The From Poverty to Prosperity Leadership Summit 2026 is a high-impact, two-day convening designed to bring together policymakers, executive leaders, higher education, nonprofit innovators, and college and graduate students to address one of the most critical challenges facing communities today: creating sustainable pathways from poverty to prosperity.

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Taking place in October 2026 in Maryland, the Summit is built for leaders who influence systems, allocate resources, and shape policy. It moves beyond traditional conference formats by combining thought leadership, practical strategy, and cross-sector collaboration to produce actionable outcomes.

 

Participants will engage in keynote addresses from nationally recognized leaders, policy and executive panels, interactive action labs, and cross-sector working sessions focused on economic mobility. The Summit also features a Student Innovation Showcase, elevating next-generation leaders and research-driven solutions alongside experienced decision-makers.

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The program is organized around four core tracks:

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1. Policy Leadership & Systems Changes:

Topics may include:

• Legislative and policy interventions that expand economic mobility

• Local or state models for reducing poverty

• Cross-agency collaboration strategies

• Data-informed policymaking

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2. Next-Gen Leadership (College & Graduate Students)

Topics may include:

• Student-led research, advocacy, or innovation

• Campus-to-career pathways that elevate economic outcomes

• Youth-led solutions to community challenges

• Leadership development frameworks for emerging professionals

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3. Executive Leadership & Corporate Strategy

Topics may include:

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies

• AI, automation, and the future of workforce development

• DEI leadership models supporting economic advancement

• Public-private partnerships that work

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4. Cross-Sector Collaboration & Innovation

Topics may include:

• Multi-sector initiatives producing measurable outcomes

• Community-driven poverty alleviation models

• Innovative funding or investment structures

• Partnerships between higher ed, government, employers, and nonprofits

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By design, the Summit creates space for meaningful dialogue, strategic partnership-building, and clear commitments to action. Attendees leave not only with new insights, but with concrete tools, relationships, and next steps to drive measurable impact in their communities.

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The From Poverty to Prosperity Leadership Summit is more than an event—it is a leadership platform dedicated to transforming vision into impact and impact into action.