Events

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. Become a sponsor or start a walk team today!

The UNCF Walk for Education is a nationwide initiative to raise critical funds UNCF needs to fulfill our mission of support to our member HBCUs and to help students pursue their educational endeavors and prepare for active participation in society. Join us—become a sponsor or start a walk team today!

The UNCF Memphis 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. A portion of the proceeds will benefit LeMoyne-Owen College and Lane College. Hosted by Memphis Mayor Paul Young and First Lady Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball is an evening of celebration attended by 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 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!

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the 10th Annual UNCF North Texas Mayors’ Masked Ball, the pinnacle of Dallas’ 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 Ball a must-attend affair!

For more information, contact dallasinfo@uncf.org or 972-234-1007.

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
• 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 REGISTRATIONS

• Pre-Alumni Registration
• Alumni/Affiliate Registration
• College Presidents Registration
• Career Fair Registration 

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

• Hall of Honor (page 4)
• Outstanding Young Alumni (page 2)
• Cecelia Washington Service Award (page 8)
• James E. Stamps Award (page 11)

CONFERENCE 2026 STUDENT AWARDS

• 2025 William “Bill” McGill Male Student (page 6)
• 2025 Ernest Fair- Charles Stevens Female Student (page 7)

LEGACY AWARD 

PRODUCT VENDORS APPLICATIONS

MISS NATIONAL UNCF FORMS

SPONSORS RESOURCES

• Sponsor Registration
• Sponsorship Packets
• FAQs

SPECIAL EVENTS TICKETS

• Legacy Gala/VIP Reception
• Alumni Summit
• Coronation
• Empower Me Lunch

The 8th Annual UNCF Upstate Mayors’ Masked Ball is the region’s premier fundraising gala, bringing together business, civic, community, educational leaders, alumni, dignitaries, volunteers and friends of UNCF, for an unforgettable evening of elegance and impact.

The 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 (HBCU’s).

Hosted by UNCF and mayors from throughout Upstate South Carolina, this year’s theme, “A Legacy of Excellence: Advancing Education, Empowering Generations” celebrates UNCF’s longstanding commitment to educational access for all students. As a sponsor, your company will join a distinguished circle of partners investing in the future of deserving students and helping to cultivate the next generation of talent and leadership.

This is more than a gala – it’s a powerful opportunity to honor legacy, champion excellence and make a lasting difference in our community.

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.