There are so many reasons you won't want to miss United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey's inaugural OpportUNITY Summit on Friday, April 22.
Here are just the Top Five!
1 - The Mission: Come Convene for the Future
The OpportUNITY Summit will examine our region’s toughest issues and explore the most promising and impactful pathways to ending poverty and expanding opportunity. As our region continues to rebound from the economic fallout of the pandemic, there’s never been a more pressing time to recommit to our poverty-fighting work and look towards the future.
2 - The Speakers: Come Be Inspired
Featuring national experts, The OpportUNITY Summit will push us to think bigger as we amplify our shared goal of building a stronger, more prosperous region for all.
You’ll hear from Naheed Nenshi, the former distinguished Mayor of Calgary and the 2014 World Mayor for his outstanding leadership and track record of expanding equity and opportunity for all. Using his extensive experience and expertise, Naheed will walk us through how to build effective and equitable civic coalitions. You’ll also hear from Raj Chetty, the William A. Ackman Professor of Economics at Harvard University and the Director of Opportunity Insights, which conducts scientific research using “big data” on how to improve upward mobility. An extremely sought-after speaker and recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” award, Raj will talk us through how to measure our impact and realize opportunities.
3 - The Networking: Come Share Your Experiences
Bringing together hundreds of business, civic, and community leaders for a day of learning, connection, and action, this is one event you won’t want to miss. You’ll have the opportunity to meet, share your experiences, and make meaningful connections with other attendees.
Is your organization piloting a new program? Are you looking to connect with other nonprofit leaders or individuals passionate about making change? Come to the Summit and forge meaningful connections with others who share a common goal.
4 - The Connections: Come Meet Local Leaders
The Greater Philadelphia region is full of passionate and civic-minded leaders. The OpportUNITY Summit will feature some of our region’s best and brightest local luminaries including:
Rakia Reynolds is the Founder of Skai Blue Media and United Way Regional Board Member. A producer turned communications strategist, Reynolds has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 27 Business Leaders Aiming to Change the World, was listed as one of the 25 Most Socially Influential Tastemakers on Dell’s “Inspire 100” list and was recently profiled by Forbes on their “Next 1000” list.
Councilwoman Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez is a veteran activist with over 30 years of service to the City of Philadelphia, now serving her fourth four-year term representing the 7th District. She chairs Council’s Committees on Appropriations and Education, and co-chairs Council’s Special Committee on Poverty Reduction & Prevention.
Dalila Wilson-Scott oversees all Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion initiatives and philanthropic strategy for the Comcast Corporation, including the company’s $100 million commitment to advance social justice and equality. Dalila also leads Comcast’s community impact initiatives, working across the organization to provide strategic leadership throughout all aspects of its corporate social responsibility programs, including employee engagement and volunteerism.
Andrea Anderson, Ph.D. is Chief Knowledge Officer, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Anderson is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading The Knowledge Center, the evidence and learning hub for United Way’s regional collaborations. Anderson's career spans 27 years during which she conducted program evaluation, policy analysis, and applied research for nongovernmental organizations, foundations, and civic leadership groups both domestically and internationally.
5 - The Inspiration: Come Away With More
The OpportUNITY Summit will focus on sharing best practices and proven poverty-reduction strategies. It will be an opportunity for individuals, business leaders, and nonprofit leaders alike to learn key insights, data, strategies and resources for how we all can play a role in making a larger impact.
Need help engaging your community? Looking for ways to get more involved? Join us and get the knowledge and resources you’ll need to support a stronger, more prosperous region for all.