ACE CT Women's Network 2026 Conference: Shifting Landscapes

ACE-Connecticut Women's Network 2026 Annual Conference

Shifting Landscapes: A Time for Innovation, Inspiration, and Impact

This year, we invite women in higher education across Connecticut to come together in optimism, energy, and collaboration. Colleges and universities are facing a “polycrisis” in marked by technological changes, political forces, financial challenges, demographic shifts, and declining public confidence, all of which threaten the future of higher education. Yet this moment offers a unique opportunity to strengthen our voices and clarify our vision in service of higher education’s broader purpose. These shifting landscapes require us to:

· Innovate: Be nimble, adaptable, and forward-thinking

· Inspire: Generate hope and promise for our students, colleagues, and ourselves

· Make an Impact: Transform inspiration and innovation into actionable results

Join us for big-picture sessions on the future of higher education, opportunities to discuss transformations in learning, strategize for belonging and equity, and network with one another across institutions.

Featured Panelists:

Vilma Cuevas, Founder, Volt Business Ventures

Dr. Amy Feest Senior Director, Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning, Southern CT State University

Dr. Christina Robinson, Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management, Central CT State University

Dr. Cesarina Thompson Interim Dean, School of Interdisciplinary Health and Science, University of St. Joseph

Info: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: University of Bridgeport

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration and Networking Breakfast
Passing the Power: A Book Exchange
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM – Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM – Transforming the Future of Higher Education or Panel Discussion
10:15AM – 10:30 AM – Break &Networking
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM – Morning Breakout Session 1: From DEI to 'Don't Even Inquire': Mapping the Legal Onslaught and Its Professional Toll in Higher Education
10:30 AM – 11:15 PM – Morning Breakout Session 2: Building Belonging and Equity in Higher Education
11:15 PM – 12:15 PM – Networking Lunch
12:15 PM – 12:55 PM – Awards & Reflection
12:55 PM – 1:00 PM – Call to Action

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher CT ACE Women's Network