The 20th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference

This year has been historic: Virginia has elected its first woman governor and America celebrates its 250th year. Milestones such as these invite the bold question: what does it mean to be a leader writing Commonwealth’s history? This November, the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, with the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, answers that question and more at its 20th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference at the Richmond Marriott. The conference is open to a wide range of professionals, whether a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone simply curious about cultivating leadership in themselves and others. This year’s conference honors the legacy of Dr. Grace E. Harris, whose story embodies both grace and the breakthrough to HIGHER Ground. Her path demonstrates that leadership means more than holding a title: it means having the courage to pave the way and open doors for others. The fall session will offer several concrete benefits: interactive workshops provide practical strategies that participants can apply in their own work, while the day also creates opportunities to connect or reconnect with HIGHER Ground alumni and peers. The conference offers a supportive environment in which attendees can renew and recharge their leadership outlook, and motivating discussions focus on navigating uncertainty with confidence.