We’re honored to welcome Danielle Goonan, Vice President of U.S. Program and Policy at The Rockefeller Foundation, as a featured speaker at the 2025 SOAR Summit, presented by Appalachian Wireless and the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Danielle has spent her career working at the intersection of economic mobility, policy innovation, and systems transformation. From the federal government to philanthropy to the local level, she has helped drive investments where they matter most; in workers, families, and the future of place-based prosperity.
Her session date will be announced soon, but one thing is already clear: her perspective is exactly what rural America needs to hear right now.
About Danielle
Danielle Goonan leads a $150+ million portfolio at The Rockefeller Foundation focused on economic equity, sustainable industrial policy, and small business ownership. Her past roles include:
- Managing employment and workforce philanthropy at the Walmart Foundation
- Leading strategic partnerships at the U.S. Department of Education
She holds an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and graduated summa cum laude from Dickinson College as a Posse Foundation Scholar, Fulbright Scholar, and Phi Beta Kappa member. Danielle also serves on several national nonprofit boards and is an avid salsa dancer and scuba diver.
Her work reflects what we believe in at SOAR: that transformation happens when belief meets bold action, and when investment reaches the people and places too often overlooked.
Why She’s Coming to the SOAR Summit
Eastern Kentucky is not short on talent or ideas. What we need, and what Danielle brings, is alignment between national influence and local opportunity.
As we continue building momentum in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic resilience, Danielle’s presence at the Summit reinforces a growing truth: what’s happening in Appalachia is worth investing in, and worth learning from.
What You’ll Experience at the SOAR Summit
The SOAR Summit is Appalachia’s premier event, bringing together 1,200+ leaders from across the country to celebrate progress, share what’s working, and build what’s next.
This year’s event runs August 26–29 in Corbin, Kentucky and features:
- The EKY Experience, presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare| A fully immersive Expo Hall
- SOAR Inspires Awards, presented by KCTCS
- Taste of Corbin, presented by Whitaker Bank with a Toast to Corbin, powered by Ale-8-One and sponsored by Corbin Tourism
- Keynotes and sessions across entrepreneurship, workforce, economic development, health, education, and more
Ticket Options
With Early Bird pricing closed, attendees now have flexible options to join the Summit:
- All-Access Pass – $300
Includes full programming, all Plenary Sessions, Taste of Corbin (Presented by Whitaker Bank), SOAR Inspires Awards (Presented by KCTCS), breakfast (August 28-29), and Lunch (August 28). - 2-Day Programming Pass (Aug. 26–27) – $150
Includes breakout sessions, EKY Experience, and the SOAR Inspires Awards (Presented by KCTCS). - 2-Day Plenary Pass (August 28–29) — $200
Includes Plenary Sessions, the Taste of Corbin reception (Presented by Whitaker Bank), breakfast (August 28-29), and lunch (August 28).
Whether you want the full experience or to focus on the days most aligned with your work, there’s a path for you.
Join Us
Danielle Goonan is one of many powerful voices coming to the SOAR Summit, not just to speak, but to connect. With doers, with dreamers, and with everyone committed to building a better future for Eastern Kentucky.
Register now at www.soar-ky.org/summit
This is where purpose meets policy. Where local stories meet national strategy. And where people like Danielle, and people like you, help write what’s next.