We are thrilled to announce PEAK2026’s keynote speakers and panelists! Each of the segments is anchored in the convening theme, Rooted in Purpose, Growing Together, and features thought-leaders in philanthropy focused on building a more responsive, innovative, and collaborative sector for the future.
DAY 1 KEYNOTE REMARKS AND PANEL
Wednesday, March 25
Welcome Remarks from US Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Join us for an inspiring opening keynote with Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the legendary six-time Olympic medalist named the Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century. From her humble beginnings in East St. Louis to setting a world heptathlon record that still stands today, Jackie shares the defining principles that guided her to elite performance and lifelong impact as a community builder and philanthropist leading the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in East St. Louis today. Audiences will gain insight into building resilience, maintaining a champion’s mindset, setting audacious goals, and leading through purpose, embodying her belief that “there is gold in all of us.”
Investing in a More Just and Equitable Future for Missouri
Our opening keynote features a dynamic dialogue between local leaders, Deena Lauver Scotti (Vice President of Program Administration at the Missouri Foundation for Health), Reverend Bethany Johnson-Javois (President and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation), and Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace (President and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation). They will be joined by Kayla Reed (Co-founder and Executive Director of Action St. Louis), whose organization has been at the forefront of the city and state’s most pressing racial equity and tornado recovery efforts. The panel will explore the regional challenges in the Midwest and unique openings for innovation in the sector, emphasizing the need for deeper collaboration and trust-building between funded partners and philanthropic organizations. The conversation moves beyond theory to offer concrete strategies for sustainable impact, challenging attendees to examine how their own values, leadership, and influence over grantmaking practices can spark a transformative ripple effect. Together, these leaders will demonstrate how courageous practices and long-term commitments are not just goals, but the essential tools for building a more just and equitable future for all residents.
DAY 2 KEYNOTE REMARKS
Thursday, March 26
Annual Membership Meeting
Join your fellow PEAK members for the annual membership meeting. Look forward to updates on the organization’s financial health and more. The membership meeting will feature a panel with board members, who will dive into the future of PEAK and what members can expect in 2026. We’ll also celebrate our 30th anniversary! Expect reflections on the past 30 years, what we hope remains with PEAK in the next 30, and everything in between. We’ll close with an interactive Q&A session before heading into our keynote.
Meeting the Moment
At a time of compounding crises, philanthropy’s commitment to take bold action in support of the communities we exist to serve has never been more vital. Amidst the chaos, what can grants professionals and organizations do to show up authentically for communities and lead courageously now? For our second keynote, Dr. Carmen Rojas, president and CEO of Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF), will map openings that can help us to meet the moment by evolving our practices to achieve a deeper, more equitable impact. Dr. Rojas will share how MCF is doubling down on equity and embedding core values like power-shifting and mission-aligned investing into its work. Join us for this opportunity to strengthen our collective roots and fortify the organizing that’s already building a better tomorrow.
DAY 3 KEYNOTE PANEL
Friday, March 27
Fireside Chat on Charting a More Impactful Future for Philanthropy
PEAK2026 concludes with an engaging fireside chat with Dr. Richard Besser (President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), Kevin Bolduc (Vice President, Assessment and Advisory Services of CEP), and Rachel Rossi (President of Alliance for Justice). Together, they will explore how philanthropy can lead in this moment by filling important gaps, strengthening the sector, and supporting grants professionals as they navigate today’s complex challenges and improve grantmaking practices. At a time of increased political pressure and federal disinvestment in our safety nets, they will share how their institutions are sustaining community partners and advancing education and social justice advocacy. A 25-minute Q&A will take place following the conversation, offering an interactive close to the convening.
