LAS VEGAS (July 2026) – The Moonridge Foundation – the organization dedicated to advancing community well-being through strategic giving, collaboration and innovation – announces it will host its 15th annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 23 in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada. This year’s theme, “From Intention to Impact,” will bring together over 450 corporate funders, family foundations, youth philanthropists and individual funders in both cities to turn purpose into measurable progress and ideas into lasting change.
The Philanthropy Leaders Summit will offer dynamic discussions and invaluable insights about emerging trends in giving. Attendees will walk away inspired to elevate their philanthropic efforts for future generations, unlocking the potential to create lasting, positive change in communities across Nevada and beyond.
This year’s speaker lineup will include:
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Welcome Remarks: Julie Murray
Julie Murray is principal and CEO of Moonridge Group and president of the Moonridge Foundation, where she advises corporations, foundations and community leaders on strategic philanthropy. A nationally recognized philanthropy expert, she co-founded Three Square Food Bank, helped launch Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and co-founded the “I Have a Dream” Foundation Nevada. Murray serves on several nonprofit and corporate boards and is a frequent speaker on philanthropy and social impact.
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Local Goes Global in the Middle East: Jenna Morton
Jenna Morton is co-founder of Morton Group, the hospitality company behind acclaimed Las Vegas restaurants, including La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Resort, CRUSH and Greek Sneek at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, ONE Steakhouse at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and most recently Nudo Italiano. Beyond hospitality, she is a longtime civic and philanthropic leader, serving on boards of local organizations, including the Council for a Better Nevada and After-School All-Stars Las Vegas, and is past president of the Las Vegas Springs Preserve Foundation. Her work in cultural heritage preservation spans Jordan and Guatemala, and she is currently completing a master’s thesis at Harvard University focused on community engagement in cultural heritage preservation.
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Nevada Corporate Giving Report: Brian Gordon
Brian Gordon is a principal with Applied Analysis, one of Nevada’s leading economic and policy research firms. A certified public accountant with more than 30 years of experience, he is widely recognized for conducting economic and fiscal impact studies for major developments, public initiatives and high-profile events throughout the state. Appointed by the governor to Nevada’s Economic Forum, Gordon helps forecast state revenues and is a trusted expert on Nevada’s economic trends and business landscape.
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Jyoti Chopra: Turning Corporate Purpose into Lasting Change
Jyoti Chopra is executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Hertz Global Holdings, where she leads global human resources strategy for more than 26,000 employees worldwide. Previously, she served as chief people officer and head of corporate responsibility for MGM Resorts International, overseeing the company’s people strategy, philanthropy, sustainability and community relations. She also served as a director on the North American Respect for People Advisory Board for Toyota for more than a decade. A board director for Schneider National, Chopra is recognized for helping global organizations align business transformation with culture, leadership and social impact.
Guiding the program will be emcees Punam Mathur in Las Vegas and Ila Friedenthal in Reno, both respected community figures recognized for their expertise and passion for philanthropy. Young philanthropists in attendance can also look forward to youth panels led by Jess Molasky, principal and chief operating officer of Ovation Development, in Las Vegas and Cooper Sandoval, renowned high school wrestler and artist who helped raise more than $100,000 through selling his artwork for local nonprofit groups, in Reno.
“Good intentions are where philanthropy begins, but impact is how it’s measured,” said Murray. “This year’s summit is about equipping attendees with the insights, partnerships and strategies to transform purpose into measurable results that strengthen Nevada’s communities for years to come.”
The 15th Annual Philanthropy Leaders Summit will take place in the Congo Ballroom inside SAHARA Las Vegas at 2535 S. Las Vegas Blvd. and the Joe Crowley Student Union on the University of Nevada, Reno’s campus, with a live broadcast connecting both locations. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m., the networking lunch will kick off at 12 p.m. and the summit will begin at 12:45 p.m. Interested participants unable to attend in person may also join the summit online via Zoom.
Registration for the 2026 Philanthropy Leaders Summit is now open. Tickets to the summit in Las Vegas and Reno are $199 and tickets to attend virtually are $150 per guest. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
MEDIA RSVP
Media interested in attending the summit are invited to RSVP to Vanessa Thill at vanessa@thevoxagency.com by Tuesday, Sept. 22.
ABOUT THE MOONRIDGE FOUNDATION
The Moonridge Foundation (TMF) is dedicated to enhancing community philanthropy and volunteerism. Established by Moonridge Group in 2014, TMF serves as a donor-advised fund and fiscal sponsor and is a grant-making 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation.
