( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) A Journey of Growth, Networking, and Leadership Development
In a dynamic showcase of empowerment and leadership, Xceleader and Running Start recently united for the fourth annual HBCU Women’s Leadership Summit at Vital Voices in Washington, D.C. Dedicated to supporting future leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the summit unfolded on late September, offering a plethora of learning and networking opportunities to aspiring female leaders across the United States. Coinciding with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, the summit provided a platform for attendees to engage with influential speakers such as Tasha Cole and Jessica Byrd, Deputy Executive Director, and Chief Diversity Officer at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and a political strategist, respectively.
The summit, a collaborative venture between Xceleader and Running Start, went beyond the boundaries of a traditional skill-building event. Attendees, numbering over 100 in-person, delved into interactive training sessions designed to hone their leadership skills. A Friday networking event further allowed summit participants to build connections with peers and established business leaders. Notably, the event’s growth from hosting 40 students virtually in 2020 to over 100 students in person this year showcased the increasing impact and relevance of the annual summit. This year witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 230 HBCU women applying for the summit. XceleadHER, the force behind the summit, provided travel scholarships for 67 women, ensuring that financial barriers did not hinder their participation in this transformative experience.
Jade Agudosi, co-founder of Xceleader and the visionary behind XceleadHER, expressed profound gratitude for the summit’s impact over the last four years. Her vision, aimed at guiding HBCU students in developing their passions and growing their leadership abilities, has resulted in immense growth not only in the women involved but also in the summit itself. As attendees step into positions of power, Xceleader and Running Start continue to foster strong networks of support, ensuring that the leadership journey for young HBCU women is one of shared empowerment and collective achievement. For those seeking more information, visit www.xceleader.com.
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