You don’t want to miss PEARLS reimagined Inspired to Lead!
Join us for Inspired to Lead 2026 (ITL) PEARLS’ signature spring fundraiser and our most powerful night of the year, Thursday, April 23rd from 5:00-8:00 PM at Prairie Springs on Park.
Inspired to Lead has been reimagined as a PEARLS HOMECOMING, celebrating the Spirit of Sisterhood and the transformative power of belonging. Girls, alumnae, mentors, community leaders, and champions of PEARLS gather in one room to honor the journey from potential to purpose.
The evening will carry the vibrant energy and tradition of an HBCU homecoming where guests will experience our expansive legacy of 33 years in the community. Featuring elements like a dynamic leadership panel, pep rally–style entrance, tailgate-inspired reception, step show performance, and a mentorship lounge called The Yard.
The event raises critical funds to support PEARLS’ mission of empowering girls and gender expansive youth through a curriculum of leadership development, while honoring the ripple effect of investing in just one girl.
Our Inspired to Lead Emcee:
Denise M. Thomas
Denise M. Thomas is an internationally recognized leadership strategist, executive communication coach, and dynamic keynote speaker known for helping leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.
As Founder & Owner of The Effective Communication Coach, Denise partners with corporate, nonprofit, and executive leaders across the country to strengthen leadership presence, decision-making confidence, and communication under pressure. Her work focuses on equipping leaders to show up authentically, influence effectively, and lead with purpose.
She is also the author of The Only One in the Room, a leadership book with a foreword by Stephen M. R. Covey, which challenges leaders to use their voice with courage and clarity, especially in rooms where they may feel underrepresented.
Denise deeply believes in the power of young women to find and use their voices. Her work aligns seamlessly with PEARLS’ mission to empower and equip Black and Brown girls with the confidence, leadership skills, and support systems they need to thrive.
