Stay Tuned for 2025 Conference Updates!
Thank You for an Amazing Event!
On October 10, UNA members, supporters, and friends came together for the largest gathering of nonprofit professionals in Utah. Attendees learned from experts and connected with leaders from across the sector on the issues that mattered most to them. The UNA Annual Conference offered a full day of diverse sessions and speakers, providing insights and innovative approaches to addressing nonprofit challenges and needs.
The conference also provided invaluable networking and collaboration opportunities, allowing attendees to build personal and professional connections and forge partnerships to advance their organizational goals. Participants left inspired, equipped with practical solutions, innovative ideas, and new relationships to fuel their work in the nonprofit sector.
Embrace + Embolden is about getting deeper into our practice and connecting with the core values of belonging, dignity, and humanity. Our goal is to move beyond the notion of empowerment towards a vision of strengthening. Through our work, we hope to recognize and support the innate power of our people and our organizations. We embrace because you belong. We embolden because you are powerful.
Thank You to Our Incredible Keynote Speakers!
Donna Murray-Brown
In today's evolving landscape of social change, nonprofits stand as beacons of hope and catalysts for transformation. Beyond Empowerment: Embracing Our Power, Impacting Our Communities dives deep into the heart of nonprofit work from its beginning and today, celebrating the profound impact of embracing our inherent strengths and values. Donna Murray-Brown explores how embracing inclusivity, dignity, and humanity within our organizations not only emboldens but also amplifies our collective ability to effect meaningful change. She'll uncover strategies to move beyond conventional notions of empowerment, towards a paradigm that nurtures resilience and fosters sustainable impact. Join us as we embark on a journey to embolden our communities, ignite passion, and unleash the full potential of nonprofits in shaping a better tomorrow for all.
About Our Presenter
Donna Murray-Brown is the inaugural Vice President of Strategy and Development of the National Council of Nonprofits. In her role, Donna leads the growth of NCN's core resources through practical and impactful strategic initiatives that integrate the knowledge, policy, and advocacy competencies and support the network in advancing those strategic initiatives.
Dr. Timothy Shriver
Dr. Timothy Shriver is a University of Utah Impact Scholar at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, the Chairman of Special Olympics International, founder and current CEO of UNITE, and co-creator of the Dignity Index – a tool designed to ease divisions, prevent violence, and solve problems. He was named a University of Utah Impact Scholar in 2023, where he engages with and informs local policymakers, consults with university leadership on societal impact, and contributes to an exceptional student experience.
Dr. Shriver’s experience in promoting social and emotional learning and challenging societal divides offers valuable insights for empowering communities to embrace diversity and take bold action. Dr. Shriver brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and inspiration to the conference.
About Our Presenter
Dr. Timothy Shriver began his career as an educator and subsequently co-founded the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the leading school reform organization in the field of social and emotional learning. Shriver earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University, a Master's degree from Catholic University, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Connecticut. He has produced 6 films, is the author of the New York Times bestseller Fully Alive – Discovering What Matters Most, and co-editor of The Call to Unite: Voices of Hope and Awakening.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors!
Thank you to all the professionals, sponsors, and exhibitors who made the 2024 UNA Annual Conference a success! As Utah's largest gathering of nonprofit organizations, this event was an incredible opportunity to build meaningful relationships, share resources, showcase products, and strengthen partnerships within Utah's nonprofit community.
Your participation and support helped create valuable connections and demonstrate the power of collaboration. We appreciate your commitment to advancing the work of nonprofits across the state!
2024 Conference Planning Committee
Natalie El-Deiry, Chair
Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
Encarni Gallardo
Children's Service Society
Kyle Robbins
Larson & Company
Hannah Williams
Zions Bank
Katherine Aguilera
Peace House
Danielle Neveselov
United Way of Northern Utah
Taylor Smedley
The Leonardo
Alison Anderson
Utah Nonprofits Association
Emily Nikolaisen
Utah Nonprofits Association