United Way Summit at Purchase College Empowers Nonprofit Leaders

BCW Member, the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, welcomed hundreds of nonprofit professionals at Purchase College on Tuesday for the United Way’s 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Summit, a day dedicated to professional development, networking, and community building. The event featured renowned speakers and practical workshops, providing valuable insights for navigating the evolving landscape of nonprofit work.

Bestselling author Dan Heath captivated the audience with his morning keynote address that offered strategies from his newly released book, “Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working.” Heath, known for his impactful books like “Switch,” “Made to Stick,” and “Upstream,” shared his expertise on organizational transformation, offering practical tools for overcoming challenges and driving positive change within nonprofits. His often-humorous presentation resonated deeply with the attendees.

In the afternoon, retired Navy Captain Gail Harris took the stage, delivering a powerful keynote titled “Take Command & Win.” Captain Harris, a trailblazing leader and the first woman and first African American to serve as an Intelligence Officer in a Navy aviation squadron, shared her remarkable 28-year military career experiences. She offered insights on leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking, gleaned from her work from the Cold War through the Kosovo conflict.

The BCW participated in the conference and proudly has more than 150 not-for-profit members.

The summit also featured a diverse range of breakout sessions designed to address the pressing needs of nonprofit leaders. “Empowering Westchester-Based Nonprofits with Community Data,” led by Limarie Cabrera and Bijan Kimiagar, provided practical guidance on utilizing data for informed decision-making. Norma Carby’s session, “The Art of Inspiring and Empowering Others,” focused on effective communication and mentorship, equipping leaders with the skills to foster strong teams. Jenn Maher’s “Leading with Purpose” session presented strategies for aligning teams with organizational missions, ensuring that nonprofits remain focused and impactful.

The 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Summit successfully fostered a collaborative environment, allowing nonprofit professionals to connect, learn, and grow. The event underscored the United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector and empowering leaders to create positive change within their communities.