We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Akilah Watkins will be one of our keynote speakers for the 2025 Virginia Volunteerism Summit, taking place virtually May 14-15 with follow-up in-person SERVE Convenings in June!

Dr. Watkins is the president and CEO of Independent Sector, the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs working to strengthen civil society and ensure all people in the United States thrive. Since joining in 2023, Dr. Watkins has been a key voice on policy and practice in the charitable sector and an advocate for the nation’s 1.8 million nonprofits and philanthropies.

With over 25 years as a national thought leader, community organizer, and nonprofit executive, Dr. Watkins’ expertise spans leadership development, nonprofit advocacy, and community development. Prior to Independent Sector, Dr. Watkins was the president and CEO of the Center for Community Progress, the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping state and local governments turn vacant properties into vibrant places. She has served as an executive leader for nonprofits and community development initiatives with NeighborWorks America, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, and the Center for the Study of Social Policy. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Learn more about the 2025 Summit and purchase your tickets today at ServeVirginia.org/Summit.