United Way of Orange County brought nonprofit staff, board members, volunteers and community partners together Wednesday, October 28, for the Orange United Conference, a day dedicated to strengthening local organizations, sharing practical resources and building connections across the nonprofit sector.
Held at Lamar State College Orange’s J. Michael and Bridget Shahan Events Center, the conference featured a full day of professional development, expert-led sessions and networking opportunities designed to help organizations of all sizes strengthen their operations and expand their community impact.
Sessions addressed a range of topics relevant to today’s nonprofit organizations, including leadership, board governance, artificial intelligence, grant writing, marketing and branding, and volunteer engagement. Attendees also had opportunities to connect with local resources, including the SETX Volunteer Portal and SETX Nonprofit Development Center.
Featured sessions included “The Power of Purpose: Celebrating Nonprofit Impact,” presented by Roxanne Jones of United Ways of Texas; “Working Smarter with AI: Practical Tools for Small Nonprofits,” presented by Chris Cheetham-West; and “Make Your Grant Application Stand Out,” presented by Dr. Colton Strawser. Additional sessions focused on nonprofit board effectiveness, marketing and branding, and other tools to support organizational success.
“Our first Orange United Conference was everything we hoped it would be and more,” said Maureen McAllister, President & CEO of United Way of Orange County. “We had an incredible lineup of speakers who shared practical information, fresh ideas, and valuable resources that attendees can take back to their organizations. Just as important were the connections made throughout the day.”
The Orange United Conference reflects United Way of Orange County’s commitment to bringing people and resources together to improve quality of life and build a stronger Orange County. By providing opportunities for learning, collaboration and connection, the conference supports the organizations working every day to address local needs and serve residents throughout the community.
“We believe that investing in the people and organizations serving our community creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone,” McAllister said. “Stronger nonprofits mean a stronger community, and that’s exactly what this conference was designed to support.
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