Charting the Course with United Way NEXT at SERC 2026
For more than 60 years, the Southeast Regional Conference (SERC) has served as one of the premier learning and networking opportunities across the United Way network. Each year, hundreds of team members from local United Ways, State Associations, and United Way Worldwide gather to share ideas, strengthen skills, and build relationships that move communities forward.
This year’s conference was no different. Held in North Charleston, South Carolina over the course of three days (April 14-16), United Way professionals from the region and beyond came together under one shared vision: “Charting Our Course: Building Bridges for a Thriving Future.”
Southeast Regional Conference Art Work (April 2026),
A Space for Learning, Growth, and Innovation
With over a dozen breakout sessions and multiple keynote speakers, SERC 2026 truly delivered on their mission to equip “today’s nonprofit leaders to recruit and retain strong teams, stabilize operations, adapt to change, and strengthen community partnerships for the road ahead.”
Designed to support United Way professionals at every stage of their journey, their hands-on workshops, dynamic panels, and interactive sessions offered practical strategies and real-world examples that attendees could bring back to their local communities.
“I was honored to participate in Marcus Coleman’s session on Building a Disaster Resilience Program, it’s such an important conversation right now,” said Tiffani Mensch, CEO of UW Collier and the Keys (FL). “I especially appreciated the opportunity to learn from other United Ways engaged in this work. Their insights and real-world experiences made the session even more impactful!”
A Passport to Travel
At this year’s conference, UW NEXT President & CEO Carole Peters had the opportunity to represent our organization during the exhibitor experience. Over the course of two days, she hosted a tabletop presentation alongside ALICE@Work and Ideas to Gamify Fundraising with Tactical Events.
Sporting newly designed posters and business cards, Carole could easily engage with United Way professionals and intentionally introduce them to United Way NEXT. Each interaction sparking meaningful conversations, thoughtful questions, and new connections.
Whether someone was learning about UW NEXT for the first time or reconnecting with Carole, every moment reinforced the value of the work we’re doing to help United Way professionals, both in and out of the network.
Bulletin board collage of photographs from SERC 2026 featuring UW NEXT members & UW colleagues.
Building Relationships Offline
With the majority of UW NEXT’s programs and events operating virtually, regional conferences like SERC offer our team the chance to strengthen connections with UW NEXT members, board members, volunteers, and colleagues in real life. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to further our relationship with United Way Worldwide and remind the network that we now serve both current and former UW professionals.
Hosted by Trident United Way, Carole had a unique opportunity to see DJ Hampton, President & CEO and UW NEXT Treasurer, thriving in his local community. Incoming Board Chair, Kiran Handa Gaudioso and her team represented UW of Northern New Jersey & United for ALICE. Multiple UW NEXT members also participated in and even lead meaningful breakout sessions:
Building a Disaster Resilience Program: Tiffani Mensch, United Way of Collier and the Keys
Partnering with Employers to Strengthen Working Families: Ilze Astad & Natasha Chatman, Trident United Way
The Ultimate Board Development Tune-Up: Paula Yevincy, United Way of the Ohio Valley
Growing Your Tocqueville Society: Jacob Gordon, United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.
ALICE in Crisis: Building Resilience Before, During, and After Disaster: Theresa Leamy & Kiran Handa Gaudioso, United Way of Northern New Jersey & United for ALICE, and Michelle Payne & Michael WIlliamson, United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
Raising More Together: Unlocking the Power of Volunteer-Led Fundraising: John Martin, United Way of Central Alabama, and Jeremy Jarvi, Metro United Way.
Building Capacity Through LEARN United: Shakeitha Tatum & Katrina Watson, United Way of Central Alabama
Strategic Foresight: Ensuring United Way is Future-Ready in Turbulent Times: Joey Current, Trident United Way
Turning ALICE Data Into Action: Theresa Leamy & Cary Esperanza Dawson, United Way of Northern New Jersey & United for ALICE
Beyond Boundaries: Regional and Cross-Sector Collaboration in Disaster Response: Leslie Dalton & Kat Latham, United Way of East TN Highlands, and Natasha Chatman, Trident United Way
Navigating Policy and Partnerships in a Divided Landscape: John Emge, United Way Worldwide
Building Stability: Housing and Savings Strategies that Strengthen ALICE Families: Amy Barrow & Protip Biswas, United Way of Greater Atlanta
Leading Through Partnership: How United Way of Acadiana Became a Trusted Health and Community Partner: Heather Blanchard, United Way of Acadiana
In fact, 72% of the presentations were led by UW NEXT members and 21 out of 37 speakers are either active individual members or receive member benefits through their local United Ways & State Associations.
Carole also connected with UW NEXT members Cary Dawson, Haley Ramey, Hugh Granville, Joyce Moran, Kelly Jasen, Kevin Middleton, Matt Marshall, Melissa Nelson, Shannon Jenkins, Gil Pares Agosto, and so many others between sessions. Plus, a few of our Consultant Collaborative members: Bill Kitson, Heather Davidson, Megan Brincks, Juanita Ortiz, and Deirdre Asnis.
Bulletin board collage of photographs from SERC 2026 featuring UW NEXT members, UWW Staff, & UW colleagues.
What’s NEXT on the Agenda?
As we reflect on our time at SERC, we look forward to connecting with new and old friends online!
Whether you’re interested in registering for an event, joining our LinkedIn Group, or participating in our mentorship program, we invite you to explore how you can get involved and continue making an impact with UW NEXT.
Together, we can continue building bridges, supporting one another, and making a difference across the United Way network 💙
Bulletin board collage of photographs from SERC 2026 featuring UW NEXT members, UW colleagues, & sponsors.