Keynotes & Speakers 2025
Powerful Keynote Speakers.
Kick off the 2025 conference with a panel of visionary thinkers, challenging us to think boldly about networks, democracy, and more. The next day, September 26, we’ll hear from Kashonna Marrow, who will help us move from knowledge to action in her closing keynote.
The Unquiet Force: Leaning into Our Power for Social Change
Date: Thursday, September 25
Moderated by: Ifeoma Aduba, Entrepreneurship Funders Network
Featuring as Panelists: Alexia Doumbouya, CocoLife.Black | Susan Gobreski, The Sedgwick Group | Nikki McKinney, Democracy Forward | Arun Prabhakaran, Urban Affairs Coalition
In every corner of our communities, nonprofits have long been the quiet force solving problems, building trust, and holding society together — especially when it matters most. But in a time when public trust is low and nonprofit work is too often misunderstood or taken for granted, we must step forward, united and unapologetic, to protect and advance our missions.
This panel-style keynote, moderated by long-time nonprofit leader Ifeoma Aduba, brings together visionary thinkers with deep experience in nonprofit policy and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Together, they’ll challenge us to see legislative advocacy not as an afterthought, but as mission-critical work. They’ll explore how nonprofits can and must lean into their legal right to lobby, promote civic engagement, and bolster democracy so that every voice is heard and every vote counted.
Now is the time for nonprofits across Pennsylvania to move from the background to the forefront — not just to meet this moment, but to shape the next.
Braving the Elements
Date: September 26
Presented by: Kashonna Marrow, President & CEO, Simply Kashonna
In every season of leadership, we face the winds of change, the storms of uncertainty, and the inevitable resistance that challenges our vision. Braving the Elements calls us to stand firm—anchored in purpose—while navigating obstacles that can easily derail even our most thought out plans.
True leadership demands more than strategy; it requires the stability to remain grounded while showing up with courage for our teams, communities, and those who depend on us. Bravery and courage, enables us to protect what we’ve built, strengthen our foundations, and stay mission-focused—despite the forces that threaten to uproot us.
This is a call to rise, to hold fast, and to brave the elements—together.
About Kashonna Marrow
Kashonna is highly sought-after by corporate entities, organizations, and small businesses and groups all over the world. Kashonna’s approach to coaching and empowering leaders, go-getters and successful business owners is to take it up a notch in their personal lives and businesses despite the challenges they are navigating or the disruption they may be facing.
About Simply Kashonna
Simply Kashonna is a business built to promote BOLD, FEARLESS, and COURAGEOUS living. Kashonna goes beyond surface issues to address the challenges that inhibit personal, professional, and spiritual growth, leading her clients to embrace their evolution.
Our Presenters.
Get to know our stellar line-up of speakers who will be leading us through dynamic sessions, conversations, and activities during our time together this fall.
Collaborative Conference Agenda.
This year’s conference is designed to both energize a statewide movement built on nonprofit solidarity and strategic advocacy and create space for joy, awe, and real talk — because movement-building also requires rest, relationships, and connection. Check out our agenda to see how we’ll do all this and more on September 25 & 26.