8:00–9:00 Welcome & Opening Session

Kick off the day with an energizing welcome from event host Ryan Davidson and special guests. We’ll set the tone for the Summit, share the vision behind the gathering, and outline what attendees can expect. This opening hour is designed to unite everyone around a shared purpose: building stronger communities together and moving ideas into action.

9:15–10:15 Workshop Session 1

Participants will begin the day’s learning experience with the first of four focused, hands-on workshops. These sessions are designed to deliver practical tools, strategic insight, and real-world application tailored to nonprofit leaders, educators, and community changemakers.

10:30–11:30 Workshop Session 2

Continue building momentum in the second interactive workshop. Each session is intentionally structured to move beyond theory into implementation, equipping attendees with actionable strategies they can apply immediately within their organizations.

11:30–12:00 Resource Fair

Explore a curated marketplace of mission-driven businesses, service providers, and community partners. The Resource Fair offers dedicated time to discover valuable resources, build partnerships, and support organizations aligned with your work.

12:00–1:30 Lunch & Keynote

Enjoy lunch while hearing from our featured keynote speaker, Marquis Forge, Owner of Eleven86 Water and Founder of MRaine River Association. In this inspiring address, Marquis will share powerful insights on grassroots initiatives that truly work, drawing from real-world leadership and hands-on community impact. Attendees can expect practical encouragement, proven strategies, and actionable lessons designed to strengthen today’s nonprofit and community leaders.

1:45–2:45 Workshop Session 3

The afternoon shifts back into focused implementation. Participants will engage in another strategy-driven workshop designed to deepen learning and refine practical skills in funding, leadership, community engagement, and organizational growth.

3:00–4:00 Workshop Session 4

The final workshop session of the day provides an opportunity to solidify ideas, develop tangible next steps, and collaborate with peers in a structured, solution-oriented environment.

4:00-4:30 Closing Remarks

We’ll reflect on the day’s biggest takeaways, celebrate connections made, and challenge attendees to put what they’ve learned into action. This closing moment reinforces the Summit’s mission and sends participants out empowered and equipped.

4:30-6:00 Community Mixer

End the day with intentional networking in a relaxed atmosphere. The Community Mixer creates space for deeper conversations, collaboration opportunities, and relationship-building with fellow nonprofit leaders, educators, and changemakers across Alabama.

Giveaways will take place during the Mixer. Attendees must be present to win.