UNA Annual Conference Sessions

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2025 Conference Keynote

Hope: A Powerful Tool for Social Impact, Chan M. Hellman, PhD

Join internationally renowned researcher, speaker, and award-winning author Dr. Chan Hellman for an inspiring exploration of the science of hope. Discover how hope serves as a powerful psychological strength, enhancing resilience in the face of stress and adversity.

Drawing on over 20 years of groundbreaking research, Dr. Hellman will highlight how nurturing hope is a key predictor of well-being, fostering positive outcomes for children, parents, and families. Gain actionable insights into:

• Strengthening program outcomes through hope,

• Buffering the effects of adversity with hope,

• Practical strategies for nurturing and sustaining hope as a coping resource, and

• The role of hope in protecting staff from burnout and secondary traumatic stress.

You'll leave this keynote equipped with practical insights on how hope can transform personal and professional lives.

2025 Conference Breakout Sessions

Breakout Session 1

From Insight to Impact: Turning Frontline Experience into Policy Change

Nonprofit leaders know better than anyone how laws and systems affect the communities they serve. This interactive session helps you harness that frontline knowledge and turn it into actionable policy solutions. Using a framework inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, you’ll learn how to break down big goals into actionable sub-targets, identify measurable indicators, and workshop real policy ideas that reflect the needs of your community. Walk away with a practical strategy to drive change beyond programs—and into policy.

Category: Advocacy/Civic Engagement
Audience Level: Everyone
Speakers: Brooke Gledhill Wood - Chief of Staff, The Policy Project; Marin Christensen - Policy Development Manager, The Policy Project

The Middle Matters: Unlocking The Potential of Mid-Level Donors

In today’s fundraising landscape, Major Donor stewardship often takes center stage, but there is an equally important group of donors who can be the backbone of your organization’s success—Mid-Level donors. This session will delve into the significance of stewarding and cultivating this valuable group, equipping fundraisers with the tools to build a thriving Mid-Level Donor program. Attendees will learn how to define and identify Mid-Level donors, explore creative stewardship techniques, and develop effective fundraising strategies to engage and inspire this often-overlooked segment. We will also discuss how to build a Mid-Level Giving Society to strengthen relationships and increase donor retention. Mid-Level donors are committed, passionate, and poised to champion your cause for years to come. This session will empower you to harness their full potential and create a sustainable, high-impact giving program!

Category: Fundraising and Development
Audience Level: Intermediate
Speakers: Margaret Langworthy - Annual Giving Manager, Humane Society of Utah; Jennie Vuich - Development Director, Humane Society of Utah

From Data to Story: Communicating Nonprofit Impact That Inspires

Impact isn’t just about numbers, it’s about the lives you change and the stories that bring your mission to life. In this storytelling-centered session, we’ll explore how to connect data and human experience to craft powerful narratives that capture hearts, spark action, and deepen trust. Learn how to move beyond dry reports and transform your outcomes into meaningful, memorable stories that funders, partners, and community members can't ignore. Through real-world examples and practical exercises, you’ll gain tools to measure what matters, find the story in the data, and share your organization’s impact in a way that inspires lasting support.

Category: Outcomes
Audience Level: Intermediate
Speaker: Kari Anderson - Principal, Incite! Consulting

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Harness Your Strengths and Own Your Success

That persistent voice inside your head that whispers, “Do I really belong here? Am I good enough?” It can hold you back more than you realize. In this empowering session, you’ll explore the different types of Imposter Syndrome, identify which may be affecting you, and learn how to reframe those doubts. Most importantly, you’ll discover how to leverage your unique strengths as the foundation for lasting confidence and gain a practical formula to overcome self-doubt, stepping fully into your potential.

Category: Personal Growth/Wellness
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: Nicole Carpenter - Director, Women's Leadership Institute

From Bystanders to Belonging: Building Inclusive Volunteer Ecosystems that Stick

Volunteers don’t stay where they’re simply needed—they stay where they feel seen, valued, and empowered. This breakout session will guide you through building inclusive volunteer ecosystems that foster belonging at every stage. You’ll learn how to map the volunteer journey, implement equity-driven onboarding practices, and use low-cost incentive strategies that boost engagement and retention. Whether you're part of a grassroots org or a growing nonprofit, you'll walk away with practical tools and fresh inspiration to transform your volunteer culture, by showing your volunteers they matter and here's How we show it.

Category: Volunteer Management
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: Jacob Buck - CEO/Founder, VolunQueer

Strategic Efficiency with AI: Transforming Nonprofit Operations

Discover how artificial intelligence can streamline nonprofit operations and enhance impact. This session explores practical, strategic uses of AI across key areas such as HR, volunteer management, fundraising, policy development, and data analysis. Attendees will gain real-world insights and actionable tools for integrating AI into their organization’s workflows. Walk away with a clear understanding of AI’s potential, where to start, and how to apply it to solve common nonprofit challenges and drive long-term efficiency.

Category: Technology/Operations
Audience Level: Everyone
Speakers: Jasmine Walton - Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Services Analyst, American Express; JaTara Greenidge - Program Manager, University of Utah

Master Your Budget: Predict and Control Labor Costs with a Simple Excel Model

Never underestimate the labor costs of your organization again! Learn how to implement a dynamic Excel-based labor model to accurately forecast personnel costs and track board-approved budget variances by department. This session will walk you through a template designed to integrate seamlessly with your payroll process, providing up-to-date projections through the end of the fiscal year and beyond. Gain clearer insight into the financial impact of vacancies, turnover, and staffing changes while minimizing payroll errors and improving decision-making across your organization.

Category: Finance and Legal
Audience Level: Everyone
Speakers: Angela Matthes - CFO, United Way of Salt Lake; Jake Child - Controller, United Way of Salt Lake

Breakout Session 2

Hope Needs a Hustle: Engaging Your Board in Fundraising to Drive Community Impact

Too often, nonprofit staff see board members as disconnected from fundraising—or worse, unhelpful. But what if board members simply lack the tools, training, and shared language to lead effectively in development? Based on original capstone research, this session explores how nonprofit boards and executive staff can work as true partners in fundraising. Using a framework built on four factors—recruitment, education, accountability, and retention—we’ll examine how to mobilize board members into confident, contributing ambassadors for your cause. Participants will leave with evidence-based strategies to foster collaboration, increase fundraising capacity, and build a board that actively advances your mission. If you’ve ever heard (or thought) “Why don’t we just ask Oprah for money?”, this session is for you.

Category: Board
Audience Level: Advanced
Speaker: Josie White - Philanthropic Officer, Shelter the Homeless

Beyond the Press Release: How to Tell Stories of Hope and Build Media Partnerships

Nonprofits have powerful stories to tell, but many miss opportunities to share them beyond event announcements and crisis calls. In this session, reporters from The Salt Lake Tribune will share practical strategies to identify, shape, and pitch compelling “stories of hope” that resonate with newsrooms and readers alike. You’ll leave with actionable tips for working with journalists, plus insight into how ongoing partnerships, including innovative advertising collaborations, (which can help elevate your mission) and connect with wider audiences.

Category: Marketing and Communications
Audience Level: Everyone
Panelists: Palak Jayswal - Culture/Music Reporter, The Salt Lake Tribune; TBD; TBD

Lead Together: Building High-Level Alliances for Nonprofit Impact

In today’s nonprofit landscape, high-impact partnerships are often sparked through executive-level networking. This session equips nonprofit leaders with actionable techniques to build authentic relationships with CEOs, founders, and influential decision-makers. Through real-world case studies—including TURN’s collaboration with Ivy City Co. and Best Buddies International’s Fortune 500 alliances—you’ll learn how to connect around shared values, frame your mission as a strategic opportunity, and treat executives as peers and co-creators. Leave with a practical networking map and the confidence to turn conversations into transformational support.

Category: Collaboration
Audience Level: Intermediate
Speaker: Alyssa DeHart - Director of Communications and Development, TURN Community Services

Dream Team Dynamics: Strategies for Hiring, Growing, and Keeping Top Talent for Long-term Success

Nonprofit leaders play a critical role in shaping, leading, and growing their organization. This session offers practical strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent by aligning individual strengths with organizational goals. Learn how to champion inclusive leadership, support personal growth, encourage innovation, and build a culture of continuous improvement while strengthening the connection between recruitment and retention for long-term success.

Category: Leadership
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: Dr. Rob Harter - Nonprofit Consultant and Coach, Rob Harter Coaching and Consulting

Advocacy in Action: Navigating Today's Policy Landscape

Join this timely and interactive breakout session to explore the top advocacy and public policy issues currently impacting Utah’s nonprofit sector. From funding threats to policy shifts in healthcare, education, and social services, we’ll explore how these challenges intersect with nonprofit missions—and how organizations can respond with a united front. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned policy voice, this session will provide a space for open dialogue, shared insights, and actionable ideas. Come ready to connect, reflect, and help shape the future of nonprofit impact through collective civic engagement.

Category: Advocacy
Audience Level: Everyone
Speakers: Jill Bennett - CEO, Utah Nonprofits Association; Julie Chang - Director of Programming, Utah Nonprofits Association; Evan Done - Associate Director, Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness

Maximizing Impact: Harnessing the Power of Internships

Internships aren’t just for students—they’re a powerful way for nonprofits to build capacity, expand impact, and cultivate talent. In this session, you’ll learn how the Alzheimer's Association Utah Chapter team boosted their local efforts through internships. Tools, ideas, and strategies will be shared that can help you to grow your internship program. You'll hear key insights on successful internships from public health, social work, and other student pools from local universities.

Category: Human Resources
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: Raven Albertson - Program Director, Alzheimer's Association Utah

Smarter Grant Writing with AI: From Prompt to Proposal

Curious how artificial intelligence can streamline your grant writing process without compromising your voice or values? In this breakout session, we’ll explore practical ways to use AI tools from the first prompt to the final proposal. You’ll learn how to save time, enhance clarity, and strengthen your case statements while staying ethically grounded and funder-ready. Whether you're new to AI or already experimenting, this session will help you write smarter and with more confidence.

Category: Fundraising and Development, Technology
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: Laura Chynoweth - Founder and CEO, Granted Fundraising Consultants

Breakout Session 3

ALL THE FEELS in your Fundraising Event

Fundraising events are about more than just raising money—they’re about connection, inspiration. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how tapping into the full spectrum of human senses and emotions can transform your event from ordinary to unforgettable. Participants will move, engage, and experience firsthand the power of sensory design in creating events that truly resonate. Get ready to feel the difference.

Category: Fundraising and Development
Audience Level: Everyone
Speakers: Mindy Young - Founder and Coach, Constructive Alchemy; Ro Bandeirinha - Founder and Creative Director, Constructive Alchemy

Hope Through Partnership: Nonprofit Strategies for Cross-Sector Success

Nonprofits thrive when they collaborate across sectors—but building meaningful partnerships takes more than good intentions. This session explores how place-based designations like the “Healthy Utah Community Designation” can serve as powerful tools to align missions, build trust, and drive collective action. Participants will learn practical, adaptable skills for mapping stakeholders, working with Utah cities and towns, setting shared goals, and communicating across sectors—empowering nonprofits of all types to create stronger, more sustainable partnerships that amplify community impact.

Category: Collaboration
Audience Level: Everyone
Speakers: Alysia Ducuara - Executive Director, Get Healthy Utah; Morgan Hadden - Program Coordinator, Get Healthy Utah

Language That Uplifts: Reframing Your Stories to Build Trust and Drive Donations

Words matter. The way we talk about our work shapes how donors, partners, and community members perceive it, and, ultimately, how they engage with it. In this session, you'll learn how to use strengths-based language to move beyond deficit-driven narratives and instead spotlight the assets, resilience, and leadership of the people and communities you serve. We'll explore real examples, offer practical tools, and invite discussion on how reframing your storytelling can build trust, deepen relationships, and inspire lasting support.

Category: Marketing and Communications
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: Katie Donoviel - Executive Director, English Skills Learning Center

Your Legal Rights as a Nonprofit: How to Navigate Today's Current Environment

Nonprofit organizations have both benefits and burdens associated with their status. Tax exemption is treated as a matter of “legislative grace,” but that does not mean that nonprofit organizations do not have rights. We will discuss the government's limits on oversight of nonprofit, tax exempt entities and what rights organizations have to advocate for themselves and the causes they deem worthy.

Category: Finance/Legal
Audience Level: Everyone
Speakers: Brent Andrewsen – Partner, Holland and Hart LLP; John Nash – Associate, Holland and Hart LLP

Talk Less, Communicate More: Lessons from the Animals

What can animals teach us about communication? More than you might think. This engaging session draws inspiration from the natural world to help you strengthen your interpersonal communication skills which are key to training new employees and connecting meaningfully with guests and clients. You'll explore verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, empathy, and emotional intelligence, while gaining practical tools for conflict resolution and delivering effective feedback. Walk away with fresh insights and techniques to build stronger relationships and foster a more collaborative workplace.

Category: Organizational Culture
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: William (Bill) Greer - Educator, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Volunteer Management Made Manageable: Mastering Difficult Conversations and Communication

Managing volunteers can be challenging, especially when it’s only part of your job and you’re juggling a million other things. Hard conversations can feel daunting, but it’s not about “dealing with difficult people” so much as shifting how we understand them. In this session, we’ll tackle those fears head-on, break down essential communication skills, decode different personality types, and build a clear action plan. You’ll learn when and how to set boundaries, have honest conversations, and most importantly—communicate, communicate, communicate! Get ready to lead your volunteers with confidence and ease.

Category: Volunteer Management
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: Melissa Robison - Front of House Director and Accessibility Coordinator, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Embrace Your Superpower: Leadership Through Effective Communication

Great leaders are great communicators. And whether you're addressing a boardroom, facilitating a team meeting, or speaking to the community—leadership and communication go hand in hand. In this engaging and interactive session, we’ll explore a variety of communication styles and strategies that elevate your leadership presence. Participants will gain practical tools to communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity across different settings. You’ll also learn how strong communication fuels better problem-solving, decision-making, and team dynamics.

Category: Leadership
Audience Level: Everyone
Speaker: Dan Prater - Senior Manager, Forvis Mazars