Greater Gallatin United Way is thrilled to welcome Kelly Corrigan as our keynote speaker for the 2025–26 Annual Campaign Kickoff on September 18.
Known for her sharp wit, deep empathy, and unshakable belief in the power of storytelling, Kelly has spent the last two decades helping people see, and celebrate, the extraordinary in the everyday. With four New York Times bestselling memoirs and a podcast that regularly dives into life’s big questions, Kelly has earned titles like “The Poet Laureate of the Ordinary” from the Huffington Post and “Voice of a Generation” from Oprah Magazine. But what makes her the perfect voice to launch this year’s campaign is her unwavering commitment to lifting up families, children, and the power of connection.
The Heart of the Campaign: Early Learning + Child Care
This year’s campaign centers around creating a thriving community for all, and it starts with our youngest learners. High-quality early learning opportunities give children the best possible foundation, and families the support they need to succeed at work and at home. Kelly understands that better than most. She spent years working in and volunteering for nonprofits, which shaped her worldview: “People are struggling—make yourself useful.”
That belief comes to life in her newest project, a children’s book called Marianne The Maker, co-written with her daughter Claire. The book celebrates the “innovator’s mindset” and the joy of learning through creativity, problem-solving, and persistence. It’s a natural extension of the work we do at Greater Gallatin United Way, through kidsLINK afterschool and summer programs, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and our newest initiative, Child Connect, which expands access to affordable, high-quality child care.
Why Kelly Corrigan?
Kelly started her career at The United Way, working in development in Richmond, Baltimore and San Francisco. Her voice resonates across generations. Her writing about family life and loss is as value as her conversations with Bono, Melinda Gates and Jennifer Garner about purpose and meaning. She brings humor, humility, and depth to everything she does. She reminds us that building a thriving community isn’t about fixing everything, it’s about showing up, helping where you can, and finding connection in the small moments.
Her recent TED Talk and collaborations with nonprofits like Every Mother Counts are more than side projects, they’re examples of how storytelling can move people to action.
Join Us September 18
This year, Greater Gallatin United Way aims to raise $700,000 to support programs and partners focused on early learning, mental health, basic needs, and youth success. Kelly’s voice will help us kick off this ambitious goal with inspiration, connection, and heart.
Because united is the way to a thriving community for all.
Annual Campaign Kickoff featuring Kelly Corrigan
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 8:00 – 10:00 AM
The Kimpton Armory Hotel, Bozeman
Purchase tickets now.
Nominate a changemaker for the 2025 Community Impact Awards or learn how your business can sponsor or host a workplace campaign.
Every action, every dollar, every action moves us one step closer to a community where all can thrive.
