From Poverty To Prosperity Leadership Summit 2026
About this Event
From Poverty to Prosperity™ Leadership Summit 2026
📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
🕗 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Baltimore County, Maryland
Turning Vision into Impact. Impact into Action.
This isn't another leadership conference. It's an implementation-focused leadership experience.
The From Poverty to Prosperity™ Leadership Summit brings together policymakers, executive leaders, business professionals, educators, workforce leaders, nonprofit organizations, public safety leaders, higher education institutions, philanthropists, and community changemakers to do more than exchange ideas.
Together, we'll build strategic partnerships, develop implementation strategies, and make measurable commitments that strengthen economic mobility and community prosperity.
Designed around cross-sector collaboration, the summit challenges leaders to move beyond discussion and into action by connecting organizations that are ready to work together to address today's most pressing challenges—including workforce development, education, entrepreneurship, housing, disability inclusion, public safety, and economic mobility.
Rather than ending with recommendations, participants will engage in Impact into Action Labs where collaborative solutions are developed and implementation begins.
The summit will also launch the Prosperity Action Partners™ Network, bringing organizations together to establish partnerships that continue well beyond October 3.
The day concludes with Prosperity Commitments™, where participating organizations publicly announce collaborative initiatives they will pursue to create measurable community impact.
What You'll Experience
✔ Executive Leadership Sessions
✔ Leadership Luncheon & Fireside Chat
✔ Impact into Action Labs
✔ Cross-Sector Partnership Building
✔ Launch of the Prosperity Action Partners™ Network
✔ Prosperity Commitments™ focused on implementation
✔ High-value networking with leaders from government, business, education, workforce development, higher education, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and community leadership
Professional Development Opportunity
Presented by DTD Enterprises, LLC, participants may earn up to five (5) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits through DTD Enterprises, LLC's Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)-approved professional learning program.
Organizations interested in employer-sponsored registration or participants interested in earning CPD credits are encouraged to contact .
Who Should Attend
- Government & Public Sector Leaders
- Business & Corporate Executives
- Workforce Development Professionals
- Higher Education Leaders
- PK–12 Education Leaders
- Nonprofit Executives
- Public Safety Professionals
- Healthcare & Human Services Leaders
- Community Leaders
- Graduate Students & Emerging Leaders
Attendance is intentionally limited to 120 participants to foster meaningful collaboration, strategic networking, and measurable implementation.
If you're ready to move beyond conversation and help build partnerships that strengthen communities, this summit is for you.
Register today and become part of the movement turning vision into impact—and impact into action.
Learn more:
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
FROM POVERTY TO PROSPERITY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026
Info: FROM POVERTY TO PROSPERITY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026
Turning Vision into Impact. Impact into Action.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Baltimore County, Maryland
Summit Program: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
VIP Leadership Reception (Premium Registration Experience): 5:15 PM – 6:30 PM
In Partnership With
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland Natural Resources Police
Confirmed Participation From Leaders Representing:
Maryland Department of Social & Economic Mobility • Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development • Comptroller of Maryland • Maryland Department of Natural Resources • Maryland Natural Resources Police • Higher Education Leadership
About the Summit
Join policymakers, executive leaders, educators, innovators, workforce professionals, and emerging changemakers for a high-impact leadership experience focused on advancing economic mobility and systems-level change.
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:45 AM
Leadership Networking Breakfast
Info: Connect with leaders from government, education, workforce development, business, healthcare, housing, and community organizations while building meaningful partnerships for impact.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:20 AM
Summit Welcome & Opening Remarks
Info: Turning Vision into Impact
Dr. Tekemia Dorsey
Founder & CEO, DTD Enterprises, LLC
A call to action focused on leadership, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of advancing economic mobility across Maryland.
🕑: 09:20 AM - 10:00 AM
Opening Keynote Address
Info: The Future of Economic Mobility in Maryland
The Honorable Kim Ross
Maryland State Delegate, District 8
Exploring how leadership, policy, innovation, and partnership can create stronger pathways to prosperity for individuals, families, and communities.
🕑: 10:10 AM - 11:15 AM
Leadership Plenary
Info: The Reality of Poverty and Pathways Forward
A dynamic discussion examining the interconnected challenges that impact economic mobility and the opportunities to create meaningful systems change.
Featured Perspectives Include:
Government & Public Policy Leadership
Community Leadership
Mental Health & Homelessness Advocacy
Youth & Emerging Leaders
Lived Experience Voices
Discussion Topics:
Housing Stability & Homelessness
Mental & Behavioral Health
Workforce Access & Opportunity
Community-Based Solutions
Systems Alignment & Innovation
Pathways to Economic Mobility
🕑: 11:20 AM - 12:20 AM
Pathways to Prosperity Leadership Tracks
Info: Participants will select one of three leadership tracks designed to explore solutions and strategies within key areas of impact.
Track A
Education, Disability Inclusion & Career Readiness
Moving Students from Potential to Opportunity
Exploring strategies that connect education, transition services, workforce readiness, and long-term success.
Track B
Workforce, Entrepreneurship & Economic Mobility
Building Sustainable Pathways to Prosperity
Examining workforce development, skilled trades, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and employer engagement.
Track C
Housing, Health & Community Stability
Creating the Conditions Necessary for Success
Addressing housing stability, health equity, mental wellness, transportation access, and community support systems.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Leadership Luncheon & Fireside Chat
Info: Leadership Across Sectors:
Building Pathways to Prosperity
Featured Fireside Chat Participants
Walter L. Simmons
Secretary, Maryland Department of Social & Economic Mobility
Kari Snyder
Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development
Erica Roach
Deputy Chief Comptroller, State of Maryland
Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis
President Emerita, Community College of Baltimore County
Moderated by
Dr. Tekemia Dorsey
A leadership dialogue focused on bold ideas, collaborative partnerships, and innovative approaches to advancing economic mobility throughout Maryland.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Featured Leadership Forum: Turning Vision into Impact: Building Maryland's Eco
Info: Cross-sector leaders explore how education, workforce development, higher education, government, and industry can align to strengthen pathways from poverty to prosperity.
Focus Areas:
Postsecondary Success
Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships
Workforce Alignment
Industry Partnerships
Inclusive Economic Growth
Talent Development
🕑: 03:10 PM - 04:10 PM
Impact into Action Labs: Developing Solutions That Move Systems
Info: Collaborative working sessions designed to transform ideas into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes.
Action Lab Focus Areas:
Education & Transition Pathways
Workforce & Entrepreneurship
Housing, Health & Community Stability
Policy & Systems Change
Participants will identify practical recommendations and opportunities for implementation.
🕑: 04:10 PM - 04:20 PM
Prosperity in Action Awards: Recognizing Leaders Who Turn Vision Into Impact
Info: Honoring distinguished leaders whose service, innovation, and commitment have strengthened communities and expanded pathways to opportunity.
Housing & Homelessness Advocacy Award
Youth Development & Community Impact Award
🕑: 04:20 PM - 04:45 PM
Closing Leadership Plenary From Dialogue to Action: Summit Commitments & Recom
Info: From Dialogue to Action:
Summit Commitments & Recommendations
Highlights from the Impact into Action Labs and key recommendations for advancing economic mobility, leadership collaboration, and systems-level change.
🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:00 PM
The Prosperity Commitment & Closing Charge
Info: The Prosperity Commitment & Closing Charge
A collective call to leadership, accountability, and sustained action beyond the summit.
🕑: 05:15 PM - 06:30 PM
VIP LEADERSHIP RECEPTION
Info: Separate VIP Registration Required | Limited Capacity
An exclusive networking experience designed for policymakers, executive leaders, sponsors, higher education leadership, featured speakers, and invited guests.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 135.23 to USD 482.02
