Join us for the 2026 Richmond Lupus & You Empowerment Conference

When: Saturday, May 9th from 10:00am - 1:30pm

Where: Virginia Commonwealth University – Commons Theater

VCU Student Commons

907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284

Please arrive at 10:00am for a complimentary light breakfast and refreshments before the program begins at 10:30am.

If you have any questions or need any assistance getting registered, please reach out to Leanna O'Connor at [email protected].

There is no fee associated with attending the event and registration includes light refreshments.

About the Lupus & You Empowerment Conference

The Lupus Foundation of America’s Lupus & You: Richmond Empowerment Conference is an in-person event that celebrates, inspires, supports, and uplifts lupus warriors, care partners, family, and friends. The event is designed to empower attendees through expert-led sessions that will help them better navigate a life with lupus and make meaningful connections with other attendees that will last far beyond the day’s event.

We hope to see you on May 9th, as we gather in Richmond for amazing educational presentations from local rheumatologists, subject matter experts, and amazing local lupus warriors and caregivers.

We can't wait to bring this community together during Lupus Awareness Month.

Plan ahead for a easy morning!

Entrance to the Student Commons Building: There are multiple entrances to the VCU Student Commons building. Entrances on corner of Main St and Cherry St are the closest to the parking garage. The entrance on Floyd Ave and Cherry is also a great entrance close to the Commons Theater. Once inside the building follow any signage guiding you to Commons Theater!

Parking: Click here to view a map of the nearest parking garage. The closest parking garage is the West Main Street Deck located at 801 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23284. There is also street parking available around the Student Commons, should that be your preference. More information on parking rates and options coming soon.

Draft Agenda

10:00am – 10:30am: Check in, Breakfast, Networking, Exhibit Hall
10:30am – 10:45am: Welcome/Opening – Zach Feuerherd, LFA
10:45am – 11:05am: Lupus Treatment Today and Tomorrow: Understanding Your Treatment Plan and What’s on the Horizon - Dr. Soleille Everest, Bon Secours Rheumatology
11:05am – 11:25am: What the Community Should Know About Lupus Nephritis and CAR T-Cell Therapy - Dr. Rabia Gill, Virginia Commonwealth University
11:25am -11:50pm: Let's Talk Treatments: Rheumatologist Panel
11:50am - 12:10pm: Break / Networking
12:10pm -12:40pm: Understanding Clinical Trials and the Importance of Participating in Research - Racquel Dozier and Elizabeth Ryan, Lupus Research Action Network
12:40pm – 12:45pm: Walk to End Lupus Now, Richmond
12:45pm – 1:20pm: “Getting Real About Your Lupus”: A Lupus Warrior Panel. Moderated by Racquel Dozier and featuring local lupus warriors
1:20pm – 1:30pm: Closing – Zach Feuerherd, LFA

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Location Information

Location Name
Commons Theater - VCU Student Commons
Address
907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA, 23284 US
Directions
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