United Way of Southwest Alabama will bring community leaders, volunteers, partner agencies, businesses, and supporters together for its 2026 Annual Meeting and Campaign Kickoff on Thursday, August 27, at Crown Hall in Mobile.

Doors open at 8:00 a.m., and the breakfast program begins at 8:30 a.m. The event will celebrate community impact, recognize outstanding leadership through United Way’s annual awards presentation, and officially launch the 2026 Campaign.

This year’s keynote speaker, Ronnie Stallworth, Sr., is the bestselling author of Cracks in the Wall and a dynamic speaker whose remarkable journey demonstrates the power of perseverance, opportunity, and investing in the potential of others.

Raised in extreme poverty, Stallworth struggled academically and did not become fully literate until the eighth grade. After losing his father at age 16, he became homeless and spent his senior year of high school sleeping in a car. His life began to change when a family recognized his potential and helped him secure a job at a manufacturing plant.

While working full time, Stallworth spent 14 years earning a degree in Chemical Engineering. He later earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and rose through the corporate ranks to hold executive leadership roles with Fortune 100 companies. Today, he uses his experiences to encourage audiences to rise above their circumstances, recognize hidden potential, and help others succeed.

His message reflects the spirit of United Is The Way™. Lasting community change happens when people recognize the value in one another, work across sectors, and unite around the shared goal of helping every person and community thrive.

Following the program, Stallworth will be available for a book signing. Seating is limited, and individual tickets are $150. Sponsorship opportunities with reserved seating are also available.

Purchase tickets online at https://26-unitedway-AM.eventbrite.com.

For more information about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lauren Luckie-Merz at lluckie@uwswa.org or 251.433.3624.