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.
Innovation by Design: The Science of HER Success
Date: June 24–25, 2026
Location: VSU Campus, Gateway Dining and Event Center
On June 24–25, 2026, women leaders from across the HBCU landscape will convene at the Gateway Dining & Event Center for two days of bold strategy and forward-thinking innovation. This national gathering brings together presidents, provosts, faculty innovators, and STEM trailblazers who are shaping the future of our institutions.
Innovation by Design: The Science of HER Success frames leadership as intentional, data-informed, and future-focused. Day One, The Blueprint, sharpens identity, power, and institutional strategy. Day Two, The Science, advances conversations on AI, neuroscience, STEM ecosystems, and scalable leadership systems.
Through plenaries, high-impact sessions, and cross-institutional dialogue, participants will strengthen their leadership edge and build strategies that move campuses forward. This conference affirms a clear truth: the future of HBCU innovation is being designed by women who lead with clarity, courage, and vision.
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.