Wells Fargo will continue its longstanding support as presenting sponsor of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) Leadership Institute, the organization’s signature professional development program serving students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Wells Fargo has served as presenting sponsor for more than a decade.
The 2026 Leadership Institute will take place from Sept. 9 through Sept. 12, in Washington, D.C., concluding with the 39th Anniversary Gala. Approximately 500 students from 44 HBCUs around the country are scheduled to attend.
“Wells Fargo has deeply invested in our students for more than a decade,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. “Our students deserve that type of investment as they prepare to become leaders in the global workforce.”
“Wells Fargo is proud to continue its support of TMCF to help empower the next generation of leaders and support the next steps of their career journey,” said Gigi Dixon, head of External Engagement at Wells Fargo. “Together, Wells Fargo and TMCF can help ensure the students are ready to successfully enter the workforce and thrive in the years to come.”
Leadership Institute is a five-day event and part of a larger mission to advance pathways toward economic mobility for HBCU students. It grants organizations access to a talented student pool while connecting participants directly to Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders.
The event is highly selective, with an acceptance rate just above16% of applicants. The cumulative GPA of participants is 3.65.
The Anniversary Gala is TMCF’s largest fundraising event, convening corporate executives, government officials and philanthropists to honor the organization’s impact in supporting HBCUs while advancing access, opportunity and economic mobility for their students. The black-tie affair includes an awards ceremony, high-profile entertainment and a celebration of TMCF scholars.
“The week of Leadership Institute and the Anniversary Gala is our Super Bowl,” Dr. Williams said. “We enjoy welcoming our students, partners and supporters and demonstrating that the Thurgood Marshall College Fund is a best-in-class organization.”
As always, the Anniversary Gala will honor individuals and partners, impacting societal good through mission-aligned work. Award recipients and honorees include Latriece Watkins (Sam’s Club), Dr. Tomikia P. LeGrande (Prairie View A&M University) and Richard and Jim Berkman.
Award-winning actor Larenz Tate returns this year to host the Anniversary Gala. Media personality Tambra Cherie, a Jackson State University alumna, returns as the red carpet host. Entertainment for the gala includes Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi. In addition to a Grammy win and nominations, Ledisi has garnered three Soul Train Music Awards, 19 NAACP Image Award Nominations, an NAACP Theatre Award and an NAACP nomination for breakthrough performance in a film. She is currently starring in the Broadway musical “Wanted.”
Individual tickets for the gala are $2,500. To sponsor the event, purchase tickets or for more information, email gala@tmcf.org.
About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community. TMCF member schools include the publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly Black institutions and historically Black community colleges, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit tmcf.org.
