2026 Commonwealth Awards and Lecture in the Humanities

Virginia Humanities presents the 2026 Commonwealth Awards and Lecture in the Humanities featuring Carly Fiorina, National Honorary Chair of the Virginia 250 Commission and CEO of Colonial Williamsburg. Fiorina is a business leader, author, and civic leader who became the first woman to lead a Fortune 50 company as Chair and CEO of Hewlett-Packard. A strong advocate for civic leadership and historical understanding, Fiorina will explore the themes of leadership, citizenship, history, and the role individuals and communities play in shaping a more connected and engaged society as we commemorate the nation’s founding and look toward the future.

Prior to the lecture, Virginia Humanities will present the second annual Commonwealth Humanities Awards, recognizing Chief Stephen R. Adkins of the Chickahominy Tribe, Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation, and Fluvanna Historical Society for their exceptional contributions to the humanities in Virginia. A moderated conversation led by Barbara Hamm Lee — award-winning journalist and host of Another View — will follow the lecture, concluding with an audience Q&A. 

Tickets for the public lecture are now available and may be purchased online through Dominion Energy Center for $32.60.