Event

2026 National Alumni and Pre-Alumni Councils Leadership Conference – Houston, TX

Name: 2026 National Alumni and Pre-Alumni Councils Leadership Conference – Houston, TX
Start: 2026-02-17T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-21T23:59:59-05:00
Location: The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria

February 17, 2026 - February 21, 2026

The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria 2222 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027 United States

Event contact:

Rubye Taylor-Drake
conferenceplanner@uncfnac.org

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The UNCF Leadership Conference is truly an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant network of over 500 key players—including students, faculty, HBCU leaders, funding experts, sponsors, alumni, and institutional representatives. This Leadership Conference uniquely combines the strengths of the UNCF National Alumni Council (NAC), the UNCF National Pre-Alumni Council (NPAC), National Alumni Associations (NAA) and Inter-Alumni Councils (IAC) to create a dynamic platform where impactful strategies are explored and lifelong relationships are established.

This conference is much more than a traditional conference. It is designed to empower every participant through interactive workshops, engaging sessions, keynote presentations led by industry experts and celebrations that honor academic and HBCU cultural phenomenon. By sharing ideas and experiences with influential decision makers, conference attendees not only elevate their own leadership skills but also contribute to the legacy of educational excellence that UNCF has championed for decades.

This UNCF Leadership Conference is an invitation for you to step into a space where advocacy and innovation meet, and where combined voices can help shape the strategies and initiatives that will sustain and advance HBCU communities for generations to come. Whether to expand professional network, gain fresh perspectives, or explore collaborative projects, the UNCF Leadership Conference offers the perfect stage to elevate new ideas and initiatives.

HBCU R.O.D.E.O save the date graphic

CONFERENCE TEAM LEADERS

Alumni Awards/Legacy Gala: Dr. Kalvin Wall * awards@uncfnac.org * 252.289.5362
Alumni Summit: Dr. Gregory Murphy * southeast@uncfnac.org
Conference Logistics: Tony Hawkins * conference@uncfnac.org * 901.299.7353
Coronation: Shakara Parks * coronation@uncfnac.org * 843.870.8171
Pre-Alumni Councils * Laryssa Anderson *npacadvisor@uncfnac.org * 313.655.0160
Public Relations: Dayna Kent * vppublicrelations@uncfnac.org * 202.391.4804
Sponsorships: Sterling Washington * sterling.washington@uncf.org * 202.220.8882
Vendors Market: Stephanie Jones* vendors@uncfnac.org * 609.760.6495
Volunteers * Oneisha Hall * Oneisha_hall@yahoo.com * 769.798.4046
Workshops Presenters: Dr. Ala’Torya Cranford * vpprograms@uncfnac.org
UNCF: Gabrielle Branch * gabrielle.branch@uncf.org * 202.212.820.0144
UNCF : Kristina Broughton * kristina.broughton@uncf.org 404.404.365.4426
Conference Planner: Dr. Rubye Taylor-Drake * conferenceplanner@uncfnac.org *312-758-1885

FULL REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES:

Welcome Noon Lunch
J Crew “Dress for Success”
Professional Headshot by Curtis McDowell
Welcome Reception: “The Rodeo” (Thursday)
Continental Breakfast/Business Session I (Friday)
EmpowerMe Tour Presentations and Luncheon (Friday)
Career Fair (Friday)
Alumni Summit (Friday)
UNCF Legacy Gala (Friday)
“Journey to Success” Brunch
Miss National UNCF Coronation (Saturday)
“Hour of Power” (Sunday)
Workshops by National presenters

Info chart for 2026 NAC pricing

CONFERENCE 2026 ALUMNI AWARDS

These prestigious honors recognize exceptional individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and impact—on their alma mater, within their communities, and through their commitment to the mission of UNCF.

Each participating institution selects one alumnus for the Hall of Honor (Outstanding Alumni Award) and one alumnus for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

These distinguished awards will be presented during the UNCF NAC Legacy Gala on
Friday, February 20, 2026 • 7:30 p.m. Grand Ballroom, The Royal Sonesta