Changemakers Conference

What is Changemakers?

The Changemakers Conference is a gathering for people who care deeply about their communities and believe meaningful change happens when we listen well and work together. It brings nonprofit leaders, business professionals, funders, and community partners into the same room to wrestle honestly with today’s most pressing challenges.

Through thoughtful conversations, collaborative sessions, and shared learning, Changemakers creates space to move beyond surface-level ideas toward practical, people-centered solutions. Rooted in the belief that Lancaster collaborating for good can lead to lasting impact, participants leave with fresh perspective, renewed energy, and a stronger sense of connection to the work—and to one another.

Because real impact doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows when people show up with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to build something better together.

Keynote Presenter: Christine Miles, M.S. Ed

Shining a Light: Transforming Conversations for Connection and Impact

True changemakers know relationships are the heartbeat of influence, but today’s leaders face a hidden crisis: a lack of genuine understanding that quietly erodes trust and unity.

In this engaging keynote, Christine Miles demonstrates how listening to understand, asking better questions, and creating space for people’s full stories can change everything. When people feel heard, real insight surfaces, misunderstandings dissolve, and collaboration thrives.

Christine Miles, M.S. Ed, is a renowned thought leader in listening intelligence, award-winning author of What Is It Costing You Not to Listen?, and founder and CEO of EQuipt. Creator of The Listening Path®, her work is used by Fortune 100 companies and schools worldwide to help leaders build trust, empathy, and lasting impact through the power of listening.

A Big Thank You To Our 2026 Presenting Sponsor

Keynote Sponsor

Breakout Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

Breakout sessions

When registering, attendees will have the option of choosing two sessions.

Session #1: Collaborating for Good: Stories of Successful Cross-Sector Partnerships
What does a successful partnership really look like? Hear real stories from organizations that have built strong, impactful collaborations across sectors. Panelists will share how their partnerships began, what they learned along the way, and the impact they’ve made together. Moderator: Ashley Burkett Glensor (Global Disciples) Panelists: Sandy Gambone (Water Street Mission), Casey Tommasi (Restoration Relief), Adam Nagle (The Factory Ministries) & Michelle Rondinelli (Kitchen Kettle Village), Zoe Bluestone (Bench Mark Program), and Heather Thompson (Rhoads Energy Corporation)
Session #2: Fundraising in Flux: An Open Conversation on Today’s Realities
Fundraising is changing — and many nonprofits are feeling it. Join an open, guided conversation with nonprofit leaders and fundraisers to unpack today’s fundraising realities, from donor retention and peer-to-peer models to foundation relationships and uncertain government funding. Come ready to share what you’re seeing, hear from others in the field, and leave with greater clarity around what’s changing and how organizations are adapting. Moderator: Jack Crowley (Water Street Mission) Panelists: Patty Eastep (Anchor Lancaster), Jon Eisenberg (National Christian Foundation), Tashia James (The Foundation for Enhancing Communities), Bob Kramer (Water Street Mission), Robin Stauffer (High Foundation), and Jordan Steffy (Attollo Prep)
Session #3: Businesses Doing Good & Doing Well
Community engagement can be a win-win. In this session, business leaders share how they align community involvement with company values, employee engagement, and business goals. Learn creative, practical ways businesses are building meaningful partnerships that benefit both their organizations and the community they serve. Moderator: Derek Melleby (North Group Consultants) Panelists: Garret Barbush (Warfel Construction), Cristal Batista (Two Dudes Painting Company), Salena Coachman (Armstrong World Industries), and Eric Wenger (RKL)

Schedule

8:00 – 8:30 AM: Registration & Networking
8:30 – 9:45 AM: Opening & Keynote Presentation
10:00 – 10:45 AM: Breakout Session
11:00 – 11:45 AM: Breakout Session
11:45 – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Collaborative Activity
1:00 – 2:00 PM: Non-Profit & Business Fair

Fair table interest form

Interested in hosting an exhibit table at our nonprofit/business fair? Fill out or interest form: https://forms.gle/7k3cCzWmVP7eNxxk6 Please note this is a first-come, first-serve opportunity. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to business ambassador Lauren Christie at lchristie@wsm.org.