November 2024 | Humboldt County
A Powerful Day of Connection, Learning, and Growth
The Thriving Together conference brought together over 150 attendees and volunteers from across the nonprofit sector for a day focused on wellness, connection, and collaboration. After a seven-year gap since the last nonprofit gathering, this event was a powerful reminder of how essential it is to come together, share ideas, and envision a sustainable future for our community.
Highlights of the Event
- Interactive Workshops & Breakout Sessions: Thought leaders, experts, and local changemakers facilitated dynamic conversations and hands-on activities.
- Community-Building: Participants explored strategies to support youth development, cultural belonging, and trauma-informed leadership.
- A Focus on Wellness: Attendees engaged in sessions emphasizing self-care, creative pathways, and sustainable approaches to thriving in nonprofit work.
Morning Breakout Sessions
- Communicating Across Differences and Making Authentic Connections
Presented by: Jessica Pettitt, MBA, MEd
Jessica led an engaging, interactive session on fostering understanding and respect across cultural, social, and political differences, offering tools to build stronger, more authentic workplace and community relationships. - Creative Pathways: The Arts and Community Wellness
Presented by: Janessa Johnsrude & Tim Cunningham
Janessa and Tim shared inspiring stories of how the arts are driving transformative change locally and globally, encouraging participants to integrate creative practices into their work. - Nurturing Our Future: Strategies for Youth Development
Panelists: Staff & Youth from Two Feathers Native American Family Services and Humboldt County Transition Age Youth Collaboration
This panel showcased impactful programs that empower youth to thrive as transformative leaders in our community.
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
- Navigating the New Fundraising Landscape
Panelists: David Reed, Beth Bray, Tia Baratelle | Facilitator: Anne Holcomb
Attendees explored trends, challenges, and innovative strategies in fundraising to adapt to a shifting economic and philanthropic landscape. - Traditions: Exploring Health, Community, and Relationships through Cultural Perspectives
Panelists: Laura Woods, Judge Abby Abinanti, Brenda Pérez, Dr. Paul Michael Leonardo Atienza, Mo Harper Desir
This session emphasized the critical role of cultural practices in strengthening health, connection, and community resilience. - Trauma-Informed Leadership
Presented by: Kerry Venegas, Robin Baker | Moderated by: Darlene Spoor
Local leaders shared principles and strategies for leading with empathy, supporting caregivers, and fostering resilience in the face of trauma.
A Day of Impact
Participants left the conference feeling recharged, refocused, and reconnected, equipped with new tools to prioritize their own wellness and strengthen their work in service to others. From engaging workshops to heartfelt discussions, the day fostered deep connection and inspired a renewed vision for collaboration within the nonprofit sector.
Thank you to all the speakers, panelists, volunteers, and attendees who made this event a success. Your dedication to serving others is the heart of our community.
Stay Connected
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