Sustaining Bold Leaders to Protect the Academy
This is more than just a celebration — it’s a call to action. Join us in celebrating 50 years of HERS leadership, reconnect with alums, engage in leadership development, and be part of the first-ever HLI Conference & Reunion.
Event and housing registration closed May 1, 2026.
- When: Thursday, June 4 - Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Where: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
- Cost: $250
- The registration fee covers all conference & reunion sessions, as well as lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday. The cost of housing—either on-campus or at nearby hotels—is separate.
HERS Leadership Institute (HLI) 50th Anniversary Conference & Reunion
Now, more than ever, our collective leadership is essential. As political pressures intensify, resources tighten, and the principles of access, opportunity, and institutional integrity come under strain, the need for bold, principled leadership has never been greater.
For fifty years, HERS has empowered women and gender-diverse leaders to meet moments like this with courage, creativity, and conviction. This June, the HERS network will unite for a historic milestone — the HERS Leadership Institute 50th Anniversary Conference & Reunion, Sustaining Bold Leaders to Protect the Academy.
Hosted at Bryn Mawr College—the birthplace of HLI—this landmark gathering will unite scholars, thought leaders, and practitioners committed to advancing equity in the academy. Together, participants from across five decades will celebrate HERS’s half-century of transformative impact and chart a bold, collective vision for the future of higher education.
Please refer to our cancellation and refund policy for details here: HERS Conference and Reunion: Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policy or copy-and-paste the following URL: http://hersnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/HERS-Conference-and-Reunion-Registration-Cancellation-Refund-Policy-2.pdf
HERS Leadership Institute (HLI) 50th Anniversary Conference & Reunion
Now, more than ever, our collective leadership is essential. As political pressures intensify, resources tighten, and the principles of access, opportunity, and institutional integrity come under strain, the need for bold, principled leadership has never been greater.
For fifty years, HERS has empowered women and gender-diverse leaders to meet moments like this with courage, creativity, and conviction. This June, the HERS network will unite for a historic milestone — the HERS Leadership Institute 50th Anniversary Conference & Reunion, Sustaining Bold Leaders to Protect the Academy.
Hosted at Bryn Mawr College—the birthplace of HLI—this landmark gathering will unite scholars, thought leaders, and practitioners committed to advancing equity in the academy. Together, participants from across five decades will celebrate HERS’s half-century of transformative impact and chart a bold, collective vision for the future of higher education.
At A Glance
Join us in celebrating 50 years of HERS leadership, reconnect with alums, engage in leadership development, and be part of the first-ever HLI Conference & Reunion.
- When: Thursday, June 4 - Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Where: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
- Cost: $250
- The registration fee covers entry to all events, as well as lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday. The cost of on-campus housing is separate.
Event and housing registration closed May 1, 2026.
- On-Campus Lodging: $65/night, per person
- On-campus lodging includes breakfast in the residence halls. Residence hall registration closes May 1, 2026.
- Off-Campus Lodging: Discounted room blocks at local hotels.
Please refer to our cancellation and refund policy for details here: HERS Conference and Reunion: Registration, Cancellation, and Refund Policy or copy-and-paste the following URL: http://hersnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/HERS-Conference-and-Reunion-Registration-Cancellation-Refund-Policy-2.pdf
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Attend
Reconnect with five decades of HERS alums, engage in meaningful professional development, honor our shared legacy, and gain fresh perspectives to fuel your leadership journey.
Sponsor
HERS offers sponsorship packages that foster meaningful connections with higher education leaders and HERS alums. Sponsors play a vital role in opening doors for the next generation of women and gender‑diverse leaders.
Present
HERS welcomes session proposals that reflect diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to leadership development. Presenters play a vital role in creating a dynamic, high‑quality learning experience for conference participants. We appreciate the strong response to this year’s call and the expertise offered by our community.
The Call for Proposals is now closed.
Accommodations
On-Campus Accommodations
HERS participants staying on campus will be housed in Rhoads Hall (North and South) in single-occupancy rooms with communal bathrooms. The residence hall will open for guests starting on Wednesday, June 3.
Rates (per person, per night – breakfast included)
- 1 Night: $65
- 2 Nights: $130
- 3 Nights: $195
- 4 Nights: $260
Residence hall registration closes May 1, 2026.
Additional Information about Rhoads Hall
- Rhoads Hall features central air conditioning.
- Rooms include a pillow, bed linens, blankets, and two small full-body towels. Guests should bring any additional items they may need.
- All rooms contain single beds; shared bathrooms are located in the hallways.
- You may view building and room layouts of Rhoads Hall on Bryn Mawr College’s residence hall webpage, linked here.
Accessibility
If you have any physical limitations or accessibility needs, please let us know when submitting your form. Some residence halls include features such as:
- Hallways with single steps.
- Bathrooms with either tubs or showers (not both).
Sharing this information helps us ensure that you receive a room that meets your needs.
Off-Campus Accommodations
For attendees choosing to stay off campus, HERS has secured courtesy room blocks at select nearby hotels. Please note the following:
- Transportation between hotels and campus is not provided by HERS.
- Room availability is limited and booking deadlines vary by hotel.
- Please pay close attention to each hotel’s room block dates and booking cut-off.
Marriott Philadelphia West
Address: 111 Crawford Avenue, West Conshohocken, PA
Room Rate: $217 per night
Room Block Dates:
- Start: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- End: Monday, June 8, 2026
Last Day to Book: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Hampton Inn Philadelphia / Plymouth Meeting
Address: 2055 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA
Room Rate: $160 per night
Room Block Dates:
- Start: Thursday, June 4, 2026
- End: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Last Day to Book: Monday, May 4, 2026
Additional Hotel Options
For a broader list of hotels in the Philadelphia area, please visit: https://www.brynmawr.edu/about-college/visit-guide/accommodations-area
Important Note About Availability
Hotel accommodations in the Philadelphia region are expected to be limited due to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in the city. We strongly encourage conference and reunion attendees to make reservations as early as possible.
Getting to Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr College is a 5-minute walk from the Bryn Mawr station on SEPTA’s Paoli/Thorndale line. This line stops at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, with connections to Amtrak and the SEPTA Airport Line. Please check the SEPTA website for more information.
For additional information on how to get to Bryn Mawr College by car, train, and/or plane, please refer to Bryn Mawr’s maps and directions.
Parking at Bryn Mawr College
Parking is available in the college parking lots. Overnight guests will receive a parking permit at registration for the lot nearest to their residence hall; commuter participants are welcome to park in any college lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
For questions, reach out to:
Alicia Olivares Kirkeby
Senior Associate Director of Outreach and Engagement
akirkeby@hersnetwork.org
What is the HLI Alum Leadership Conference and Reunion?
The HERS Leadership Conference & Reunion is a signature gathering of the HERS Network, bringing together alums, leaders, partners, and allies committed to sustaining bold leadership to protect the academy. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the HERS Leadership Institute, the conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and lead together.
When and where will the event take place?
The conference and reunion will be held from June 4 to 7, 2026, at Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Who should attend?
All members of the HERS Network are invited! Whether you’re an alum, a partner, a supporter, or newly connected to HERS, this is your opportunity to engage with the community, expand your leadership toolkit, and celebrate our shared history.
What will the program include?
You can expect keynote addresses, engaging panel discussions, interactive workshops, and plenty of time for networking and connection. A preliminary schedule will be shared as details are confirmed.
How much will it cost to attend?
Registration is $250/person to attend. On-campus housing and breakfast is $65 per person per night. Lodging at local hotels will cost extra; information will be available in January.
Will lodging be available?
Yes. Lodging information at Bryn Mawr College and hotel details are being arranged and will be provided as soon as possible.
Are financial support options available?
HERS will provide a limited number of scholarships to waive the registration fee.
Please contact Alicia Olivares Kirkeby at akirkeby@hersnetwork.org to request financial support.
How do I register?
Registration is open! Click here to register for the HLI Conference and Reunion.
Can I volunteer or help with the conference?
Yes! We welcome alum involvement in shaping the experience. If you are interested in volunteering, speaking, or helping with outreach, please contact Alicia Olivares Kirkeby at akirkeby@hersnetwork.org.
How can I stay updated?
The best way to stay informed is to ensure HERS has your current contact information. You can update your contact information here: Update Your Contact Information.