Alumni Association hosts annual BLUE leadership panel focused on adapting through change

The Mississippi University for Women Alumni Association (MUWAA) will host its annual B.L.U.E. (Building Leadership Understanding and Education) professional development panel Thursday, Feb.19 at 6 p.m. in the Pope Banquet Room on the university campus.

The program, “Pivot with a Purpose: Thriving Through Change and Challenge,” brings together students, faculty, alumni and community members for an evening of mentorship and meaningful professional connection.

Four W alumni whose purpose-driven leadership spans business, nonprofit, education and media sectors will share insights from their professional journeys. A moderated Q&A session will follow the panel conversation.

2026 B.L.U.E. Panelists Include:

• Ashley Elkins, of Tupelo, is CEO of Vitality South, Active Datacomm and Wire Safe Solutions. Elkins serves as president of the Vitalant Community Leadership Council and sits on several regional boards where she champions economic growth and professional mentorship.
• Kimberly Griffin, of Jackson, is a nationally recognized revenue generation expert with more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, sales and advertising. Griffin is publisher emeritus of Mississippi Free Press, a statewide nonprofit news organization, and currently participates in the Poynter Institute’s Media Transformation Challenge.
• Jennifer Linton, of Huntsville, Alabama, is CEO of the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) Foundation. Through education, mentorship and financial support, Linton leads initiatives that empower women to achieve economic independence, including the foundation’s Scholar Program for women pursuing higher education.
• Leta Palmiter, of Meridian, is a literacy advocate, educator and social entrepreneur. Palmiter, founder of the Illuminations Center for Dyslexia, is stepping into the role of CEO of Vertical Take-Off (VTO) Reading, reflecting a career rooted in resilience, reinvention and purpose-driven leadership.

The B.L.U.E. event is open to the public and encourages students, recent graduates and early-career professionals to attend for mentorship and professional development opportunities. The Alumni Association seeks sponsors to help cover expenses to keep participation free for all attendees.

Sponsorship opportunities include:

• Owl Sponsor – $100 (name listed in event program)
• Ginkgo Sponsor – $250 (program listing and event signage)
• Magnolia Sponsor – $500 (program listing, event signage and social media publicity)
• Tower Sponsor – $1,000 (program listing, event signage, social media publicity and featured program advertisement)

Deadline for sponsorship commitments is 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 13.
Deadline for online registration is 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 16.

For sponsorship inquiries, registration information or additional details, please visit https://longblueline.muw.edu/events/blue or call (662) 329-7148.