Next Generation Council Leadership Workshop

Are you ready to grow your leadership potential? Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, SOAR365’s Next Generation Council Leadership Workshop is designed to inspire, empower, and equip emerging leaders with the tools to take the next step. This free, virtual event on Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to Noon brings together aspiring leaders for an energizing session filled with real-world insights and motivational advice from speakers who know what it takes to succeed. Meet Our Featured Speakers This year, we’re thrilled to feature three dynamic speakers, each bringing a unique perspective on leadership, purpose, and personal growth while also embodying this year’s theme: “Unconventional Roads. Unstoppable Leaders.” Donna Highfill Donna Highfill brings over 30 years of experience as a successful change consultant, motivation and confidence coach, and national speaker and facilitator. She has worked with Fortune 100 executives and tech company leaders to help them navigate change and grow their leadership potential. Donna’s writing has appeared in Huffington Post, Across the Board, and the VCU Massey Cancer Center Newsletter, and she’s been a panelist on HuffPost Live. Her books—Real People, Real Change and Amazing Change—have served as guides for senior executives, while her book Glitter Girl empowers girls and young women to build courage and confidence. Rob Ukrop Rob Ukrop is a passionate motivational speaker who encourages young people of all ages to “Dream High, Work Harder, and Keep on Smiling!” A former professional soccer player and community leader, Rob is the lead investor in 22 Holdings, the ownership group behind the Richmond Kickers Pro Soccer Team and the Richmond Ivy Soccer Club. He and his wife, Shannon, are active members of Hope Church and enjoy spending time with their children—Peyton and Presley—and their three Chinese Shar Pei dogs: Copa, Ruby, and Ax. Keyanna Conner Keyanna Conner is a seasoned leader in public service and civic engagement who currently works with Deloitte Consulting LLP as a Managing Director. She served as Virginia’s Secretary of Administration under Governor Ralph Northam, where she managed more than 1,200 employees across five state agencies and led the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response for administrative functions. With a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and a passion for mentorship, Keyanna has built her career on empowering others and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in science, government, and beyond. In July 2025, she joined the SOAR365 Board of Directors. Watch from home or join us at SOAR365! You can log on from home or join us for a live watch party at SOAR365’s headquarters (3600 Saunders Ave., Richmond), where you can converse with fellow emerging leaders and Next Generation Council members after the session! Whether you attend online or in person, the Emerging Leaders Workshop is a valuable opportunity to connect, learn, and lead with confidence. Questions? Contact Edilia Bendel at 804-665-1240 or [email protected].