Midwest Asset Building Conversations – 2025
📅 Friday, September 26 | ⏰ 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CST | 💻 Virtual
Now & Next: The State of Asset Building in the Midwest
Agenda (all times CST)
9:00 – 9:40 am | Opening
Welcome and scene-setting: Where we are economically in the Midwest, why these conversations matter now, and a regional economic overview highlighting key trends and opportunities. The opening also includes a framing talk on why these conversations matter now more than ever, offering both inspiration and practical grounding for nonprofit work across the Midwest.
Speakers: Thomas Walstrum, Principal Business Economist - Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Megan Thibos - United Way Southeastern Michigan
9:40 – 10:25 am | Panel Discussion
Resilience & Innovation: How the Nonprofit Sector is Navigating the Now
Exploring economic justice in a constrained funding environment, creative models for financial empowerment, and cross-sector collaborations bridging rural, urban, and suburban divides.
Speakers:
Megan Thibos - United Way Southeastern Michigan, Director, Community Impact Innovation
Julianna Gonzalez-Crussi - Center for Changing Lives, President and CEO
Amy Kaufman - Community Partners for Affordable Housing, Vice President, Community Relations
10:25 – 10:35 am | Transition to Breakouts
Overview of breakout topics and instructions.
10:35 – 11:25 am | Breakout Sessions
Attendees will choose from concurrent sessions designed to highlight bright spots, tackle pressing challenges, and share collective strategies.
11:25 – 11:35 am | Transition Back to Main Room
Attendees return from breakout sessions for closing reflections.
11:35 am – 12:00 pm | Closing
Reflective wrap-up, key takeaways, and calls to action.
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NOTE: The Midwest Asset Building Conversations are part of the larger Midwest Asset Building Conference (MABC) experience, designed this year as a virtual event to deepen regional connection and engagement.