Advocacy, Innovation, Motivation. In Action.
Thank you for being part of the 2026 Meals on Wheels California AIM Conference in San Diego. Together, against the stunning waterfront backdrop of Kona Kai, we brought our mission to life sharing ideas, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the work that supports older adults across California.
Over the course of the conference, we exchanged best practices, explored new approaches to senior nutrition and care, and built meaningful connections that will carry forward into our communities. From powerful sessions to moments of connection and celebration, this gathering reflected the strength and dedication of our statewide network.
We are grateful for your leadership, your voice, and your commitment. Together, we continue to move the mission forward.
THANK YOU to our 2026 MOWCA AIM CONFERENCE SPONSORS
KEYNOTE
Fuel for Greatness: Nutrition, Resilience, and the Power of Service
Known for his legendary NFL career and continued commitment to community service, Andre Reed delivered a powerful message of leadership, resilience, and purpose that resonated across our network.
His story inspired meaningful reflection as we gathered to strengthen advocacy, innovation, and motivation throughout California. From the stage to the conversations that followed, his impact was felt throughout the conference.
We are grateful to have shared this unforgettable keynote experience with one of football’s all-time greats reminding us all of the power of leadership in action.
CHAMPIONS DINNER KEYNOTE
Changing the Narrative: Advancing Economic Mobility Through Equity, Policy, and Community Voice
Michael Tubbs, former Mayor of Stockton and Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity to Governor Gavin Newsom, shared powerful insights at the intersection of policy, lived experience, and systems change, challenging us to rethink how we advance equity and opportunity across our communities. Presented by End Poverty in California
KEYNOTE
The 4Ms – Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility
Dr. Lindsey Yourman delivered a powerful keynote highlighting how age-friendly care must be practiced as a complete, connected approach.
Her message was clear: care begins by understanding what matters most to each individual and aligning every decision around those goals. From thoughtful medication management to supporting cognitive health and ensuring safe daily movement, the 4Ms provide a practical, evidence-based pathway to improve outcomes and preserve independence.
For our network, this framework reinforces the critical role we play beyond nutrition supporting whole-person care, strengthening coordination, and helping older adults live with dignity, safety, and purpose.
A reminder that when we center care on what matters, everything else aligns.
KEYNOTE
Power, Policy & Partnership: Turning Relationships into Results for Seniors
Lighthouse Public Affairs lead an insightful session on how aligning influence, advocacy, and community collaboration can drive meaningful change. Attendees explored real-world strategies to strengthen systems, elevate services, and create lasting impact for older adults at both the local and statewide levels.
This session reinforced the power of partnership demonstrating that when we work together with purpose and strategy, we can advance solutions that truly support the communities we serve.
2026 ATTENDEES
Monday Breakout Sessions
Core Client Insights: Putting Your Data to Work
Thank you to Laura Belazis for leading a powerful session on transforming data into meaningful, actionable insights. Attendees explored early results from the Core Client Insights (CCI) pilot, gaining a deeper understanding of how enhanced screening and evaluation tools can better align services with client needs and measure real outcomes.
The session highlighted the growing opportunity to use data to inform decisions, strengthen programs, and elevate impact across the network. As these tools expand, they offer a promising pathway for California providers to enhance service delivery and better support the individuals we serve.
30 Ideas in 60 Minutes: Your Hour of Creative Power
Thank you to Lisa Maska and Lynsey Gallagher from the Lautman Meals on Wheels Co-op for delivering a fast-paced, idea-packed session that energized attendees with practical fundraising strategies.
Participants walked away with actionable approaches to boost revenue, strengthen donor retention, and improve efficiency—without losing sight of mission impact. From direct marketing insights to creative engagement tactics, this session reinforced that small, strategic shifts can lead to meaningful growth.
A powerful reminder that innovation in fundraising fuels the ability to serve more seniors and strengthen our communities.
Community Care in the Age of AI: Strengthening the Safety Net for Medicaid Populations
Thank you to Megan Carlson from Pair Team for leading a forward-thinking session on how technology can strengthen rather than replace human-centered care.
Attendees explored how AI-driven tools can help better identify needs, coordinate services, and support Medicaid populations while preserving trust, dignity, and meaningful connection. The conversation highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with empathy to ensure technology enhances the relationships at the heart of our work.
A powerful look at how the future of care can remain deeply personal, even as it becomes more advanced.
Lunch Discussion: Building a Best Place to Work & Volunteer: Culture as a Strategic Advantage
Thank you to Christine Winge, Kaushik Roy, and Jenny Young for leading a dynamic and insightful lunch discussion on building a best place to work and volunteer.
This interactive session highlighted that strong culture is intentional—and essential. Attendees explored practical strategies to strengthen recruitment, retention, engagement, and performance by creating environments where staff and volunteers feel valued, supported, and aligned with the mission.
The conversation reinforced that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to drive long-term impact and organizational success.
Innovation in Action: San Diego’s Ecosystem for Healthy Aging
Thank you to Tiffany Piquilloud, Deborah Martin, Ayrielle Franco, and Brent Wakefield for sharing how San Diego organizations are working together to advance a coordinated, innovative approach to healthy aging.
This session highlighted the power of cross-sector collaboration, strategic funding, and community-based services in improving outcomes for vulnerable older adults. Attendees gained valuable insights into how aligned partnerships can strengthen systems and expand opportunities for individuals to age with health, independence, and dignity.
A compelling example of what’s possible when communities come together with purpose.
Representing Agencies, the Aging Network, Academia, and Industry
Thank you to Melinda Forstey for sharing valuable insights on aligning research, policy, and practice to better support older adults.
This session highlighted the importance of partnerships that connect knowledge, innovation, and community-based service delivery—strengthening the aging network and advancing more effective, informed solutions. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how collaboration across sectors can drive meaningful impact and improve outcomes for the communities we serve.
A powerful reminder that progress happens when we bridge ideas with action.
Blending and Braiding: Diversifying Revenue Opportunities through the Community Care Hub Model
Thank you to June Simmons and Christy Lau from Partners in Care Foundation for sharing valuable insights on the Community Care Hub model and its role in advancing financial sustainability.
Attendees explored how aligning healthcare and community-based services can unlock new funding opportunities such as CalAIM while strengthening service coordination and outcomes. The session provided practical frameworks to support informed decision-making and long-term growth.
A powerful example of how innovation and partnership can create sustainable solutions that benefit both organizations and the communities they serve.
Tuesday Breakout Sessions
Staffing for Sustainability: Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Talent in Aging Services
Thank you to Trevor Blair of Blair Search Partners for sharing expert insights on recruiting and retaining talent in today’s evolving workforce landscape.
Drawing from national executive search experience and a community-informed approach, this session provided practical strategies to build inclusive hiring practices, strengthen leadership pipelines, and develop sustainable staffing models. Attendees gained valuable tools to support long-term organizational success and better serve their communities.
A timely and essential conversation on investing in people to strengthen impact.
Fundraising as Impact: The Future of Philanthropy and the Power of the Profession
Thank you to Amie Brown, Adrianna O’Donnell, and Jerry Buckley for leading a dynamic session on the evolving role of fundraising as a true driver of impact.
This forward-looking conversation highlighted how strategic investments in education, research, and professional development are strengthening nonprofit organizations at both the state and national levels. Attendees gained valuable insights into building resilient fundraising programs, adapting to shifting donor expectations, and elevating philanthropy as a force for lasting change.
A powerful reminder that strong fundraising fuels stronger communities.
Speaking for the Mission: Communications & Media Skills to Advance Your Cause
Thank you to Denise Scatena and Ann Marie Rice from Scatena Media Group for leading an engaging session on communications and media strategy.
Attendees gained practical tools to clearly articulate impact, strengthen messaging, and confidently navigate media opportunities. The session highlighted how strategic communication can elevate an organization’s brand, engage key audiences, and ensure the mission is not only seen and heard but remembered.
A powerful reminder that how we tell our story is essential to advancing our impact.
Lunch Discussion: Real Talk on Today’s Toughest Challenges
Thank you to Ray Cancino, Charlie Deterline, Veronica Dover, and Jennifer Steele for leading an honest and impactful CEO/ED lunch discussion.
This candid, peer-to-peer conversation created space to address the most pressing challenges facing leaders today from funding uncertainty and workforce pressures to advocacy, growth, and sustainability. Attendees shared experiences, exchanged solutions, and gained valuable insights from peers navigating similar realities across the state.
A meaningful reminder that leadership is strengthened through transparency, collaboration, and shared learning.
MORE Than Partnerships: Savings and Revenue You Can Unlock Today
Thank you to Kelly Trimyer for showcasing how Meals on Wheels America’s MORE (Member Offers, Rewards & Expertise) program is helping members cut costs, save time, and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Attendees explored high-impact partnerships and offers that can be implemented quickly, along with practical steps to begin leveraging these resources. The session also invited valuable input from participants to help shape future offerings as the program continues to evolve.
A strong reminder that strategic partnerships can drive efficiency, sustainability, and greater impact across our network.
Expanding Senior Nutrition Access through Strategic Partnerships
Thank you to Keith Fisher, Jana Jordan, Delilah Bisase, RD, and Aisse Saaib for sharing how collaboration is driving expanded access, improved coordination, and stronger service delivery for older adults.
This session highlighted practical strategies for building effective partnerships, aligning resources, and leveraging shared goals to better serve seniors within their communities. Attendees gained valuable insights into how cross-sector collaboration can create more efficient, responsive, and sustainable systems of care.
A powerful example of how partnership turns intention into impact.
Using Data, Advocacy, and Collaboration to Advance Equitable Food Access
Thank you to Alondra Alvarado and Joseph Kendrick from the San Diego Hunger Coalition for leading an insightful session on strengthening food systems through data, advocacy, and partnership.
Attendees explored how data-informed strategies, policy engagement, and technical assistance can expand reach and improve coordination across communities. The session provided practical approaches to elevate advocacy efforts and better serve individuals facing nutrition insecurity.
A powerful reminder that informed action and collaboration are key to building more equitable, resilient food systems.
2026 MOWCA AIM CONFERENCE PARTNERS
Sponsor or Partner With MOWCA
Our Annual State Conference is designed to create a unified voice for nutrition providers and broaden the impact of our programs across the state.
- Sponsor Expo has a dedicated exhibition location and dedicated events to engage with participants
- Sponsors will be provided with tables, space for video screens, and display materials
- Sponsor Expo / Networking Reception with hosted bar and appetizers
If you are interested in becoming a SPONSOR, please contact
SUZAN CARABARIN | Sponsorship Liaison
scarabarin@mowmp.org • 831.200.5554
