On July 16, 2026, nonprofit leaders, community partners, changemakers, and organizations from across the region came together for the Jefferson Regional Foundation’s Going the Distance: Progress, Partnerships & Purpose One-Day Conference.
A Powerful Welcome and Keynote
Jefferson Regional Foundation President & CEO Dr. Trisha Gadson welcomed conference attendees and reflected on the importance of bringing nonprofit and community partners together. Board Chair, Rich Talarico also welcomed nonprofit partners and helped set the tone for a day centered on progress, partnership, and purpose.
The Foundation proudly welcomed Emmy-nominated actor, philanthropist, and Mon Valley native Tamara Tunie as the conference keynote speaker.
Tunie shared a powerful message about perseverance, resilience, purpose, and the experiences that shape us. One of her most memorable messages to the audience was:
“We are forged by the fire.”
Her words resonated with a room filled with individuals and organizations doing challenging and meaningful work in their communities. Hear more from Tamara Tunie’s keynote on JRF’s Facebook and/or LinkedIn.
Following the keynote, attendees had the opportunity to hear more from Tunie during a conversation and Q&A facilitated by Kelleigh Boland, Director of Grantmaking & Strategy.
Learning Through Collaboration
The conference offered nonprofit professionals an opportunity to participate in workshops focused on some of the most pressing issues affecting communities throughout the region.
Workshop topics included:
- Meeting the Moment: Nonprofit Partnerships for Immigrant & Refugee Families: Brought together community-based organizations who developed a swift, comprehensive and trauma-informed response that prioritized safety, dignity, and the health and well-being of immigrant and refugee families.
- Rooted in Community: Strengthening Local Networks Working Towards Food Security: Welcomed an interactive panel that brought together regional food access leaders and healthcare partners that explored how food and health intersect.
- From Overwhelmed to In Control: Everyday AI Tools & Skills that Work: Offered a grounded, practical introduction to AI for nonprofit professionals who want to identify what these tools actually do, where they can add value, and how to use them responsibly in real-world settings.
- Reframing Mental Health Through Joy, Wellness & Strategies for Sustainable Care: Explored a holistic approach to well-being, offering practical strategies, reflection opportunities, and connections to local resources that support individuals, communities, and organizations.
- Clearing the Air: Community Engaged Education for Healthier Breathing: Explored the importance of asthma self-management education (ASME) and practical strategies to improve asthma control through trigger mitigation, lifestyle modification, and self-advocacy.
Together, these sessions provided opportunities for participants to learn from one another, share experiences, and take practical ideas back to their organizations and communities.
More Than a Conference
Throughout the day, participants had opportunities to connect, celebrate, and engage beyond the workshops.
Conference activities included Pass the Smile, AHN Health Screenings, Live Painting Impact Mural, and Visual Story Capture, creating additional opportunities for connection and community engagement.
Nonprofit partners also had the opportunity to take photos with Tamara Tunie, followed by opportunities for JRF staff and board members to capture the moment together.
The day also included time for lunch and continued conversations among nonprofit leaders, community partners, Foundation staff, and board members.
Celebrating Community Impact: The 2026 Unified Voices Award
The conference concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Unified Voices Award, recognizing organizations whose collaborative work demonstrates the power of partnership and community impact. Visit the July 2026 Conference page to learn more about the nominees & finalists of the 2026 Unified Voices Award.
The inaugural award was presented to Global Links and Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank for their collaborative drive-through distribution effort in Clairton and McKeesport, which provided essential resources to approximately 300–400 families.
The award celebrated not only the organizations receiving the recognition, but also the spirit of collaboration that makes meaningful community impact possible.
To learn more about the 2026 Unified Voices Award, the finalists, and the initiatives they represent, watch the videos here:
- 2026 Unified Voices Award | Winners & Runners-Up Reveal
- 2026 Unified Voices Award | Stories of Impact
Going the Distance Together
The Jefferson Regional Foundation’s Going the Distance Conference was more than a one-day event. It was an opportunity to bring people together, strengthen relationships, share knowledge, recognize community impact, and create space for new ideas.
As the Foundation continues to work alongside nonprofit organizations and community partners across the Jefferson footprint, events like this remind us of what is possible when we come together with progress, partnerships, and purpose.
Thank you to all the speakers, workshop facilitators, nonprofit partners, community leaders, volunteers, JRF staff, board members, and attendees who helped make the day a success.
Together, we are going the distance.