The United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s 23rd annual Nonprofit Leadership Summit is bringing world-class speakers and transformative leadership training to the region’s nonprofit community. This premier professional development event will take place Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College.
Under the theme “Resilience & Innovation in a Changing World,” the summit will feature two exceptional keynote speakers who have redefined leadership in their respective fields, specialized breakout sessions led by industry experts, a 60-vendor exhibition area, networking opportunities, and lunch. The event is underwritten in part by TD Bank.
Bestselling author Dan Heath will deliver the morning keynote address, coinciding with the release of his highly anticipated new book “Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working.” Heath, whose previous works “Switch,” “Made to Stick,” and “Upstream” have sold over 4 million copies worldwide, will share groundbreaking strategies for organizational transformation that nonprofit leaders can immediately implement. As host of the acclaimed podcast “What It’s Like to Be…,” Heath brings a unique perspective on driving meaningful change in complex environments. The first 500 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Heath’s new book.
The afternoon will feature retired Navy Captain Gail Harris, a trailblazing leader who made history as the first woman and first African American to serve as an Intelligence Officer in a Navy aviation squadron. Captain Harris’s keynote “Take Command & Win” will draw from her extraordinary 28-year military career providing crucial intelligence during the Cold War through Kosovo. Featured by BBC and Fox News and honored by the Spy Museum, Captain Harris will share battle-tested leadership principles that nonprofit professionals can apply to their most pressing challenges.
Along with two keynote speakers, the 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Summit will feature diverse breakout sessions designed to address critical challenges facing today’s nonprofit leaders. Morning sessions include “Empowering Westchester-Based Nonprofits with Community Data,” a hands-on workshop led by Limarie Cabrera and Bijan Kimiagar focusing on practical data applications; “The Art of Inspiring and Empowering Others,” where Norma Carby will discuss effective communication and mentorship; and “Leading with Purpose,” in which Jenn Maher will share strategies for aligning teams with organizational missions.
Afternoon sessions are equally compelling, featuring Katie Karlovitz’s workshop “Speaking Truth to Power,” which provides tools for confident public speaking; Gary Laermer’s “Your Campaign Structure – Ready for Transformational Gifts,” exploring comprehensive fundraising approaches; and Lorraine Novack’s “Working Together: Bridging Generational Gaps in Non-Profit Teams,” addressing the challenges and opportunities of multigenerational workforces. These carefully curated sessions will provide attendees with practical tools and insights to strengthen their leadership capabilities and organizational effectiveness.
“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, nonprofit organizations must be both resilient and innovative,” said Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. “Dan Heath and Captain Gail Harris exemplify these qualities and will equip our attendees with practical tools to navigate uncertainty and drive positive change in their communities.”
The full-day experience includes interactive Q&A sessions with both keynote speakers, specialized breakout sessions addressing current nonprofit challenges, a vendor exhibition area featuring the latest resources and solutions, networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders, and a catered lunch.
Tickets for this transformative professional development opportunity are available now at www.uwwp.org/summit-2025.
