From Poverty to Possibilities 2026
Join the Conversation. Inspire Action. Create Change.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
McGavick Conference Center at Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
2025 - Keynote Speaker: Dr. Matthew Desmond, author of "The Urgency of Now."
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 9th Annual From Poverty to Possibilities on November 18, 2025.
What an incredible day it was! With over 400 people in attendance, our community showed just how deeply we believe in the work of ending poverty in Pierce County.
“The end of poverty is something to stand for!” — Dr. Matthew Desmond, author of Evicted and Poverty, By America and our inspiring keynote speaker, who challenged every one of us to become “Poverty Abolitionists.”
Your presence and engagement made this year’s theme, “The Urgency of Now… Mobilizing Community Power,” truly resonate. Thank you for showing up with open minds, courageous hearts, and a shared commitment to building a more just and equitable community.
2024 - H. Luke Shaefer to Keynote Reimagining Opportunity: Highlights from the 8th Annual Poverty to Possibilities Summit
Our keynote speaker, H. Luke Shaefer, challenged us to rethink how we address poverty.
He emphasized shifting away from blaming individuals for systemic issues and focusing on solutions like reducing everyday costs, strengthening safety nets, and implementing successful policies like the expanded child tax credit. These approaches have shown how unconditional support can transform lives. Learn More
2023 - Edgar Villanueva to Keynote From Poverty to Possibilities Summit After Event Videos and Content
Our 7th Annual Summit on Poverty, "From Poverty to Possibilities," held on November 14, 2023, was a transformative event focused on breaking down barriers to economic equity.
This signature community summit, held at the Pavilion at the Hotel Murano, brought together community leaders and members to engage in open dialogue and address systemic issues perpetuating poverty. Click here to Learn More
2022 - Dr. Karen Johnson to Keynote From Poverty to Possibilities United Way of Pierce County’s 6th Annual Summit on Poverty
From Poverty to Possibilities (P2P) is Pierce County’s signature economic equity summit. This year, we’re returning to an in-person event at the Hotel Murano. We had over 250 community leaders and community members attend. 
This summit creates a safe space for the community to dismantle the systems of exclusion. From these relationships, a new narrative will evolve, and systems will change.