Transformation doesn’t happen without infrastructure, and we’re not just talking roads and broadband. The Capacity Track dives into what it really takes to move rural regions like Eastern Kentucky from possibility to prosperity: strong partnerships, community trust, and the ability to scale impact across place and time. These sessions offer a front-row seat to national conversations and on-the-ground alignment that can fuel what’s next.
Ideal Audience
- Philanthropic leaders and federal agencies
- Local and regional government officials
- Nonprofits, ESOs, and ecosystem builders
- Economic and workforce development professionals
- Policy innovators, researchers, and civic leaders
- Entrepreneurs and changemakers seeking larger-scale impact
Tuesday, August 26
The New Neighbors: How EKY is Winning the Remote Worker Revolution
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. | Corbin Center
This session brings together new residents, community leaders, and the EKY Remote team for a candid look at how Eastern Kentucky is welcoming remote workers and reversing outmigration. From broadband expansion to local leadership and storytelling, we’ll explore what’s driving relocation, how communities can attract talent, and what it means to reimagine rural prosperity.
Meet the Speakers
Latasha Friend
EKY Remote Manager, Shaping Our Appalachian Region
Bridging the Divide: What Rural America Needs Now — from Policy to Practice
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. | Corbin Center
The future of rural America won’t be built on soundbites — it requires shared commitment and real-world solutions. This session brings together two of the country’s most respected rural thinkers for a candid, cross-sector conversation on what’s working, what’s broken, and where opportunity lives. From policy shifts to trust-building and new talent pipelines, this dialogue invites both challenge and alignment.
Why Here, Why Now: What Funders See in Eastern Kentucky, and What They’re Looking For Next
1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Corbin Center
Eastern Kentucky is attracting national investment, not because of need, but because of its momentum. In this behind-the-scenes session, funders share why they’re betting big on the region, what they’re seeking in local partners, and how communities can prepare for transformational support. This isn’t a pitch room. It’s an invitation to build long-term capacity and be part of a national movement toward rural equity and innovation.
Take a look at the 2025 SOAR Summit Schedule
Please Note: This schedule is subject to change. Updates will be made regularly leading up to the event to reflect the most current information.
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