New Voices, Stronger Impact: Celebrating Our 2026 Presenter Bootcamp Graduates
AL!VE proudly celebrates our 2026 Presenter Bootcamp graduates — volunteer engagement professionals who have completed an intensive, multi-week experience focused on strengthening their voice, message, and impact.AL!VE proudly celebrates our 2026 Presenter Bootcamp graduates — volunteer engagement professionals who have completed an intensive, multi-week experience focused on strengthening their voice, message, and impact.
The AL!VE Presenter Bootcamp provides in-depth coaching in public speaking, storytelling, audience engagement, and message development. Throughout the program, participants refine their ideas, practice delivery, and receive thoughtful feedback — preparing them to lead dynamic sessions within their organizations and across the broader volunteer engagement field.
The result? Professionals who are more confident, more strategic, and more equipped to elevate conversations about volunteer engagement at local, regional, and national levels.
I thoroughly enjoyed the AL!VE Presenter Bootcamp and I’m feeling inspired and energized as it comes to a close. The coaching, tools, and practical takeaways were exactly what I needed to strengthen my facilitation skills. The Bootcamp’s format offered timely, thoughtful feedback on my presentation planning and delivery, which was a highlight during my experience. I’m beyond grateful for having this space to grow, connect, and show up more confidently. Thank you to all of the facilitators who made this experience possible! - Erica Fuller, CVA, CNP
Intentional practice creates a powerful presence. Grateful for the Alive Presenter's Bootcamp, four-week cohort of presentation construction, peer review, moderator support, and a final speech that stretched me in all the right ways. - Robin Peppers-Hunt, CAVS
I started Presenter Bootcamp with a topic in mind for a presentation I had started a while back, but it had been put on the back burner for a variety of reasons. Bootcamp helped me complete it! I have been wanting to talk to my organization’s staff about volunteer engagement for a while, and it was so helpful to be in a group of people who understood my position and what I was trying to convey to my audience. The feedback from facilitators and other Bootcamp participants was very helpful in the process. Two days after I gave my Bootcamp presentation, I gave my presentation to my organization’s staff! I think it went well; they engaged, asked questions, and had input. My hope is that this is the beginning of many conversations with staff about volunteer engagement. - Allie Acridge
Intentional practice creates a powerful presence. Grateful for the Alive Presenter's Bootcamp, four-week cohort of presentation construction, peer review, moderator support, and a final speech that stretched me in all the right ways. - Robin Peppers-Hunt, CAVS
I started Presenter Bootcamp with a topic in mind for a presentation I had started a while back, but it had been put on the back burner for a variety of reasons. Bootcamp helped me complete it! I have been wanting to talk to my organization’s staff about volunteer engagement for a while, and it was so helpful to be in a group of people who understood my position and what I was trying to convey to my audience. The feedback from facilitators and other Bootcamp participants was very helpful in the process. Two days after I gave my Bootcamp presentation, I gave my presentation to my organization’s staff! I think it went well; they engaged, asked questions, and had input. My hope is that this is the beginning of many conversations with staff about volunteer engagement. - Allie Acridge
Reflections from this year's graduates highlight the transformation that takes place throughout the Bootcamp experience. Across the cohort, participants embraced the opportunity to stretch, refine their message, and step more confidently into leadership.
“This cohort showed tremendous dedication, vulnerability, and growth throughout the program,” shared Bootcamp Co-Hosts Gina Edwards, CVA, and Monica Jasso, CVA. “They didn’t just develop presentation skills — they strengthened their ability to advocate for volunteer engagement as a profession. We’re incredibly proud of the work they’ve done and grateful to the volunteer facilitators, evaluators, and support team who invest their time to make this program possible.”
Congrats to graduates of the 2026 Presenter Bootcamp:
- Allie Acridge
- Elaine Mew, CVA
- Erica Fuller, CVA, CNP
- Grace Teofilo Hilker
- Jean Ward, MBA
- Jessica Bolten
- Kate Ekman, CVA
- Krizia Santiago
- Lauren (Lo Lo) Loftin, CVA, CNP
- Robin Peppers-Hunt, CAVS
- Val Parker
Last but not least, thank you to all of this year’s Presenter Bootcamp Volunteer Team of facilitators and evaluators who shared their time and expertise:
- Sage Alexander
- Brooke Campbell, CNP, CVA
- Belinda Chester, CVA
- Gina Edwards, CVA
- Karen Goates, CVA
- Melissa Gomez
- Monica Jasso, CVA
- Andi Kiehle
- Elizabeth Rachchh, CVA
- Sarah Sukhram, CVA
- Lisa Wetherby, CVA
AL!VE remains committed to fostering leadership in volunteer engagement by offering high-quality professional development opportunities. Applications to join the next cohort of the AL!VE Presenter Bootcamp will open later this year, continuing AL!VE’s mission to empower professionals in the field.
For more information about all AL!VE’s Presenter Bootcamp, visit https://www.volunteeralive.org/presenter_bootcamp.php.
Submitted: 02/27/26
Article By: Edwards, Gina