“Together We Thrive” was the theme at Day 2 of the 2025 United Way Worldwide Conference, and our very own Chairman, Mark Fulford, was there representing the Turks and Caicos Islands on the international stage.

Mark joined 80 Board Chairs and Directors from around the world in a powerful gathering that focused on reimagining United Way’s role for the future. With voices from across the globe, the conference was about one thing: transformation.

A Call to Transform

United Way Worldwide CEO Angela F. Williams and Global Board Chair Yuri Fulmer opened the session with a challenge — to make sure United Way evolves to meet the urgent needs of communities everywhere.

“The only thing needed for hate to happen is for love to get lazy,” Fulmer said. “Don’t let your love get lazy. Our communities need us.”

Williams echoed that passion in her keynote: “We must elevate the brand, grow our revenues, and be the first call when solutions are needed. United Way must be recognized as agile, innovative, and essential.”

TCI at the Table

Representing Turks and Caicos, Mark took part in strategic roundtables that shaped United Way’s five-year priorities: Impact, Infrastructure, Relevance, and Sustainability — a roadmap that will touch the lives of more than 70 million people worldwide through education and economic advancement.

“To sit at the international table and help shape this global movement was both humbling and empowering,” Mark shared. “As a small island chapter, our love for our people has never gotten lazy. We thrive because our children need us — and we are determined to lead.”

Building Connections

The day ended with a networking dinner hosted by Dr. Sonya Anderson, Executive Vice President of United Way International, bringing together leaders from 46 global chapters. It was a chance to share ideas, build alliances, and bring home fresh inspiration.

Our Commitment

Though one of the smallest chapters in the world, United Way TCI continues to show that impact is not defined by size. Our mission remains clear: to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable.

“We are learning from the best to serve our people better,” Mark said. “And we want our community to know: we are here, we are ready, and we can be trusted to lead. Because United is the Way. And together, we will thrive.”