Black Women in Higher Education Will Convene in Baltimore

The national conference will gather educators from October 14 through 16 to focus on resilience and sisterhood.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in African-American

Gouache-painted illustration of academic books and laurel leaves, representing scholarly growth and resilience in a professional educational context.
The Association of Black Women in Higher Education will hold its biennial national conference in Baltimore this October to foster professional development and collective empowerment. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Association of Black Women in Higher Education will hold its biennial national conference in Baltimore from October 14 through 16, 2026. This year, the event centers on the theme, Rooted in Sisterhood: Navigating the Journey Through Resilience, Reclamation, and Restoration.

Why it matters

The conference provides a dedicated space for intellectual growth and mutual support among Black women working in the educational field. It aims to foster professional development and collective empowerment for those navigating the unique challenges of higher education.

The Association of Black Women in Higher Education has supported members for over 45 years through professional advancement initiatives. The organization hosts its national gathering every two years to connect participants nationwide.

The players

Association of Black Women in Higher Education

This professional organization has functioned for more than 45 years to advance the careers of Black women in the academic sector.

Kimberly Roan

She currently serves as the national president of the Association of Black Women in Higher Education.

The details

The event serves as a hub for members to engage in professional advancement, utilizing resources like executive coaching, scholarships, and mentoring programs. While the national body sets the overarching mission, local chapters in areas such as Minnesota, New York, and Greater Kansas City tailor programming to address specific regional needs.

Timeline

  1. October 14-16, 2026: The national conference takes place in Baltimore.

Culture Shift

This gathering reflects a broader trend of professional organizations creating specialized support networks to combat systemic isolation in academia. It builds upon the Association of Black Women in Higher Education quarterly workshop series to offer high-level executive development.

Attendees can expect to participate in specialized sessions designed to bolster their career paths and professional networks. The event offers participants direct access to executive coaching and mentorship opportunities that support long-term professional development.

The takeaway

The conference underscores the value of institutionalized support systems for women of color navigating academic leadership. Participants are encouraged to leverage the event for building lasting mentorship connections that extend well beyond the three-day gathering.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest developments within the African-American community.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Times.

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