Conferences
The Institute Inspires Women to Lead with Purpose
Annual Conferences
The Virginia State University Women’s LeadHERship Institute (WLI) hosted its inaugural conference on March 28, 2024, bringing together women leaders for thought-provoking discussions that inspired, educated, and reenergized their leadership journeys.
The WLI conferences create intentional spaces where women can learn, connect, and grow together. Each Conference is designed to address the unique challenges women face in leadership, celebrate their accomplishment, and provide actional tools to strengthen resilience, elevate voices, and cultivate authentic leadership.
Every gathering reflects WLI’s unwavering commitment to building a vibrant community of women who lead with purpose, influence with integrity, and create meaningful impact, today and for generations to come.
A Day in LeadHERship Conference
HER Blueprint: Designing the Future with Intention & Impact
Date: April 9, 2026
Location: VSU Campus, Gateway Dining and Event Center
Hosted by the Virginia State University Women’s LeadHERship Institute (VSU-WLI), this intensive one-day conference is a transformative space for women at all career stages, from aspiring student leaders to seasoned executives. The program features a single main session stream of curated panels and speakers designed to "level up" leadership expertise and inform guests on navigating multifaceted career pathways. In alignment with its mission of empowerment and excellence, the conference focuses on building strategic alliances and nurturing the potential of every woman to lead with authenticity. This year’s theme, Her Blueprint, invites attendees to intentionally design their professional futures, moving beyond traditional rules to create a lasting, purposeful impact in their industries.
Innovation by Design: The Science of HER Success
Date: June 24–25, 2026
Location: VSU Campus, Gateway Dining and Event Center
This comprehensive two-day conference is dedicated to the unique legacy and future of women leading within the HBCU landscape. The event utilizes a dynamic format of concurrent sessions and high-level keynote panels, featuring current and former university and government administrators who share insights on building and sustaining institutional alliances. Centered on the mission of navigating gender and race with authenticity, the conference provides a platform for breaking barriers and cultivating inclusive, safe spaces for leadership to thrive. This year’s focus, Innovation by Design, explores the "science" behind successful leadership—blending rigorous professional strategy with innovative problem-solving to empower women as they own their voices and redefine success.