Save the Date for 2026 Women in Educational Leadership Symposium
Save the Date: The 2026 Women in Educational Leadership Symposium will return to the App State Boone Campus on October 1-3, 2026. The 2026 WIELS theme, The Power of We: Women Shaping a Lasting Legacy in Education, celebrates connection, mentorship, and collective leadership as women unite to advance equity, grow together, and strengthen their impact.
2026 Call for Proposals
We invite professionals, aspiring leaders, and advocates across all educational sectors to submit proposals that uplift, challenge, and advance women in leadership.
Session types include:
- Papers – Research and analysis
- Workshops – Practical, skill-building sessions
- Panels – Expert discussions
- Critical Conversations – Timely, thought‑provoking dialogues
Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026
Notification: August 1, 2026
Learn more about each of the categories and the submission process.
Register for 2026 WIELS
Registration Rates
- Early-Bird General registrant, if registered by August 15: $300
- General Registrant after August 15: $350
Special Rates
- Early Bird App State Faculty and Staff, if registered by August 15: $200
- App State Faculty and Staff after August 15: $250
- K-12 Educators: $150
- Early Bird University students, if registered by August 15: $50
- University students after August 15: $100
- WIELS Presenters: $100
Post-conference excursions require additional fees of $75.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration until September 15th and receive a full refund, less than a $25 processing fee. No refunds will be given after September 15. Substitutions are accepted at any time.
Conference Registration Instructions
Please begin by creating an account in the registration system.
If you are a returning attendee, you may be prompted to enter a code to access the correct registration form. When requested, please use the code 26WIELS.
If you experience any issues during registration, please contact Carey Driskell at driskellc@appstate.edu or (828) 262-2942 for assistance.
Accommodations
Traveling in for the conference? A limited number of rooms have been reserved for attendees. Be sure to use the code WIELS Conference when booking to receive the group rate.
Graystone Lodge
Address: 2419 NC Hwy 105 S., Boone, North Carolina
Thurs. 10/01/26: $109 plus tax per room
Fri. 10/02/26 & Sat. 10/03/26: $219 plus tax per room per night
Courtyard by Marriott Boone
Address: 1050 NC Hwy 105, Boone, North Carolina
Room Type | Number of Rooms | Nightly Rate Before Tax |
Double Queen | 15 | $209 |
King | 15 | $209 |
Contact Us
For more information, please contact the WIELS director.
Dr. Precious Guramatunhu-Mudiwa
WIELS Executive Director
mudiwap@appstate.edu