, Virginia State University
• LaShauna Lewis, Rappahannock Community College
• Rosemary Liberti, Shineforth
• Acacia McKenna, VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
• LaTesha McLee, VCU School of Dentistry
• Tracy Nicholson, University of Richmond, School of Professional and Continuing Studies 
• Shrina Patel, Children's Hospital of Richmond
• Danielle Pitchford, Shineforth
• Stephanie Schumaker, YMCA of Greater Richmond
• Elizabeth Seward, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Roxana Talavera Denson, The City of Richmond
• Kimberly Uccellini, The Virginia Birth Related Injury Fund

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute also extends its sincere appreciation to the dedicated faculty, facilitators, guest speakers, alumni, and staff whose expertise and mentorship made this year's program possible.

Special thanks to:

• Nancy Calkins, SPHR, Program Lead and Senior Consultant and Facilitator, GEHLI
• Victoria Carter-Johnston, Program Coordinator, GEHLI
• Angela McGrath, Business Manager, GEHLI
• Sheila Battle, The Battlestation
• Michelle Johnson, The Spicy Leadership Institute

As the HIGHER Ground Class of 2026 moves forward, they leave the program with more than a certificate - they leave with a lifelong network of leaders committed to supporting one another and creating positive impact wherever they serve.

Congratulations, HIGHER Ground Class of 2026. Keep continuing on the leadership path to become who you are meant to be!

To see more about the HIGHER Ground Leadership Development Program, visit: https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/higher-ground-leadership-development-program/