Rise2Lead Summit 2026

A one-day summit where students and young professionals build leadership skills, explore careers, and connect with business leaders. Leadership doesn’t begin after graduation—it begins today. The Rising Leaders Summit 2026 is a premier one-day leadership experience designed to prepare emerging leaders for success in college, careers, business, and their communities. There is also a special session for seasoned professionals who want to develop future industry leaders through mentorship and sponsorship. Through inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, leadership challenges, career exploration, and meaningful networking, participants will gain the confidence, skills, and connections needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re preparing for college, pursuing higher education or career training, or launching your professional career, the Rising Leaders Summit offers an experience designed specifically for your stage of leadership development. LeadForward Summit 2026 is a one-day leadership experience designed for professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and emerging talent who want to strengthen their leadership, expand their networks, and engage in conversations that matter. Through dynamic speakers, interactive discussions, professional networking, and opportunities for intergenerational connection, LeadForward will explore three issues influencing the future of leadership and our communities: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work How is AI changing organizations, careers, and the way leaders make decisions? Mentorship: How to Get One. How to Be One. How do professionals build relationships that accelerate growth—and how can experienced leaders intentionally develop the next generation? Addressing Housing Affordability Why has housing affordability become a critical workforce, economic development, and community leadership issue? Leadership Tracks High School Leaders For students in 11th and 12th grade Designed for juniors and seniors preparing for college, scholarships, internships, and future leadership opportunities, this track helps students discover that leadership begins long before graduation. Participants will strengthen their communication, decision-making, and leadership skills while exploring artificial intelligence, civic leadership, financial literacy, and real-world problem solving. Throughout the day, students will also connect with college students, young professionals, and accomplished business leaders. College and Career-Training Leaders For undergraduate college, university, community college, vocational, and technical school students Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, certification, or skilled trade, this track is designed to help you successfully transition from education to career. Participants will develop leadership skills while exploring artificial intelligence, professional growth, community leadership, career development, networking, and opportunities within the financial services industry. Young Professionals For emerging professionals ages 22–27 Designed for professionals in the early years of their careers, this track focuses on accelerating leadership growth and preparing participants for increasing responsibility and influence. Sessions explore executive presence, leading organizational change, career advancement, financial wellness, innovation, strategic thinking, and building a strong professional network. SPECIAL SESSION Seasoned Professionals We have a session in Mentoring “How to Get One/How to Be One in the afternoon that is specifically for seasoned professional who want to develop tomorrow’s industry leaders. The afternnon also include a session for season professionals to share their experiences and lesson learned in a facilitated, interactive engaging conversation. Summit Highlights Throughout the day, participants will experience: • Inspiring keynote speakers • Leadership workshops tailored to each leadership track • Interactive Artificial Intelligence leadership sessions • Conversations addressing today’s most pressing community challenges • A Financial Services Career Luncheon featuring executives and industry leaders • The nationally recognized Marshmallow Leadership Challenge • Professional networking with executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders • Breakfast, lunch, conference materials, and a closing dessert networking reception Why Attend? The Rising Leaders Summit is more than a conference. It is a launchpad for future leaders. Participants will: • Build leadership skills that colleges and employers value. • Learn directly from accomplished executives and community leaders. • Expand their professional network. • Explore careers in financial services and related industries. • Strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. • Gain practical leadership tools they can begin using immediately. • Leave inspired to make a positive impact in their schools, workplaces, and communities. Registration Includes Your registration includes: • Continental Breakfast • Full-Day Leadership Summit • Interactive Leadership Workshops • Financial Services Career Luncheon • Leadership Challenge • Summit Materials • Dessert Networking Reception • Opportunities to connect with business and community leaders Registration High School Leaders (11th & 12th Grade): $50 College and Career-Training Leaders (College, University, Community College, Vocational & Technical School Students): $75 Young Professionals (Ages 22–27): $99 Special Session for Sessioned Professionals: $50 Registration includes breakfast, lunch, all summit sessions, conference materials, the leadership challenge, and the dessert networking reception. 01 Rising_Leaders_Conference_2026 Concept.docx Who Should Attend? • High school juniors and seniors • Undergraduate college students • Community college students • Vocational and technical school students • Emerging professionals ages 22–27 • Future business and community leaders Lead. Learn. Connect. Inspire. The future belongs to those who are prepared to lead. Join students and young professionals from across Virginia for an unforgettable day of leadership development, career exploration, and meaningful connections. Register today and take the next step in your leadership journey.