Program & speakers

8 - 8:45am

Arrival

Grab breakfast, coffee, visit vendors, and start networking!

8:45 - 9:15AM

Welcome!

Intros, giveaways, and fun!

9:20 - 10:10am

Breakout Session 1

Choose one: Grant Writing, BoD Development, and Marketing & Communications.

10:15 - 10:30am

Snack Time!

Grab a snack, visit vendors, and network.

10:35 - 11:25AM

Breakout Session 2

Choose one: Monthly Giving, Leadership Development, and Volunteer Management.

11:30 - 11:50am

Come back together!

Giveaways and fun!

11:50 - 12:30pm

Funders Panel

Hear from Funders directly and ask questions!

12:30 - 1pm

Come back together!

Giveaways and send off.

Keep the connections going and grab lunch with someone you met!

Meet Your Summit Team

Elisa Molina, Emcee

Founder & CEO, Covedoza

Heather Bellew, Host

Founder & Marketing Strategist, HB Consulting Co

Candy Isabel, Host

Founder & CEO, Khamai Strategies

Andrianna Butler, Engagement & Vibe Chair

Member Services Manager, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

Breakout Sessions at a glance

Grant Writing

The Bottom Line: How to Craft a Compelling Budget Narrative for Proposals

Presented by: Laura Cansicio, Allies for Change, LLC

Turn your grant proposal’s budget into a powerful story. In this panel-style session, Laura will show you how to connect your numbers to your mission using clear, persuasive language. You’ll walk away with practical tools to justify every line item, strengthen funder trust, and increase your chances of approval.

Monthly Giving

The Monthly Giving Mastermind: A 5-Step Framework to Build, Grow, & Sustain Subscriptions for Good

Presented by: Dana Snyder, Positive Equation

Recurring revenue = long-term impact. Dana will walk you through her 5-step system for building a standout monthly giving program that turns passive donors into passionate supporters. Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, this session will show you how to create sustainable income from your most loyal fans.

Marketing & Communications

The Momentum Model™: Social Justice Communications in Action
Presented by: Shara Watson, Mixte Communications

Build trust. Build momentum. Shara introduces Mixte’s proprietary Momentum Model™—a framework for cause-driven communications that moves audiences from awareness to action. Designed for social justice leaders, this session will help you rethink your approach to messaging and movement-building.

Leadership Development

Leading When Everything Changes: Practical Skills for Uncertain Times
Presented by: Marva Titley-Smith, Thrive Anew

Change doesn’t have to feel chaotic. Learn how to lead your team with clarity and confidence using the ADKAR model, an easy-to-apply change management tool. Through real-world examples and role-play, Marva will help you master conversations around transitions, budget cuts, and shifting priorities.

Volunteer Management

From Service to Support: Designing Volunteer Experiences That Inspire Donors
Presented by: Dr. Cre Taylor, Strategic Choices Consulting

Volunteers are more than helping hands – they’re future donors. Dr. Cre will guide you through how to build volunteer experiences that drive deeper engagement, loyalty, and financial support. Learn how to turn mission believers into lifelong champions.

Board Development

Effective Board Governance: Build a Stronger Board from the Inside Out
Presented by: Laura Kruisenga, Kennari Consulting

Your board should be your nonprofit’s strongest asset. In this session, Laura will show you how to use your Governance & Nominating Committee to recruit the right people, onboard effectively, and evaluate performance. You’ll leave with clear strategies to strengthen your board and elevate your impact.