Thursday, June 11, 2026

Heritage University
Toppenish, Washington

Nonprofit leaders are navigating real headwinds, and they are responding to change with grit, resilience, and perseverance. In 2026, a Fire Horse year often used to describe momentum and courageous action in uncertain times, nonprofits are moving forward through transition. The Central Washington Conference for the Greater Good creates space to learn, connect, and be inspired—helping leaders carry momentum forward, build confidence, and act with clarity and purpose.

This is also a conference about building power together: power rooted in equity, built through relationships, and grounded in shared values to advance the communities we serve.

Together, we’re guided by a shared purpose, turn service into real action, and build strength through unity. We move forward, together.

INTRODUCING OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The Confidence Advantage: Building Better Teams, One Human at a Time

Margie DuBois
CPC, CEO of The Thirlby Company, LLC

Confidence is one of the most overlooked skills behind high-performing leaders and healthy, thriving teams. It shapes how we communicate, handle feedback, make decisions, and support one another under pressure. When confidence is strong, collaboration improves and trust grows. When it’s shaky, even the most talented organizations can struggle, and it becomes more difficult for them to achieve their mission. Simply put, confidence isn’t a personality trait — it’s a lifelong skill that directly impacts performance and culture.

This interactive session introduces the 7 Habits of Confident Humans, a behavior-based framework for building emotionally intelligent, self-led individuals at every level of an organization. Grounded in research, the tool helps us identify how our current habits – and the behaviors we observe in others – are influencing team dynamics, shaping culture, and driving results.

You will leave with:

A framework for recognizing The 4 Confidence Masks™ — the personas insecure employees adopt at work, and how to spot them
A clear understanding of the 7 Habits of Confident Humans™ and how they build emotional intelligence at every level
Tools to grow your own confidence and coach others on theirs
New language to bring into performance conversations and team discussions
Access to the Confidence Quiz — a free, behavior-based self-assessment to take home and use with teams

Whether you are a staff member, people leader, or curious learner, this session offers a powerful shift: confidence as a skill you can build — and the foundation for building healthier, happier teams. When a room full of nonprofit leaders builds confidence together, we move forward together.

Lunch conversation

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs & Inatai Foundation President & CEO Nichole June Maher in conversation

We are excited to announce that Secretary of State Steve Hobbs will be joining us at this year’s Conference. The Office of the Secretary of State has long been a sustaining partner of the Conference, and we are grateful to expand our connection through this conversation with nonprofit leaders from across the region.

Secretary Hobbs leads one of Washington’s most diverse state government offices. Through his visit, we will learn more about his office’s programs—and he will have the opportunity to hear directly from you about the work nonprofits are doing to strengthen communities across Central Washington.

Thank you Time Magic Studios for creating this beautiful two minute Conference Recap video!

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Nonprofit leaders like you are finding their way through an uncertain landscape. You know this as well as anyone as you search for funds, rally supporters, and advocate for your mission all while trying to keep your team together. It’s all too easy to forget that you’re part of something bigger–much bigger. We’re part of a vibrant and powerful network of nonprofits working toward the same goal: a brighter future. This conference is about how we draw power and resilience from one another.

On June 11th, nonprofits, philanthropy, and others dedicated to the greater good will converge to learn, connect, and be inspired. Designed by local leaders for local leaders, the Conference invites local and regional experts to share information, insights, and resources that address the opportunities and challenges in front of you today. The Conference is intentionally located on the campus of Heritage University, within the homeland of the Yakama Nation, to foster a space of reflection, connection, and celebration.

2026 Workshop Speakers

Experts are traveling from near and far to share their expertise. Read more about them here.

Nancy Bacon, Nonprofit Learning Center — Kari Anderson, Incite Consulting

ABOUT OUR HOST

We are excited to come together on the Heritage University campus. Heritage University’s mission is to empower a multi-cultural and inclusive student body to overcome the social, cultural, economic and geographic barriers that limit access to higher education. Rooted in the homeland of the Yakama Nation, HU embraces transformational student-centered education that cultivates leadership and a commitment to the promotion of a more just society. Likewise, our Conference believes in the power of people-centered learning that cultivates connection, celebration, and progress.

“The conference helped me network and build connections to build my nonprofit and move it forward.“

Sponsor the conference

If you would like to be part of making sure nonprofits have the information, tools, and connections they need to thrive, please consider sponsoring the Conference. Download more information.