Power & Possibilities Summit 2026

Presenters: Amun Ra & Rahwa Ghirmatzion

Historic disinvestment has shaped who owns land, housing, businesses, and other assets—and who has the power to make decisions about what happens in our communities. This interactive session introduces Community Asset Control and Ownership and explores the connection between ownership, wealth, decision-making, and power.

Participants will examine how historic disinvestment continues to influence patterns of ownership and financial prosperity in BIPOC communities. Through discussion and reflection, participants will consider the assets that already exist within their communities, who currently owns and controls those assets, who benefits from investment and development, and where opportunities may exist to build greater community ownership and control.

Presenters: Amun Ra & Rahwa Ghirmatzion

Building on Part I, this interactive session moves from understanding asset control and ownership to exploring strategies for action. Participants will examine how greater community control of housing, land, businesses, and capital can help build wealth, strengthen neighborhoods, and create long-term financial prosperity.

Through practical examples and small-group discussion, participants will explore different pathways to community ownership and consider the roles community-based organizations can play as connectors, conveners, advocates, partners, and catalysts. Participants will begin identifying opportunities within their own communities and consider the partnerships, capital, resources, and decision-making structures needed to move from investment to greater community ownership.

Presenter: Clotilde DeDecker

Strong organizations are built on more than passion—they are built on sound financial strategy, intentional fund development, and sustainable leadership. This interactive workshop will equip nonprofit leaders with practical strategies to navigate today’s funding landscape, diversify revenue, and strengthen their organizations long-term financial health.

Participants will explore how to develop a comprehensive fund development strategy by leveraging local, state, federal, foundation, corporate, and individual giving opportunities. The session will also examine how financial planning, board engagement, and strategic partnerships can create a resilient organization capable of advancing its mission for years to come.

Presenters: Cindy Odom & Dr. Marie Cannon

Transformational change rarely happens in isolation. This session explores how organizations can leverage partnerships, coalitions, and aligned networks to build collective power and advance shared goals. Participants will learn strategies for cultivating values-aligned partnerships, navigating coalition dynamics, and moving beyond transactional collaboration toward authentic power-sharing and collective impact.

Presenter: Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin

Effective leadership begins with understanding how you lead, how others experience you, and how your identity shapes your influence. This session helps leaders strengthen their self- awareness, leadership presence, and communication style to increase their impact across teams, boards, and external stakeholders. Participants will reflect on their leadership identity, explore strategies for leading with confidence and authenticity, and learn how to adapt their influence on different environments and audiences.