Collecting and using meaningful local data begins with clear goals, the right mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, and intentional community engagement. By pairing “small data” insights with big-data trends, participants will learn how to move beyond raw numbers to develop actionable strategies that address local needs and drive improvement and innovation. Participants will also explore practical examples of how to track data trends and use data to inform decision-making within their organizations and communities.

Speaker: Colton C. Strawser, Ph.D., CFRE, BCC, Colton Strawser Consulting 

Storytelling is essential for our work, but can often feel overwhelming, especially for organizations with limited resources and time. This session shares a simple, repeatable approach to capturing and sharing stories that already exist in our work, with a focus on practical tools and realistic expectations that work for all.

Speaker: Domingo Gonzales, United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County

United Way leaders are navigating funding pressures, community trauma, workforce strain, and growing expectations — often while carrying the weight quietly. This interactive session will create space for honest conversation about mental health and wellbeing in our workplaces, with a focus on both organizational culture and personal leadership. 

Through guided discussion, reflection exercises, and practical tools, participants will explore contributors to burnout, leadership modeling, and sustainable shifts that can strengthen ourselves, our teams, and our missions — all without adding more to already full plates. This session invites leaders to reflect on their own wellbeing while building practical strategies to foster a healthier, more resilient workplace. 

Speakers: Ashley R. Harris, MSSW & Miranda Price, United Ways of Texas

ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is not a program, it is the reality of the people you and your partners already serve every day. These are hardworking individuals and families who earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic essentials like housing, childcare, food, transportation, and health care.

In this session, we will demonstrate how you can begin incorporating the ALICE framework into the programs and services you already offer, helping you better understand, communicate, and strengthen the impact of your work.  Participants will explore what ALICE data reveals about the true cost of living in Texas communities and how to use that insight to tell a more powerful story, align existing programs, and deepen community impact.

Whether you’re brand new to ALICE and not sure where to start, or just in need of a quick refresher, this session is for you. You’ll walk away with practical, easy-to-apply ways to embed the ALICE perspective into your everyday work—without adding one more thing to your plate.

Speakers: Stephanie O'Banion & Roxanne Saldaña Jones, United Ways of Texas

United Ways are navigating a rapidly changing landscape—rising community needs, increasing donor expectations, and growing pressure to demonstrate measurable impact. At the same time, AI has quietly become part of everyday life, from navigation apps to fraud detection to the tools we use at work. This session reframes what AI actually is and explores how United Ways can use it to expand capacity, streamline operations, and strengthen community impact.

This facilitated workshop session will introduce practical, accessible ways AI can support United Way teams today. Participants will see how AI can be used to build dashboards that visualize donor trends and ALICE data, and how AI agents can streamline program intake. The emphasis is on real tools that save time, reduce manual work, and help staff focus on the human-centered parts of their mission.

The session will also create space to discuss real-world considerations such as data privacy, staff capacity, funding, and implementation challenges. The goal is to expand participants’ understanding of what AI can do and how it can be applied thoughtfully within their organizations.

Speakers: Sydney Fancher & Scott Schubert, Fortell AI Community

Navigating federal, state, and private funding can feel like a maze—especially nonprofit staff and volunteers new to grant writing.  In this session, Kelty Garbee and Evan Wolstencroft will introduce "Power Your Proposal: A Smart Structure for Grant Writing Success", a practical guide designed to help rural nonprofit leaders understand the funding landscape, get organized, and confidently apply for grants.

Speakers: Dr. Kelty Garbee & Evan Wolstencroft, Texas Rural Funders

This ALICE 2.0 session will focus on how you can move along the impact continuum with ALICE data and research. With awareness and education as the starting point, how do you move ALICE into action? This session will show how the ALICE data can drive community impact, public policy, and strategic planning. With examples from across our ALICE partners, we will share examples of partnerships and programs with companies, credit unions, utilities, community colleges, transportation agencies, and public policy wins.

Speakers: Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D., United Way of Northern New Jersey