Building Bridges, Telling Stories, and Strengthening Community: Reflections from the 2026 Innovia Foundation Community Leadership Summit
Last month, more than 400 business and nonprofit leaders, educators, professionals, and engaged residents from across the Inland Northwest gathered in Spokane for Innovia Foundation’s Community Leadership Summit—two energizing days centered on connection, collaboration, and the shared work of strengthening communities.
For Community Heart & Soul, the Summit was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of why our work matters. Through meaningful conversations, inspiring presentations, and authentic storytelling, we witnessed firsthand the momentum growing across the region and the deep commitment people have to shaping their communities using the Heart & Soul process.
A Summit Rooted in Connection
From the moment participants arrived, the tone of the Summit was clear. It was designed to engage, challenge, and invite people into deeper reflection about their role in community building.
Over two days, attendees explored themes of belonging, civic engagement, storytelling, and collaboration. What stood out most was the emphasis on human connection as the foundation for lasting impact—a value that aligns deeply with the Community Heart & Soul model.
The Longest Table – Shared Meals Build Stronger Communities
One memorable highlight came from Maryam Banikarim, co-founder of The Longest Table, who introduced participants to her growing nationwide potluck initiative designed to bring neighbors together. Her message was simple yet profound: sharing a meal can be one of the most powerful tools we have to build understanding and connection.
In a time when divisions often dominate headlines, The Longest Table offers a tangible, accessible way to foster belonging—one conversation at a time. It’s not about solving every problem in a single sitting, but about creating conditions where trust can begin. For many in the room, this idea resonated deeply. Community-building doesn’t always require complex systems. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as gathering around a table.
Last year, the city of Pullman, Washington, took over a downtown block to share a meal, spend time together, and rediscover what community building can look like. Their community table didn’t just have great food and support from local businesses—the Pullman Heart & Soul team was also there, listening to residents and learning more about what people love most about their town and the future they want for it. Events like these help turn conversations into a clearer understanding of what matters most and how the community wants to move forward.
The Power of Story: Building Trust Through Narrative
Another standout experience came from Elissa Yancey, Founder and Executive Director of A Picture’s Worth, who led an interactive session on storytelling and its role in shaping community.
Participants were invited into a creative exercise centered on the prompt: “My America at 250.” Through this lens, attendees created “Story Quilts”—visual representations of resilience, hope, and identity. Each square told a personal story, and when brought together, the pieces formed a collective tapestry that reflected the shared aspirations of the group.
Among the many powerful contributions was a quilt square connected to Community Heart & Soul. It depicted a broken heart with a bandage—a striking symbol of healing and hope. The creator shared:
“I live in Whitman County, Washington. When I look at my quilt square, I see my broken country and my broken heart being healed, beginning with the work we are doing here with Heart & Soul.”
This reflection captured something essential about the Heart & Soul approach: communities often already have what they need to heal and thrive—it starts with listening, honoring local voices, and building from what matters most.
Where the Drum Meets the Land
Day one concluded with an unforgettable presentation titled “Where the Drum Meets the Land” by Stacia Morfin, CEO of Nez Perce Tourism.
This immersive “Visit Nimiipuu Experience” invited participants to move beyond observation and to consider what it means to be a partner in honoring land, culture, and community.
Through compelling case studies, Stacia demonstrated how collective impact comes to life when collaboration is rooted in respect, authenticity, and shared purpose. Her presentation underscored the importance of cultural understanding and the role it plays in building stronger, more inclusive communities.
It was a powerful reminder that community leadership is not just about action—it’s about how we show up, who we listen to, and how we build relationships that endure.
Heart & Soul Stories: Community in Action
A major highlight for Community Heart & Soul was the opportunity to share our work during a featured session led by our Vice President of Market Development, Al Getler.
Al provided an inspiring overview of the Community Heart & Soul model, emphasizing the three guiding principles that drive our work:
- Involve everyone
- Focus on what matters most
- Play the long game
These principles are more than ideas—they are practical tools that communities across the country are using to create meaningful, lasting change.
The session also featured a panel of leaders from Heart & Soul communities in eastern Washington, including: Conny Crow (Oakesdale), Angie Severson (Pomeroy), Alex Overton (Tekoa), and Brent Baker (Certified Heart & Soul Coach).
Together, they shared stories of progress, challenge, and transformation—bringing the Heart & Soul process to life in a way that only lived experience can.
A Quilt of Community
Conny Crow opened the panel with a story that beautifully captured the essence of Community Heart & Soul. She spoke about her great-great-great grandmother’s “crazy quilt,” explaining:
“Each piece has a story of its own—it was someone’s jacket, someone’s suit. Each piece tells a story and each is important. When we connect all of those pieces and stories, we end up with a wonderful, solid, long-lasting, beautiful thing. And that is Community Heart & Soul.”
This metaphor resonated deeply with the audience. Like a quilt, communities are made up of many voices, experiences, and histories. When those pieces are honored and woven together, they create something stronger and more meaningful than any one part alone.
Finding Belonging
Alex Overton shared another powerful reflection:
“I have been wanting to be part of something for so long.”
This simple yet profound statement speaks to a universal human need—the desire to belong, to contribute, and to be part of something bigger than oneself.
Community Heart & Soul creates opportunities for that belonging. It invites people not just to participate, but to shape the future of their community together.
Momentum Across the Region
The panel highlighted the tangible progress being made across eastern Washington—from increased civic engagement to stronger local partnerships and a clearer, community-driven vision.
What stood out most was the sense of momentum. These communities are not just planning for the future—they are actively creating it.
Strengthening Partnerships, Deepening Impact
One of the most exciting aspects of the Summit was the continued strengthening of our partnership with Innovia Foundation.
Innovia has been a vital partner in supporting Community Heart & Soul across the Inland Northwest, helping communities access the resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed. Their commitment to community engagement aligns closely with our mission, and together, we are seeing meaningful impact unfold.
A Growing Heart & Soul Network
It was especially inspiring to see representatives from ten Community Heart & Soul communities across Eastern Washington and North Idaho in attendance at the Summit. This growing network reflects the increasing demand for community-driven approaches and the power of shared learning.
As the Summit came to a close, one thing was clear: the work of building strong, connected communities is alive and well—and growing. We left feeling energized, inspired, and deeply grateful for our partners, for the relationships we’re building, for the communities we serve, and for the opportunity to be part of this important work.
A special shout-out to Innovia Foundation and CEO Shelly O’Quinn: thank you for bringing together such a dynamic and dedicated group of leaders, and for creating a space where learning, reflection, and connection could flourish. We are excited to continue this partnership and to support the incredible communities across the Inland Northwest region as they turn their shared visions into lasting action.
The 2026 Community Leadership Summit was more than a gathering—it was a testament to what’s possible when people come together with intention, curiosity, and a commitment to something greater than themselves.
And in that spirit, our work continues.