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HBCU Women's Leadership Summit

Camryn, a woman wearing a pink blazer with a decorative pattern, sits laughing at a table at the H B C U (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Women’s Leadership Summit. The woman on her left is wearing a blue shirt and yellow blazer. There are other women at the table and at other tables behind them

Empower. Impact. Lead. 

Are you a dynamic HBCU woman passionate about creating social change and making a significant impact in your community? Join Running Start and Xceleader for the HBCU Women's Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, on November 15-16th, 2024. This summit is designed for students who are interested in holding public office, advocacy, and driving social and community impact.

Azaria, a woman wearing a green turtle neck vest over a white long sleeve shirt, stands at a table presenting in a room full of people at the H B C U Women's Leadership Summit. Everyone in the room is sitting at circular tables.

Why attend? 

Empower Your Leadership: Develop essential leadership skills in a supportive and empowering environment.

Make an Impact: Learn the importance of HBCU women in student government and community leadership roles.

Network: Connect with 75 like-minded HBCU women from across the country, building a strong and supportive network.

Action Plan: Leave with a concrete plan to run for office or lead impactful initiatives in your community.

Summit Highlights

Workshops and training sessions led by experienced leaders in politics, advocacy, and community development.

Networking opportunities with fellow HBCU women leaders and mentors.

Interactive sessions to map out your network and assemble a team to support your leadership journey.

Application Details

Application Period: June 10 - June 30, 2024

Notification of Acceptance: By July 19, 2024

Travel Scholarships: We offer a limited number of travel scholarships to assist with travel and lodging expenses for the summit.

Ready to Make a Difference? Take the first step towards transforming your community and advancing your leadership journey. Apply now to attend the HBCU Women's Leadership Summit!

For any questions regarding the application process or the Summit, please refer to our FAQs below.​​​

Cost
free to attend
meals during the Summit are provided and free of charge

"The summit truly boosted my confidence as a Black woman. It taught me that nothing is impossible and that I'm not the only one that has faced adversities."

- 2022 alum

FAQs

  • Who can apply for the Summit?

    • The Summit is open to HBCU women students who are passionate about leadership, advocacy, and social impact.

  • What are the application dates?

    • The application period is from June 10 to June 30, 2024.

  • When will I know if I am accepted?

    • Accepted candidates will be notified by July 19, 2024.

  • Are there any travel scholarships available?

    • Yes, we offer a limited number of travel scholarships to assist with travel and lodging expenses for the Summit.

  • What can I expect from the summit?

    • You will engage in leadership development workshops, network with other HBCU women leaders, and leave with a plan to run for office or lead impactful initiatives. 

If you have any additional questions, please contact us at summit@runningstart.org.

A group of eight women stand together in front of an H B C U Summit banner. They are all smiling and holding up their pinkies (which is a sorority hand sign.)

“When I was a freshman at Howard University, I was 17 years old and trying to figure out, ‘What am I going to do on this incredible campus?’ [Running Start] facilitator Tasha Cole was the first person to tell me I should run for office. I had that experience ... and took it very seriously. And just at 17 years old I decided to run for office in Washington, DC, and became the youngest person ever elected in DC.”

Allyson Carpenter
former Howard University Student Association President

93% of participants felt confident in their ability to run for office!

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors

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Teco An Emera Company Logo

Lucinda Robb

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Interested in empowering the next generation of
HBCU women leaders?

See our Sponsorship Packet here.

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