Events

Join us as we take strides towards a brighter future! This year, we’re thrilled to invite you to our 42nd annual UNCF Walk for Education, where the community comes together in support of higher education.

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Location: Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive @ 39th Street

Agenda:

7:00AM Registration

8:00AM Warm-Up

9:00AM Set Off

Why Walk with Us?

Every step you take helps pave the way for students in need. Your participation supports scholarships, vital programs, and resources that empower young minds across the city. Together, we can make a difference.

How to help:

• Register Now: Sign up as an individual or create a team with friends, family, or coworkers.
• Fundraise: Set a personal goal to collect donations and help amplify our mission—every dollar counts!
• Spread the Word: Share our event with your network to encourage others to join our cause.

Together, let’s walk for a future where every child has access to quality education. Whether you walk, volunteer, or support our mission, your involvement makes a significant impact!

Don’t Miss Out!

Join us as we step into a brighter tomorrow—one step at a time!

Join the Movement – 40 Years Strong! Be part of the 40th Anniversary UNCF South Texas – Houston Walk/Bike/Run for Education!

Rally your friends, family, and coworkers to join a team, become a sponsor, or make a donation in support of helping to fund education and change lives.

Let’s celebrate this milestone year together!

#UNCFWalk #LaceUp4UNCF #UNCFSouthTexas #UNCFHouston

Join us at the 17th Annual UNCF 5K Run/Walk for Education Orlando!

Run/Walk with us in our mission to ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams. The UNCF Walk for Education Orlando is not just an event; it’s a powerful movement dedicated to promoting educational equity and supporting students from all backgrounds in achieving their highest potential.

About the Run/Walk for Education

The UNCF Run/Walk for Education is a flagship event that has brought together students, educators, community leaders, and supporters of higher education from across the region for seventeen (17) years. This annual event is crucial for raising awareness and funds to support the mission of UNCF). For over 82 years, UNCF has been committed to providing scholarships, internships, fellowships, and other vital resources to help students attend and graduate from college, particularly those attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Get InvolvedRegister to WalkBe a part of this inspiring event by registering to walk. Your participation helps us raise the funds necessary to support students’ educational journeys.

Donate

Your generous contributions make a significant impact. Every dollar raised supports scholarships, internships, and other essential resources for students.

Fundraise

Join us as a fundraiser and rally your network to support our cause. Set your fundraising goals and share your personal story to inspire others to donate.

Volunteer

Volunteers are the backbone of our event. Lend your time and talents to help us create a memorable and successful Walk for Education.

Why Support UNCF?

Your support ensures deserving students have access to the resources they need to succeed in college and beyond. By participating, donating, or volunteering, you contribute to:

• Providing scholarships that make college affordable
• Supporting HBCUs that offer unique educational environments
• Promoting college readiness and career development programs
• Ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the chance to succeed academically
• Event Highlights

Inspirational Speakers: Hear from UNCF scholars and alumni who will share their journeys and the impact of UNCF on their lives.

Live Performances: Enjoy performances that showcase local talent.

Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in activities designed for all ages, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone.

Stay Connected

Stay updated on event details, fundraising tips, and more by following us on social media. Use the hashtag #UNCFWalkOrlando2025 to share your experiences and connect with other participants.

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We invite you to join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Charlotte Convention Center for the 23rd Annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon (MAWWLL). This signature fundraising event for UNCF is named in honor of our beloved friend and volunteer, Dr. Maya Angelou.

The day begins at 10 a.m. with shopping, mimosas, live music, and red carpet photos, leading into an elegant 12 p.m. luncheon featuring an inspiring program, the prestigious Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Award presentation, and the exciting Hatitude! competition. During the luncheon, we will celebrate and honor extraordinary women who have made a significant impact locally, statewide, and nationally.

Your support is more critical than ever to help UNCF, our member colleges and universities, and the students we serve achieve their dreams. Join us for a day of elegance, empowerment, and celebration, all in support of education and opportunity.

Sponsorship opportunities are available—reach out to learn more!

UNCF New York’s annual Walk for Education is a chance for companies, groups, and individuals to support historically Black colleges & universities (HBCUs) and help uplift more young people towards achieving degree completion. This fall, thousands of freshmen will attend HBCUs with a goal of achieving degree completion.

Unfortunately, only one out of every three freshmen entering school in August will graduate college. The top three obstacles facing these students will be financial, academic, and personal challenges. By supporting UNCF’s Walk for Education, you can help more of our talented students at HBCUs receive the funding and essential support to obtain their college degree.

We suggest that corporations, groups, and individuals form teams of four to five members with a goal of raising a minimum of $1,000 per team. Teams can choose their own walking route on Wednesday, September 17th with the objective of arriving for a celebratory reception from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at City Winery located at 25 11th Avenue (15th Street), Pier 57 at Hudson Park, New York, NY 10011.

Join us in kicking off the HBCU Homecoming Season by supporting education and students in need across North Carolina! The Charlotte UNCF Walk for Education is dedicated to supporting our five member institutions across North Carolina and the students they serve. This event helps raise vital funds to ensure students and schools receive the resources they need to thrive. Join us—become a sponsor or start a walk team today!

Join us for the 2025 UNCF Virginia Faith Leaders’ Breakfast on Saturday, November 8th at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia. This breakfast will bring together Virginia faith, business, civic and education leaders to support UNCF’s work to create a college-ready culture that provides students with the support they need to get to and through college.

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the UNCF “A Mind Is…”® Gala – the summit of Houston’s social calendar. This prestigious event, supported by an elite array of corporate sponsors and distinguished individuals, promises a night of elegance and inspiration. Mingle with local dignitaries, civic leaders, and business executives, all united in their commitment to UNCF’s mission of empowering the next generation through education. Experience the glamour, the cause, and the community spirit that make this Gala a must-attend affair!

Download our Sponsorship Opportunities here

Join us for a dazzling night where elegance meets purpose at the 11th Annual Pee Dee Mayors’ Masked Ball,  a glamorous fundraising affair you won’t want to miss. Our theme is glitz and glamour, however you define it.

Step onto the red carpet in your finest attire and prepare for an evening filled with high fashion, exciting entertainment, delicious cuisine, and heartwarming impact. Whether you’re sipping champagne, dancing the night away, every moment supports a cause that transforms lives. Be prepared for our Fund the Mission!

The 42nd Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the Atlanta UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by national celebrities, civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF.

This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, glitz and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college.

Join us for the 43rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on Saturday, January 19, 2026, at The Hotel at the University of Maryland, located in Prince George’s County.

For over 80 years, UNCF, the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, has provided financial support to ensure that our students can succeed and that UNCF-member institutions continue to keep moving forward toward the pursuit of educational excellence.

For more than 30 years, the Washington, DC office of UNCF and the Washington Inter-Alumni Council (WIAC) have come together to present the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration to support students from the Washington Metropolitan Area and to support UNCF-member institutions.

An evening of acknowledgement, celebration and legacy supporting UNCF’s mission of investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college.

The UNCF Triad “A Mind Is..”® Gala is dedicated to supporting our five member institutions across North Carolina and the students they serve. Join us for a unique opportunity to connect with influential individuals, community leaders and key stakeholders who share our dedication to empowering future generations.

**Formal Attire: Black tie (full length gowns and tuxedos) with a twist, guests are encouraged to wear sneakers!

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.

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

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

CONFERENCE 2026 ALUMNI AWARDS

• PRE-ALUMNI REGISTRATION FORM
• ALUMNI/AFFILIATE REGISTRATION FORM
• Sponsors Registration
• College Presidents Registration
• Career Fair Registration and Participants
• Product Vendors Applications
• Miss National UNCF forms
• 2026 NAC Conference: Hall of Honor Form
• 2026 NAC Conference: Outstanding Young Alumnus Form
• 2026 Legacy Award
• 2026 NAC Cecelia Washington Service Award
• 2026 NAC James E. Stamps Award

CONFERENCE 2026 STUDENT AWARDS

• 2025 William “Bill” McGill Male Student Award
• 2025 Ernest Fair- Charles Stevens Female Student Award

SPONSORSHIPS INFORMATION

Click here to view the sponsorship packet

This fundraising and social event focuses on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities.

Hosted by generous national and local corporate sponsors, professional organizations and individual supporters, the National AMI Gala is an evening of celebration attended by national celebrities, civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF.

Don’t miss this historical evening of fun that supports UNCF’s mission of investing in better futures for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college.

The 2026 UNCF Virginia Young Professionals Golf Tournament is a fundraiser and social event, focusing on raising public awareness and donations to support deserving students through UNCF. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in better futures for us all by getting students to and through college.

The UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball is one of the organization’s signature fundraising galas and premier social events of the year. Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors and individuals, it involves celebrities, dignitaries and more than 500 business, civic and education leaders, alumni and others who support UNCF’s mission of investing in America’s future by getting students to and through college.

Join us for the most highly anticipated fundraising event of the year — the UNCF Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball! The premier fundraising gala and major social event, focuses on raising public awareness and large donations to support deserving students across North Carolina.

Bringing together individuals, small businesses, corporate sponsors, celebrities, dignitaries, civic leaders, public officials, and alumni who support UNCF’s mission, the evening encourages every attendee to invest in better futures, for all.

**Formal Attire: Black tie (full length gowns and tuxedos) with a twist, guests are encouraged to wear sneakers!

The 5th Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is a premier fundraising gala and major social event focusing on raising awareness of the need and benefits of a college education, the students UNCF serves and the contributions of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Jacksonville’s very own Edward Waters University—Florida’s first HBCU and first independent institution of higher education.

Hosted by a diverse group of corporate sponsors, local businesses and professional organizations, the Jacksonville UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball, is an evening of celebration attended by civic leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF and EWU. This must-attend event is full of fun, fashion, glitz and glamour, and supports UNCF’s mission of investing in Better Futures® for the young men and women we serve and by helping them move to and through college.