Four United Way NEXT Members Share Their Experience at the 2026 Great Rivers Conference

Every year, the Great Rivers Conference brings together hundreds of United Way professionals and volunteers from across the Midwest for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. Designed for the network by the network, the conference creates space for attendees to exchange ideas, build relationships, and explore new approaches to strengthening communities.

The 2026 conference took place March 17 through 19 in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois in partnership with United Way of Wisconsin. More than 300 United Way professionals from across the 12-state Great Rivers region gathered for dynamic keynotes, dozens of breakout sessions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the network.

This year’s theme, United Together: Energized for Impact, reflected the energy and momentum attendees felt throughout the event. It “was all about ‘transformation’ and truly shaping our collective United Way journey,” stated Marne Foster, President & CEO at United Way of Central Illinois.

Although United Way NEXT was unable to attend this year, several members of our community were there representing their local United Ways. Their reflections capture the spirit of the conference and highlight why gatherings like this continue to play such an important role across the United Way network.

Collage featuring photos of Jessica, the UWRC team, UW colleagues, & fellow speakers.

Jessica Safransky Schacht: Building Connections and Transformational Culture

For Jessica Safransky Schacht, Chief Operating Officer at United Way of Racine County & UW NEXT Board Member, the conference offered both familiar reunions and new conversations.

“I am always excited to meet new friends at Great Rivers and connect with colleagues from across the network,” she shared. “There’s nothing quite like a hug from Aeyola Fortune (UWW), a dinner conversation with John Farden (UWW), or saying hello to Charlene Mouille, Sara Bowsher, Lisa Olson and Kelcie McElhenie (UW WI).”

Jessica also resonated deeply with keynote speakers, Rosie Allen-Heering (UWW Interim President and CEO) and Paul Wesselmann. 

Rosie’s keynote was “inspiring and reassuring. Although we are in a time of transition, our network is strong and committed. Together, we will continue to thrive,” she shared. And Paul’s was “exactly what we all needed at that moment. His words acknowledged the heaviness of the world, while reminding us that hope looks different at different times, but it’s hope nonetheless.”

Plus, Jessica had the opportunity to present alongside Tom Lowery from United Way Worldwide. Together they spoke on “building a transformational culture within the United Way network. Participants learned about the work of the Culture Transformation Task Force and shared excellent feedback and ideas about the mindsets and behaviors that will strengthen our global network.”

Madi Crist: Turning Virtual Collaboration into Real World Connection

Senior Manager of Organizational Capacity and Accreditation, Madi Crist was excited to represent United Way of Central Indiana and meet folks from all over the Midwest.

“I was able to present on information from my experience in the United Way Worldwide Next-Gen Leaders Initiative and meet colleagues in person who I've worked with virtually during the program,” they said. “I really appreciated getting to share and gain knowledge during the conference!”

Moments like this highlight one of the most valuable aspects of regional conferences. Relationships that begin through programs, collaborations, and virtual meetings often deepen when people finally have the opportunity to gather together in person.

Bulletin board featuring photos from UW Wayne and Holmes Counties staff, “Ohio United” dinner, & peer roundtable.

Kayley Cox: Bringing New Ideas Back Home

For Community Relations Manager, Kayley Cox, “Great Rivers Conference, just like any other conference, is all what you make of it.” 

“Our team most looked forward to sessions from local United Ways, seeing what they are doing in their own communities to see if it is something we can take back and apply in Wayne and Holmes Counties (Ohio),” she explained.

With just five full-time team members and one part-timer, Kayley and her colleagues were excited to “connect with other United Ways in similar staff size to see how we can be even more efficient in helping our community!”

Luckily, the United Way of the Plains hosted a session titled “Building Events that Showcase Impact and Spark Philanthropy” that immediately inspired them. 

“It was about a Shark Tank style event that helped rally the community around amazing work while also increasing donations. We’re hoping to do something like this in our community very soon.”

Kayley truly only had praise for the event, stating “The sessions, the networking, the conversations, you have to be willing to ask the bold questions, put yourself out there, and engage with intention. This conference isn’t just about personal growth, it’s about strengthening your community. The more you invest and engage in this experience, the more you’ll take back to help your community thrive.”

Collage featuring photos of Marne, the UW of Central Illinois team, & fellow colleagues.

Marne Fauser: Learning and Growing Together as a Network

As the conference grew closer, Marne Fauser was excited to see her “United Way of Illinois colleagues from around the state.” They’re “such an amazing group of mission minded leaders and I learn something from them every time I have time to spend with them,” she continued.

After most looking forward to Rosie’s keynote and “Turning ALICE Data Into Action,” her favorite session ended up being a conversation between John Farden and Tom Lowery titled “United Way 2030: The Next Chapter of our Transformation Journey?”

But she didn’t attend the conference alone. In fact, her entire team had the opportunity to go and “to focus on professional development and deepen our learning of the network was a crucial piece to me as the CEO of a local United Way,” said Marne.

Needless to say, she’s looking forward to attending the 2027 Great Rivers Conference. Because according to Marne, “Great Rivers is a great opportunity to meet people that understand the challenges you face and the successes you have as a LUW. It truly becomes a network to lean into and learn from.”

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Experiences like the Great Rivers Conference serve as a reminder that the strength of the United Way network lies in its people. When leaders come together to share ideas, ask questions, and support one another, the entire network grows stronger.

As Jessica Safransky Schacht shared, “Great Rivers is always an excellent learning and networking opportunity. It’s a much needed time to connect with friends, learn from colleagues, and celebrate the amazing work we’re accomplishing in our communities.”

For anyone considering attending in the future, the message from this year’s attendees is simple: Go. Connect with colleagues. Share ideas. Ask questions. Learn from others.

And if you’d like to hear more about the conference experience, you can also explore Carole Peters’ reflections from the 2025 Great Rivers Conference, where she helped facilitate three different sessions, connected with dozens of colleagues, and brainstormed new ways that UW NEXT could support the network 💙