The 2027 Rocky Mountain Regional Symposium — a weekend of sisterhood, workshops, history, and celebration under the Arizona sky.
Hosted by
Metropolitan Sun of Arizona
Registration
Early Bird and Regular registration are for NCNW members only and include all symposium events except the BHRP Luncheon. Non-members may purchase the Western Dance / Gala and BHRP Luncheon tickets separately on Zeffy.
Early Bird — NCNW Members
$450
Feb 9 – Sep 1, 2026
BHRP Luncheon not included. Members may add it separately.
Regular — NCNW Members
$500
Sep 2, 2026 – Apr 10, 2027
BHRP Luncheon not included. Members may add it separately.
Add-on ticket — members
BHRP Luncheon
$125
Available Feb 9, 2026 – Apr 10, 2027 · add during Zeffy checkout.
Non-member tickets
Western Dance / Gala & BHRP
Not an NCNW member? You may purchase the Western Dance / Anniversary Gala and the BHRP Luncheon separately on Zeffy.
Travel & Lodging
Everything you need to plan your trip to the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa.
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85044
Special rates: April 23 & 24 · $169/night + $39 resort fee/night. Rooms can house up to 6 guests. Restaurants on-site and nearby.
A room block is reserved at the group rate. Booking link and cutoff date will be posted here — contact the coordinator for the current reservation code.
Resort websitePhoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
About 15 miles / 20 minutes from the resort.
Rideshare and taxi service run 24/7 from the Sky Train terminal. Estimated Uber/Lyft to the resort: $28–$40.
Airport infoSelf-parking is available on-site for hotel guests. Valet is offered at the main entrance for Gala & Luncheon attendees.
Rental cars, EV charging, and accessible parking are all available at the resort. Confirm current rates directly with Arizona Grand Resort.
About the Symposium
The National Council of Negro Women — Rocky Mountain Regional Coalition invites members, sisters, and allies to Phoenix for five days of purposeful convening, leadership development, and celebration.
This year we also mark the 20th anniversary of NCNW's Metropolitan Sun of Arizona Section with a keystone Gala on Saturday evening.
Our History
Founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women is a coalition of national and community-based organizations working to advance the opportunities and quality of life for African American women, their families, and communities.
Through its Sections, Affiliates, and campus chapters, NCNW reaches nearly two million women worldwide, focused on the "Core Four" pillars: Health, Education, Economic Empowerment, and Civic Engagement.
Visit ncnw.orgChartered a decade ago, the Metropolitan Sun of Arizona Section carries the NCNW mission across the Valley of the Sun. The Section leads programming in leadership development, HBCU advocacy, health equity, and voter engagement across Phoenix and surrounding communities.
Hosting the 2027 Symposium marks the Section's 20th anniversary — a celebration of sisterhood, growth, and continued service.
Visit ncnwmetrosun.orgHistoric Timeline
Archival photographs courtesy of the Library of Congress, National Archives, and Wikimedia Commons.
1904
Mary McLeod Bethune opens the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls with $1.50, five students, and unshakable faith — later becoming Bethune-Cookman University.
1935
Dr. Bethune convenes 28 national women's organizations at the 137th Street YWCA to form the National Council of Negro Women — a unified voice for African American women in education, employment, and civil rights.
1957
Dr. Height leads NCNW for four decades, expanding the Council into a national force for civil rights, family well-being, and international sisterhood.
1963
Height stands with Dr. King, John Lewis, and A. Philip Randolph on the platform at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom — organizing Wednesdays in Mississippi and voter education programs in the years that follow.
2004
The nation's highest civilian honor is awarded to Dr. Dorothy Height for a lifetime of leadership on behalf of Black women, families, and the civil rights movement.
2007
Chartered on February 17, 2007 under the leadership of Founder & President Emeritus Catherine Kennard with Antonette Troutman, Terri Brown, Ardith Matthews, Becky Lewis, Becky Calhoun, and Cheryl Bishop — carrying the Core Four pillars across the Valley.
2027
Five days in Phoenix: leadership, service, sisterhood, and the Gala honoring 20 years of the Metropolitan Sun of Arizona Section.
Phoenix · 2027
Schedule Highlights
Quick links to every session across the five days. Select an event to open its day and scroll straight to the details.
Wednesday
April 21, 2027
Thursday
April 22, 2027
Friday
April 23, 2027
Saturday
April 24, 2027
Sunday
April 25, 2027
Schedule of Events
Tap a day to see the full run of events, times, and details.
Opening Ceremony
Workshop #1 — Youth Panel
Election of new RMRC officers
Workshop #2 — NCNW Her-Story
Lunch
On your own
Workshop #3 — Core Four
Meet N Greet Reception
Western Theme — Denim and Diamonds
Vendors / Free time
BHRP-RMRC Luncheon
Last Will and Testament Award — Brenda Robbins
Installation of new RMRC officers
Free Time
20th Anniversary Evening Gala
Celebrating the 20th Year of Metropolitan Sun of Arizona
Live Event
Hotel, transportation, resources, emergency contacts, getting around Phoenix, and your on-site guide.
8000 S Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85044 · (602) 438-9000
Community
Meet fellow attendees before Phoenix. Sharing your info is entirely optional.
Sharing is completely optional. Add as little or as much as you like — this helps sisters connect before Phoenix.
Vendor Marketplace
Saturday morning in the Grand Ballroom foyer. Support Black-owned and NCNW-aligned businesses.
Sisters in Style Boutique
Apparel & Accessories
Phoenix, AZ
Bethune Books
Books & Literature
Denver, CO
Sonoran Sweets
Bakery
Chandler, AZ
Crown & Culture Skincare
Beauty
Albuquerque, NM
Heritage Art Prints
Fine Art
Seattle, WA
Purple Peak Jewelry
Handmade Jewelry
Omaha, NE
News Feed
React with a ♥ or leave a reply.
Join the RMRC planning committee for a virtual walk-through of the weekend, packing tips, and Q&A. Zoom link will be emailed to registered attendees.
Black-owned businesses and NCNW-aligned vendors are invited to apply for a table at the Saturday Vendor Marketplace. See the Vendors section below.
A curated look at the through-line from Mary McLeod Bethune to today's Core Four advocacy priorities. Facilitators to be announced.
The 20th Anniversary Gala is a formal black-tie evening. Purple accents encouraged in honor of our regional colors.
Featured
April 24 · 11:30 AM
Honoring the legacy of Bethune Height Recognition Program with the Last Will and Testament Award presented to Brenda Robbins.
April 24 · 6:00 PM
A black-tie evening celebrating NCNW Metropolitan Sun of Arizona's 20-Year Anniversary. Music, tribute, and sisterhood beneath the Sonoran stars.
Hosted By
Souvenir Program
Support the Rocky Mountain Regional Coalition and share your message with symposium attendees April 22 – 25. Reserve your placement below.
| Back Cover | $500 |
| Inside Front Cover | $300 |
| Full Page | $225 |
| Half Page | $150 |
| ¼ Page | $100 |
| 1/8 Business Card | $50 |
Sponsors & Partners
Partner with the 2027 Rocky Mountain Regional Symposium. Your sponsorship advances NCNW's mission and puts your brand in front of attendees from across the region.
Bronze
$250
Silver
$500
Gold
$1,000
Platinum
$2,500
Fill out the form below. We'll follow up with next steps and a formal agreement.
Once you have selected a sponsorship level, complete your payment securely through Zeffy.
Zeffy payment link placeholder
The sponsorship payment link will be added here once your Zeffy page is ready.
Questions? Email sponsors@rmrc2027.org
FAQ
Quick answers about registration, schedule highlights, attire, and getting in touch with the right coordinator.
Tickets are available through Zeffy. Click the "Get Tickets" or "Purchase Tickets" buttons on this site to select your registration and optional add-ons. Early registration is recommended so we can plan meals, materials, and seating.
Contact
Pick a topic and we'll route your note to the person handling it. For the Wednesday Tour of Black Phoenix and reservations, contact Penita Pratcher · ppratc@cox.net.
Tickets for the 2027 Rocky Mountain Regional Symposium are available now through Zeffy.
Purchase Tickets