The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute

Save The Date! November 6th, 2026.

Stay tuned for more details. https://gehli.vcu.edu/higher-ground-conference/2026-conference/

The Minority Political Leadership Institute offers insights and concepts regarding personal leadership, policy, and legislative processes to cultivate a deeper understanding of legacy, responsible stewardship, public service, and integrity for future leaders. Apply by July 10th!

The Virginia Executive Institute (VEI) hosted by the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute within the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs celebrated the graduation of its Spring 2026 cohort on June 12th at the historic Virginia Capitol. This exceptional group of leaders from across the Commonwealth spent two weeks honing their leadership skills and tackling some of Virginia’s most pressing challenges.

Join us in congratulating this hard working group!

VEI Spring 2026 is having a great Week 2 in Charlottesville!

Our participants have spent the week developing their Leadership Challenge Projects and refining innovative solutions to real-world challenges for the Commonwealth of Virginia. We look forward to seeing the culmination of their hard work this Friday, June 12th, when they present their ideas at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond.

The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute proudly celebrates the graduates of the 120th Virginia Certified Planning Commissioners' Program (CPC) through our Land Use Education Program (LUEP).

This remarkable group of citizen planners, appointed officials, and community leaders has completed an intensive program designed to strengthen their understanding of planning law, land use policy, community development, and effective decision-making.

Over the course of the program, participants explored the legal and technical foundations of planning in Virginia, examined the principles that guide the community planning process, and developed the skills needed to make informed, legally defensible recommendations for their communities.

We commend each graduate for their commitment to public service and dedication to creating vibrant, equitable, and sustainable communities across the Commonwealth.

Congratulations to the 120th CPC graduates and thank you for your service to Virginia's communities!

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The 2026-27 Minority Political Leadership Institute is now accepting applications, a program designed for individuals passionate about issues impacting minority communities, including economic development, civic engagement, and the political landscape. Apply here by July 10th: https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=4HJDXYFKPKCMT49Y

Spots for the 2026 Land Use Education Programs are filling up quickly! Register today for one of our nationally recognized programs aimed at helping planning commissioners, BZA members, and other community groups make decisions related to land use development and preservation. Register here: https://gehli.vcu.edu/trainings-and-institutes/land-use-education-program-luep/

A big thank you to our guest speakers and partners for an incredible week of connection, insight, and growth! We spent the week networking, sharing ideas, and learning from one another, and we are just getting started. Our leadership journey continues as we look ahead to Week 2 of VEI in Charlottesville.

VEI Spring 2026 is underway! Our participants are already hard at work developing their talents and sharpening their skills.

Looking to take a trip this Summer? Join us in Staunton for the Commonwealth Management Institute!

CMI is a valued avenue for professional development for managers in the Virginia state government to increase their ability to effectively lead and manage others. Applications close on May 1st! Apply here: https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=E9JD8H7TM8RWPKFT