2026 Elevating Leadership Conference
Join us for the 2026 Elevating Leadership Conference, a FREE two-day event designed to empower survivor leaders with the tools, training, and support to thrive in advocacy and professional leadership. Featuring nationally recognized survivor leader Rebecca Bender, this conference blends skill-building, personal growth, and networking to help you step confidently into your next chapter.
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Date: February 20-21, 2026
Location: COhatch West Tampa
Humidor Room
Cost: FREE!
*Continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided.
Event Details
Registration check-in
Continental breakfast provided
Conference
Lunch provided
Reception and Networking
Agenda:
Friday:
9:00 - 10:00 am
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Doors open
Continental breakfast provided
Conference
Lunch provided
Closing remarks
Saturday:
9:30 am
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
4:00 pm
Meet Rebecca Bender - Conference Keynote
Rebecca is a CEO and a published author who has earned a distinct reputation as a trailblazer and thought leader in the anti-human trafficking field.
Rebecca is a social activist, thought leader, and consultant who equips professionals and organizations to identify and fight human trafficking.
A TedX Speaker and published author, Rebecca was appointed to the U.S. National Advisory Council and regularly testifies as an expert witness in court.
Her specialized trainings have equipped well over 118,000 professionals including FBI, Homeland Security, regional law enforcement, community leaders, and medical personnel. A highly sought-after speaker, consultant, and nationally recognized authority, Rebecca is passionate about seeing people transform their lives so they can change the world.
After escaping her trafficker in 2007, Rebecca was determined to make a new life for herself and her young daughter. She worked hard, eventually opening her own business and earning a Master’s degree.
Rebecca dreamed of launching a school for survivors of human trafficking - a place where anyone with lived experience could enroll and learn the skills and knowledge necessary to build a new life.
In 2014 Elevate Academy was born and within eight years had served nearly 1,600 students in 22 countries and over 630 U.S. cities across the nation. This innovative online school is thriving today and remains a place where survivors continue to connect, grow, and find tools to ignite their futures.