United Way NEXT Engages New and Potential Members at the 2025 Great Rivers Conference
Each year the Great Rivers Conference brings together hundreds of United Way professionals from across the Midwest to share ideas, strengthen connections, and inspire collaborations. Throughout this four-day event, attendees gather together to learn from one another, build relationships, and celebrate the incredible work happening across the network.
This year’s conference was held at The Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin, and the theme was “United is the Way.” And despite the event being shortened to three days this year, the theme couldn’t have been more fitting!
A Jam-Packed Schedule
Great Rivers is a conference designed for our network, by our network. Their impressive program features engaging presentations, dynamic keynotes, breakout sessions, and opportunities for networking. In 2025, 15 of these sessions were conducted by United Way Worldwide (UWW) and over 35 sessions were led by local United Ways. `
Lucky for us, United Way NEXT had a hand in supporting not one, but three different sessions this year! On Tuesday, March 11th, UW NEXT CEO, Carole Peters, shared the stage with Annie Davies for their presentation “Onboard United: Now What?” Together they dove into the fundamentals of United Way, the broader United Way network, and how to contribute effectively to your organization’s mission and impact. This session was the perfect opportunity to welcome both new and seasoned professionals to the network & introduce them to UW NEXT.
United Way NEXT President & CEO, Carole Peters presenting at the 2025 Great Rivers Regional Conference.
On Thursday, March 13th, Carole joined Evelyn Morgner and Kristi Shepard, UW NEXT Planned Giving Faculty, for their session titled “Turbocharging Employee Giving: Deepening Relationships with Donors to Drive Retention and Growth.” With a direct tie to UW NEXT, Carole and Kristi were able to share how UW NEXT members have the opportunity to participate in planned giving and endowment mentorship. Carole also shared how members can benefit from our community with exclusive groups, shared resources, and planned giving webinars.
Evelyn Morgner, Kristi Sheperd, & Carole Peters presenters at the 2025 Great Rivers Regional Conference.
Earlier in the day, Carole led a “Staff Sized Breakout” session where she facilitated roundtable discussions for United Ways with 0-1 paid staff members. Feedback suggests it was very well received from the network. With her 35+ years of experience, Carole brought warmth, wisdom, and enthusiasm to each of her speaking engagements. The discussions were insightful, engaging, and full of practical takeaways.
Carole Peters & 15 attendees of the 0-1 Staff Sized Breakout session at the 2025 Great Rivers Conference.
“Facilitating a session with Local UW CEOs who represented the very small 0-1 staff UWs was so inspiring. The attendees were so thankful for the opportunity to connect with peers who lead these UWs on their own. Sharing some personal stories helped these individuals especially remember that we are a community of UW leaders, working to support one another no matter the number on the team,” said Carole Peters.
A Rich Community & A Lifelong Resource
If you know Carole, you know how passionate she is about making sure everyone has a seat at the table and the Great Rivers Conference was no different. Carole took every effort to ensure that she connected with current members and volunteers of UW NEXT, introduced herself to new members of the greater United Way network, and reconnected with United Way professionals from her past.
Katie Tuttle, Jessica Safransky Schact, and Carole Peters at the 2025 Great Rivers Regional Conference.
And throughout the entire conference, her messaging was consistent: United Way NEXT is more than a lifelong resource. It’s a rich community of passionate United Way professionals and alumni who share a profound sense of purpose and belonging. Whether someone is just starting out or transitioning into retirement, UW NEXT remains a constant source of connection, guidance, and inspiration.
“Attending the Great Rivers Regional Conference provided a wonderful opportunity to connect and reconnect with local United Way staff who have benefited from the resources offered through UW NEXT. The value received is evident and the feedback very positive as local UW staff look for ways to learn, develop and grow in their roles. Meeting new UW staff also brings me so much joy as I remember the impact these regional conferences had on me as a Local UW CEO,” shared Carole Peters.
A Conference to Remember
By the end of Great Rivers 2025, there was an overwhelming sense of optimism and momentum. The conference wasn’t just about learning; it was about rekindling passion, fostering relationships, and reminding ourselves why we do this work in the first place. For Carole, some of the best moments were simply connecting with colleagues—exchanging stories, brainstorming ideas, and celebrating our shared mission that “United is the Way.”
“Spending time with peers in the network and hearing about their successes and challenges provided me a chance to reflect on new ways that UW NEXT can offer support in the network. Seeing old friends and making new ones is my favorite part of being at the conference,” said Carole Peters.
With another incredible Great Rivers Conference in the books, one thing is clear: the future of United Way is bright and the power of United Way NEXT is stronger than ever!
Interested in Learning More About NEXT?
If you attended the conference, participated in one of Carole’s presentations, or simply stumbled upon this article, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to connect with us on LinkedIn or email us directly at info@unitedwaynext.org