United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Ignite 2026 equipped workplace campaign leaders with storytelling tools, impact updates and inspiration for the 2026 giving season.
As United Way of Greater Kansas City prepares for another year of impact, Ignite 2026 brought together corporate partners for a half-day experience designed to inspire, equip and energize ahead of the 2026 campaign season.
Hosted at Impact 100 partner Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center new Propeller Building, the event provided attendees with an opportunity to connect with peers, learn about new United Way initiatives and gain practical tools to help engage colleagues and drive impact through their workplace campaigns.
One of the highlights of the day was an interactive keynote session led by Mary Messner, a nationally recognized expert in communications and leadership development. Through various activities and thought-provoking discussions, Messner challenged attendees to think differently about storytelling and its power to inspire action. Participants explored how authentic stories can help people better understand a mission, connect emotionally to a cause and believe in the difference they can make through their support.
Throughout the event, attendees also received updates on United Way’s latest initiatives and priorities, giving them a deeper understanding of the work being done across the four pillars of impact: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency. These insights help campaign leaders bring meaningful conversations back to their workplaces and demonstrate how employee contributions create lasting change throughout the Kansas City region.
By equipping workplace champions with new tools and fresh perspectives, Ignite aims to strengthen the partnership between United Way and the organizations that make community impact possible.
Thank you to each employee campaign manager for mobilizing support across your organizations. Together, we’re preparing for a campaign season that will create meaningful change across our region.
