From Campus to Corporate: Inside UNCF’s Student Leadership Conference
Photo from @madworksphoto.
Last month, more than 220 students from across the country convened in Washington, D.C., from May 27-30 for the 17th annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference (SLC). Students acquired professional development and leadership skills, formed meaningful connections, gained mentors, prepared for their summer internships and experienced opportunities that will continue to impact their lives long after the conference.
This year’s conference, with the theme of “Leadership Beyond The Title: Voice, Influence, Impact”, featured presentations and keynote addresses from corporate leaders on topics that equip students with the skills they need to be successful as interns and early career professionals.
View our 2026 Scholars:
Day 1: A Transformative Experience
The opening day of the conference centered on community building. Students attended panel discussions on forming professional connections, finding their purpose and creating opportunities. The foundation was set for a week dedicated to growth, career readiness and honing leadership skills.
The energy in these rooms and discussions reflected the curiosity of our scholars and the impact of investing in the next generation of leaders.
Building a Workforce Survival Kit
At SLC, Target hosted a session on leading with confidence and surviving the workforce. Cecilia Charter, director, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, Target, and other panelists, offered a candid look at what it takes to thrive in today’s workforce. The discussion centered on advice for navigating workplace culture, practical tips to build meaningful relationships, how to position yourself for growth and real-world lessons for success. UNCF is grateful to partners like Target for equipping HBCU students with the knowledge, networks and confidence to take the next step in their career journeys.
Watch a recap of Day 1:
View photos from Day 1.
Day 2: Leadership in Action
From meaningful conversations to moments of growth, collaboration and confidence, our scholars showed what leadership looks like in real time. The future looked bright at SLC.
Dressing the Part
Photo from @madworksphoto.
During SLC, Macy’s selected several students for professional outfit fittings, where they were provided with free blazers, slacks, shirts, skirts, dresses and shoes. Students then had professional headshots taken, which they will be able to use on their resumes, LinkedIn profiles and more. UNCF is grateful to partners like Macy’s for helping our students look and feel like the talented young professionals they are.
Supporting Student Mental Health
Mental health is an integral part of student success. SLC featured Shayna Yvonne Rudd, psychotherapist, The Legends House Counseling Center, for a powerful conversation on mental health and stress management. Her session reminded students that rest is productive, asking for support is strength and protecting your peace is part of doing the work.
College and entering the workforce are extremely stressful and uncertain times in young people’s lives. Together, let’s create space for students to process, heal and grow while navigating their next steps.
Leading with Confidence
The conference ended on a high note with a keynote address from Chris Cooper, Atlanta-based professional speaker, executive coach, author and founder of Execute Your Passion. Cooper, an alumnus of UNCF-member institution Morehouse College, focused on how students can create lasting impact in the workplace and make the most of every internship opportunity. He shared lessons, strategies and real-world insights to help students stand out and feel confident as they build their leadership skills.
Watch a recap of Day 2:
View photos from Day 2.
Hear about these students’ experiences at the Student Leadership Conference:
- Sa’Mya McCullough, a sophomore business management student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
- Syreese Bailey, an elementary education major at Morgan State University.
- Patrick Livers, a student who was recently elected the 8th Mister Clark Atlanta University for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Fox 5 DC Coverage
Our own Arnika Frazier-Jackson, director, Student Professional Development Program, UNCF, appeared on FoxDC to discuss the SLC and the importance of investing in HBCUs and students.
Best of luck to our scholars who are currently embedded in their internships across the country. Stay tuned for a recap of the 2026 Student Leadership Conference!