Student Leadership Summit - 1000 Dreams Fund

1,000 Dreams Fund’s Student Leadership Summit

Join a powerful community of inspiring leaders for a high-impact conference for women ready to find their voice, fuel their purpose, and lead with confidence.

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026

Location: Virtual via Zoom

About this event:
Please Join 1,000 Dreams Fund for our Annual Student Leadership Summit!

This is a virtual experience designed to empower the next generation of leaders, changemakers, creatives, innovators, and dreamers to embrace their individuality and redefine success on their own terms.

We are excited to present this year’s summit theme: Break the Mold, Rewrite the Rules – celebrating the students who think differently, pivot fearlessly, challenge expectations, and carve out paths that don’t always look traditional.

Whether you’re still discovering your direction, pursuing multiple passions, navigating obstacles, or building a future no one else can define for you—this summit is for you.

Through inspiring conversations, interactive breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and career-focused programming, students will leave equipped with the confidence, community, and tools to build futures that reflect who they truly are—not who the world expects them to be.

Because leadership was never meant to fit inside a mold.

This conference is FREE but registration is required. This is a VIRTUAL event. Students can plan to join us for an inspiring day from anywhere around the world!

For all inquiries please contact us at staff@1000dreamsfund.org

“I learned how important it is to speak up for something that you believe in. The panel also helped me see how many paths to success are true options.”
- University of Michigan Student Attendee (2023)

Meet Our Keynote Speaker

Jessica Long

Paralympic Gold Medalist, Jessica Long, has spent her life breaking barriers, redefining expectations, and proving that limitations do not define potential. Her story of perseverance, resilience, and leadership embodies this year’s summit theme and will inspire attendees to embrace their own unique journeys with confidence and courage.

As one of the most decorated Paralympians in history, Jessica continues to push beyond limitations, and lead with courage and authenticity. Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that our greatest strength often comes from the challenges that force us to see possibility differently.

Meet Our Panelists

To Be Announced

12:00pm

Welcome & Summit Kickoff from Christie Garton

1DF Founder & CEO

12:05pm

Student Activity #1

12:30pm

Keynote Speech presented by Jessica Long

Three-Time Paralympic Gold Medalist

1:30pm

Student Activity #2

2:15pm

Panel Discussion

3:15pm

Thank You & Closing Remarks

Thank You to Our 2025 Production Sponsor

Thank you to our partners at Stream Virtual: Caitlin Shurilla – Director of Operations and Nate Hall – Executive Producer for their expertise and the summit’s virtual production.

For companies and organizations interested in becoming a summit sponsor please contact development@1000dreamsfund.org for further information.