The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute

Reflecting on an inspiring day at the 18th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference! Celebrating 25 years of the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute and embracing this year’s theme-- Stepping In: Cultivating Graceful Leaders. From empowering workshops to impactful connections, the legacy continues with these remarkable participants shaping a bright future of leadership. Here’s to continuing the journey of growth, collaboration, and graceful leadership. #AHGLC #GEHLI #VCU #HigherGround2025 #Leadership

Congratulations to our Winter 2025 graduates of the Fundamentals for Supervisors Program! #VCU #GEHLI #Leadership #FFS #Graduates

VCUL emerging leaders met on February 20th and 21st to jumpstart their journey on strengthening their leadership and collaboration skills for programs and other quality services they provide. Thank you to our mentors for your contribution in nurturing the next generation of leaders. #VCU #GEHLI #Leadership #VCUL #mentor

Introducing the rest of the speakers who will guide us through engaging sessions and discussions at the 18th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference. As we celebrate 25 years of the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, these leaders will share their expertise, spark new ideas, and help you take your leadership to the next level! Registration for the conference ended February 21st. We hope to see you there! #VCU #AHGLC #Leadership #GEHLI

Introducing the facilitators, panelists, and speakers who will guide us through engaging sessions and discussions at the 18th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference. As we celebrate 25 years of the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, these leaders will share their expertise, spark new ideas, and help you take your leadership to the next level! Registration for the conference ends February 21st. https://lnkd.in/er-gceyk #VCU #AHGLC #Leadership #GEHLI

Join us for the 18th Annual HIGHER Ground Leadership Conference on February 28th, 2025, where we will celebrate 25 years of the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute, exploring the idea of 'Stepping In: Cultivating Graceful Leaders – A Legacy of 25 Years. This year, we are honored to have accomplished TEDx presenter, renowned author, and dynamic, captivating speaker CJ Gross @, an expert in deciphering the power of culture to drive innovation and success and a leading voice in the discussion about workplace equity and inclusion as our keynote speaker. Be sure to join us for this transformative opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with a diverse community of leaders. Whether you’re an established executive or just beginning your leadership journey, this conference is for you! Registration due by February 21st.

Congratulations to the new graduates of our Supervisors and Managers Bootcamp (SMB) 🎉 Thank you to all of our participants; your dedication, hard work, and innovative spirit have been influential. Here's to your bright futures, the groundbreaking ventures you'll create, and the inspiring leaders you've become. Everyone at GEHLI is wishing you a journey filled with success and fulfillment!🌟 Help us congratulate the SMB February 2025 Graduates: - Vernette Barham, VCA, Virginia IT Agency - Qasarah Bey Spencer, VCU School of Social Work - Joshua Bishop, Virginia Lottery - Desiré Branch-Ellis, Department of Medical Assistance Services - Michelle Cammack, Department of Medical Assistance Services - Shyteia Carter, Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity - Caetano de Campos Lopes, Virginia Energy - Nancy Edmunds, Office of State Inspector General - Patti Feyerabend, GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program - Chris Fritter, State Corporation Commission - LaToya Hamlett, VCA, Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity - Joy Harris, Charles City Department of Social Services - Nichole Haywood, VCU Vice President for Research and Innovation - Lisa Herbert, GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program - Callie Houghland, Virginia Energy - Jeremy Kazio, Department of Environmental Quality - Stewart Krimm, Department of Transportation - Marci Logsdon, VCU - Anndelyn Martin, Department of Criminal Justice Services - Donnitria Mosby, Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Virginia Fair Housing Office - Detrich Richardson, Department of General Services/Office of Fleet and Asset Management - Sharnel Rock, Small Business Supplier Diversity - Brittany Rubin, MPA, Department of Emergency Management - Mike Rupert, Virginia Lottery Commission - Marly Santoro, State Corporation Commission - Ashish Sedai, Ph.D., Department of Energy - Elizabeth Spach, Department of Housing and Community Development - Robert Steele, Department of Fire Programs - James Sturdevant, Virginia IT Agency - Brantley Tyndall, Sports Backers Big shout-out to our incredible facilitators and staff who keep everything running smoothly! - Nancy Calkins, SPHR, Facilitator - Karen Meister, Facilitator - Dr. Heather Williamson, Facilitator - Deborah Taminger, Program Coordinator - Ron Jones Jr., Program Coordinator - Kai Claud, Office & Program Coordinator Assistant - Armando Somoza, Wilder School Fellow

The 116th Opening Session of the Certified Planning Commissioner Program took place last week! Thank you to all the dedicated local officials, planners, and community leaders who are shaping the future of land use development and preservation in Virginia. LUEP continues to empower those making informed, equitable, and community-focused decisions. #LUEP #LandUseEducation #CommunityBuilding #VCUGEHLI #Virginia #EmpowerLocalLeaders

Introducing our speakers for the 18th Annual Higher Ground Leadership Conference! Ammy Gatty is a visionary leader who empowers individuals and communities to embrace cultural diversity, bridging gaps for effective leadership. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, an MBA from Strayer University, and a Graduate Certificate in Family Life Education and Coaching from North Carolina State University. Patricia is a dynamic connectivity coach with a diverse background across industries. In 2021, she transitioned to the tech sector and now serves as Senior Manager of Innovation Programs at Boomi, a leader in integration and automation. Her varied experiences have sharpened her creativity and ability to turn challenges into growth opportunities. Reminder to register for the Higher Ground Leadership Conference before February 21st, at: https://lnkd.in/ec-nKWrv !

This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of Dr. Grace E. Harris, a trailblazer whose influence continues to shape VCU and the wider community. From breaking barriers as one of the first African American faculty members to becoming the first woman and African American provost at VCU, Dr. Harris exemplified the power of resilience and vision. Her work as a leader, educator, and architect of VCU’s growth helped redefine the university as a force for public good. Not only did she play a pivotal role in the expansion of the university, but she also laid the groundwork for future generations through programs that championed leadership and equity. Her grace and determination were evident in every aspect of her life—from overcoming personal and professional challenges to shaping the future of higher education. Dr. Harris didn’t just live through history; she made it, leaving a legacy that will inspire for generations to come. #BlackHistoryMonth #GraceEHarris #LegacyOfLeadership #VCU #Trailblazer