Senior Leadership Seminar
Invest in your leadership. Expand your network. Shape the future of higher education.
For nearly forty years, the ACE Women's Network Virginia Senior Leadership Seminar (SLS) has helped women leaders across the Commonwealth grow with confidence, build meaningful professional relationships, and prepare for the next stage of their leadership journey.
Designed for emerging and experienced women leaders in higher education, SLS brings together a diverse cohort representing public and private institutions, community colleges, four-year universities, academic affairs, student affairs, administration, finance, enrollment, advancement, and every corner of higher education.
Over the course of the year, participants engage in meaningful conversations with accomplished leaders, reflect on their own leadership journey, strengthen their professional network, and become part of a supportive community that continues long after the seminars conclude. Since 1987, hundreds of women leaders from colleges and universities across Virginia have participated in SLS and generations of alumnae have remained connected, supporting one another and advancing women in leadership across Virginia.
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What Makes SLS Different?
This is not simply a professional development workshop.
It is a year-long leadership experience intentionally designed to help participants grow personally, professionally, and as leaders within higher education.
Throughout the program, participants:
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Build lasting relationships with a statewide cohort of accomplished leaders.
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Learn directly from presidents, chancellors, senior executives, and national experts.
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Participate in facilitated discussions on today's most important issues in higher education.
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Reflect intentionally through a guided leadership journal created specifically for the seminar.
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Join a small Learning Circle that provides ongoing support and accountability throughout the year.
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Participate in virtual Lunch & Learn sessions between seminars to continue learning and stay connected.
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Attend the ACE Women's Network Virginia Annual Conference as part of their registration.
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Become lifelong members of the SLS alumnae network with opportunities for continued engagement, mentoring, leadership, and service.
Our Leadership Journey
Rather than isolated workshops, SLS is intentionally designed as a progressive journey.
Seminar I: I Learn
Develop greater self-awareness, clarify your leadership goals, and explore your strengths while building the foundation for the year ahead.
Seminar II: We Link
Expand your professional network, collaborate across institutions, examine current issues facing higher education, and strengthen relationships that become lasting professional connections.
Seminar III: To Lead
Translate learning into action as you develop your personal leadership vision, explore pathways for future leadership, and prepare to make an even greater impact within your institution and across higher education.
These themes guide the reflection journal, seminar activities, Learning Circles, and conversations throughout the year.
What You'll Experience
Throughout the year, participants enjoy an intentionally designed leadership experience that combines learning, reflection, networking, and practical application.
Participants receive:
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Three two-day immersive seminar experiences
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A professionally designed leadership journal
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Leadership assessments and reflection activities
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Small Learning Circle discussions
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Monthly virtual Lunch & Learns
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Conversations with senior higher education leaders
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Networking receptions and meals
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Registration for the ACE Women's Network Virginia Annual Conference
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Access to the Virginia Network community and alumnae
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Continued opportunities to volunteer, mentor, and stay involved after graduation.
2026-27 Seminar Dates
The Senior Leadership Seminar is a year-long experience built around three in-person seminars held across Virginia. Participants commit to attending all three sessions.
October 6-7, 2026
Radford University
January 20-21, 2027
Richmond, Virginia
June 3-4, 2027
Norfolk State University
Participants are expected to attend all three seminars as part of the cohort experience. In rare circumstances, accommodations may be available for participants who experience an unforeseen conflict.
Typical Program Schedule
Each Senior Leadership Seminar follows a similar format while featuring unique speakers, topics, and experiences. The schedule is intentionally designed to maximize learning while minimizing travel time.
Day One
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Arrival and registration beginning around 12:00 p.m.
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Program begins at approximately 1:00 p.m.
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Interactive leadership sessions, discussions, workshops, and networking throughout the afternoon
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Hosted reception and dinner featuring a keynote speaker
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Program concludes around 8:00 p.m.
Participants may travel the morning of the seminar or arrive the evening before, depending on their preference and travel distance.
Day Two
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Breakfast and networking beginning around 8:00-8:30 a.m.
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Interactive sessions, panels, Learning Circles, and leadership reflection
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Seminar concludes at approximately 3:00 p.m., allowing ample time for afternoon travel home.
A Typical Seminar Includes
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Inspiring keynote speakers and experienced higher education leaders
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Interactive workshops and facilitated discussions
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Small Learning Circle conversations
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Time intentionally built in for reflection and application
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Networking with colleagues from institutions across Virginia
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Hosted meals and receptions
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Opportunities to engage with current issues shaping higher education
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Practical tools and ideas you can take back to your campus
Participants learn from college and university presidents, cabinet members, nationally recognized higher education leaders, public policy experts, and accomplished women leaders from across Virginia and beyond.
Locations
The Senior Leadership Seminar intentionally moves around the Commonwealth each year.
Our fall and spring seminars rotate among colleges and universities across Virginia, giving participants the opportunity to experience different campuses, connect with institutional leaders, and gain a broader perspective on higher education throughout the Commonwealth.
Our winter seminar is held in downtown Richmond, where participants spend time exploring higher education policy through a visit to the Virginia General Assembly. This unique experience includes opportunities to observe committee meetings, meet with higher education leaders and government relations professionals, and better understand how public policy shapes colleges and universities across Virginia.
Before Each Seminar
Approximately three to four weeks before each session, participants receive:
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A detailed seminar agenda
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Speaker information and preparation materials
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Hotel recommendations and travel information
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Information about the preferred conference hotel and any available SLS room block
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Suggested pre-work or reflection activities, when applicable
Whenever possible, negotiated hotel rates are designed to align with the Commonwealth of Virginia lodging per diem to help make participation as affordable as possible.
Who Should Apply?
The Senior Leadership Seminar is designed for women leaders in Virginia higher education who are ready to grow, reflect, build meaningful professional relationships, and increase their impact.
Participants typically:
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serve in mid-level or senior leadership roles,
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demonstrate leadership potential,
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are interested in continued career growth,
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value collaboration and reflection, and
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are committed to supporting other women leaders.
Stay Connected
Leadership development doesn't end when the seminars conclude.
Participants become part of the ACE Women's Network Virginia community, with ongoing opportunities to:
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reconnect with fellow alumnae,
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attend conferences and events,
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mentor future participants,
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serve on committees,
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volunteer with the Network, and
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continue growing as leaders throughout their careers.
Join our online community at acevanet.givepulse.com to stay engaged with programs, volunteer opportunities, and fellow members.