Forum: Own Your Next Chapter

Time:
July 31, 2026 - 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Room:
Music City Center (Convention Center) // Room 208AB

Day 5, Friday, July 31

To view the Young Professionals Schedule Click Here

Today begins with another powerful plenary, Courage Under Fire: Organizing in an Age of Retaliation — a timely conversation on leadership, advocacy, and resilience in challenging times.

The day continues with the Legacy Leadership Awards Luncheon, honoring trailblazers whose impact continues to shape our communities and movement.

It’s also the final day to experience Urban League Connect: Experience & Lounge — our must-visit activation exclusively for conference attendees, featuring culture, innovation, networking, and interactive experiences.

This evening, we close out the day with the prestigious Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala, a signature celebration recognizing outstanding leaders and changemakers.

Nationwide, an increasing number of C-Suite executives are finding themselves at a crossroads. Downsized by corporate restructuring or broader industry changes, these executives and senior leaders are navigating what comes next – post Corporate America. Own Your Next Chapter is designed exclusively for leaders ready to turn transition into opportunity. Top C-Suite executives share hard-learned strategies for how to rebrand and refocus your leadership narrative into new areas—from advisory roles and board service to entrepreneurship, consulting, and purpose-driven non-profits. Learn how to expand your professional network strategically and leverage your experience and creativity to create opportunity and write a bold, fresh chapter in your career journey.

Moderator: Kelli Joy Richardson, Founder & CEO, House of Joy

Panelists:
Kim Evans Paige,  Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for BET Networks and Live Events
Michelle Miller, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & New York Times Best Selling Author

Speaker(s)