Nearly 300 gather for United Way’s inaugural CONNECT, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Brian Goldstone
INDIANAPOLIS – On Monday, July 20, nearly 300 people attended United Way of Central Indiana's inaugural CONNECT, a new community event exploring the challenges facing working families and the solutions needed to reduce poverty in Central Indiana.
Held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the event featured a Q&A conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Brian Goldstone and Sam Snideman, United Way of Central Indiana's vice president of government and sector relations.
Goldstone won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction for his book, "There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America," which follows the lives of five Atlanta families struggling to remain housed despite working.
The book's themes tie directly to United Way of Central Indiana's work.
United Way seeks to tackle generational poverty in the region, with the goal of distancing 10,000 households from poverty by 2028. In Central Indiana, over one in three households – 257,530 households – are in poverty or considered ALICE, according to United Way's newly released 2026 ALICE report. ALICE, an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, refers to households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford the basics, even though they are working.
"Brian’s reporting reminds us of how challenging and complex it is to address economic instability," Fred Payne, United Way's president and CEO, said during Monday's event. "That is why now more than ever, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling poverty."
Following the program and a book signing with Goldstone, attendees explored interactive "impact experience exhibits" highlighting United Way's partnerships with other nonprofits in four focus areas: basic needs, early care and learning, economic mobility, and safe and affordable housing.
In the four exhibits, attendees could listen to audio headset recordings about each topic and talk directly with nonprofit leaders from Early Learning Indiana, Indianapolis Urban League, Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, and partners in United Way's Housing Stability Initiative: John Boner Neighborhood Centers, Southeast Community Services and Edna Martin Christian Center.
CONNECT was designed to bring together community leaders, nonprofits, businesses and philanthropists who are committed to reducing poverty and expanding opportunity in Central Indiana.
The event was presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis.
At Monday's event, which celebrated the conclusion of United Way's fiscal year, United Way also recognized winners of this year's awards in a display:
Exceptional Nonprofit Executive of the Year
This award honors a community partner who exemplifies leadership in, and a commitment to, the nonprofit sector.
This year’s winner is Ruba Marshood, Chief Executive Officer, Indy Reads.
Spirit United
Spirit United is the most prestigious recognition United Way gives to corporate partners. The award has been presented annually since 2007 to companies whose employees volunteer, advocate and donate to United Way. Winners are chosen by a group of United Way leaders and previous award recipients.
The 2025-2026 winner is The National Bank of Indianapolis.
Exceptional Executive and Exceptional Engagement Coordinator
Each year, United Way recognizes an exceptional executive who encourages their employees to give back to the community and an exceptional engagement coordinator who leads a United Way fundraising campaign in their workplace with dedication and creativity.
This year’s Exceptional Executive is Ralph Ford, VP, Crop Protection Integrated Operations, Corteva Agriscience.
This year’s Exceptional Engagement Coordinator is Dr. Dana Altemeyer, Director of Communications, Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township.
Top community investors
United Way of Central Indiana recognizes the following companies and organizations that were this year’s top investors:
Citizens Energy Group
Community Health Network
Corteva Agriscience
Cummins, Inc.
Deloitte LLP
Elevance Health, Inc.
Eli Lilly and Company
Forvis Mazars
Gene B. Glick Company, Inc.
Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Marian, Inc.
OneAmerica Financial
Walker
United Way's Board of Directors also recently elected leaders to new terms.
Stephanie C. Kim will serve a two-year term as chair, replacing outgoing chair Jeffrey Harrison. Richard E. Hester will serve as secretary, and Daniel Diehl will serve as treasurer-elect, both one-year terms.
New Class of 2029 directors, serving three-year terms, are: Scott Beier; Kenith Britt; Tory Callaghan Castor; Grace Findley; Jeffrey Harrison; Richard E. Hester; Kalen Jackson; Chris R. Lowery; Andrew Michie; Diana Nolting; Julie Singer.
New Board members whose terms started July 1 are: Natalie Christy; Lucia Mar; Andrea McGordon; Steve Rank; Kevin Roberts; Angela White.
New Board members who joined within the last fiscal year are: Frances Brooks; Kenneth Custer; Ralph H. Ford III; Charlie Haddad; Shaun K. Hawkins; Justin Hayes; Shelly Langona; Madison Orlowski; Dr. Tanuja Singh; Evan L. Thomas; Vicki Valandra.