Turning Generosity Into Impact at the 15th Annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit

By Debbie Hall

Giving isn't just an act of doing but an act of turning vision into action that creates change. This spirit became the focus of the 15th annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit, organized by the Moonridge Foundation and held in Las Vegas and Reno.

The event connected the two cities virtually, bringing together more than 450 philanthropy leaders to develop new ideas for improving their communities through strategic giving.

This year’s theme, “From Intention to Impact,” focused on transforming purpose into measurable progress and inspiring ideas into lasting change. Panels, including “Youth Leading Change,” followed the networking lunch.

Skai Jones is among the young philanthropists making an impact in the Las Vegas community. She is the co-founder of Youth for Youth and the 2026 chairwoman of the nonprofit, which is dedicated to giving back to underserved youth through its annual holiday concerts.

Skai Jones, co-founder of Youth for Youth and 2026 chairwoman (Photo courtesy of Nate Jones)

Chic Compass supports Jones and Youth for Youth, including the upcoming Building Dreams Las Vegas event on Oct. 15, with proceeds benefiting The Just One Project through Youth for Youth.

“When my sister and I started Youth for Youth in 2021, we never realized it would become a philanthropic thing. We wanted to perform a holiday concert to get together after COVID. We just invited friends and family, and it was really fun,” Jones explained. “Then we decided to do it again the next year, turning it into a fundraiser and selling tickets for it. We have been performing annual benefit concerts and have raised over $150,000.”

Jones credits her success to family and friends who donate their time and talents and share her commitment to giving back.

Leaders at the 15th annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit (Photo courtesy of the Moonridge Foundation)

Speakers included:

Julie Murray, principal and CEO of Moonridge Group and president of the Moonridge Foundation
Jenna Morton, co-founder of Morton Group and longtime civic and philanthropic leader
Amber Ezell-Bisiaux, founder of Amber Ezell Photography and community advocate
Jan Marson, pediatric occupational therapist, founder of Marson Foods and community advocate
Elizabeth Blau, founder and CEO of Blau + Associates
Jason Smylie, president and principal owner of Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and president of Wing Zone
Brian Gordon, principal with Applied Analysis
Jess Molasky, chief operating officer at Ovation Development
Cooper Sandoval, youth philanthropist, artist and wrestler
Ethan Cohen, youth advocate, author and social entrepreneur
Palmer Kennedy, Hope Means Nevada’s 2025 Top Fundraiser
Lucas Gorelick, emergency medical technician and healthcare advocate
Anshuman Arun, founder of the qBridge free educational platform and The Argument Lab free speech and debate initiative

University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval at the 15th annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit (Photo courtesy of the Moonridge Foundation)

The event also featured emcees Punam Mathur and Ila Friedenthal.

Trends shaping corporate philanthropy across Nevada in 2026, shared at the Philanthropy Leaders Summit, highlight a strong culture of giving among participating Nevada organizations, with nearly nine in 10 making social investments or philanthropic donations. The data also reveals that education remains a top priority.

“By sharing what businesses are prioritizing and what’s driving their decisions, we can build stronger partnerships and direct resources where they can do the most good in Nevada,” said Julie Murray, president of the Moonridge Foundation and principal and CEO of Moonridge Group.