Announcing Our 2026 Gala Keynote Speakers

We’re honored to welcome two extraordinary voices to open and close our 10th Anniversary Gratitude Gala.

Opening Keynote: Dr. Marion L. Johnson—a NASA Apollo 11 pioneer whose trailblazing career in STEM helped pave the way for generations to follow. Dr. Johnson is also the namesake of our Marion L. Johnson STEM Scholarship, making her opening remarks a full-circle moment for The Institute.

Closing Keynote: Dr. Sheldon Fields, PhD, RN, CRNP, FNP-BC, AACRN, FAANP, FNAP, FADLN, FAAN—the 14th National President of the National Black Nurses Association, bringing decades of leadership in nursing and health equity to close out our evening.

Together, their remarks will bookend a night dedicated to advancing equity through health and education.

For tickets and more information, click here.