Join GEO in the field at PEAK Grantmaking’s annual conference. PEAK2026 is taking place in St. Louis from March 25–27, 2026. The convening theme, Rooted in Purpose, Growing Together, will elevate how PEAK members are spearheading innovations in data, technology, grantmaking and grants management, and working in true partnership to better care for the communities they serve.
On March 26th, GEO will facilitate a session to ground participants in the topic of equitable governance. Small Hinges, Big Doors: Frontline Philanthropy Leaders as Architects of Equitable Board Governance will feature two leaders from the GEO community: Bethany Johnson-Javois, CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, and Gabriela Alcalde, Executive Director of the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation. During this interactive workshop, participants will explore how to clarify the board’s generative and strategic roles and identify the “small hinges” of process change that unlock bolder, mission-aligned grantmaking. Attendees will learn how to leverage their unique position to influence board culture and process, narrowing the power gap and advancing justice from the grants seat.