The Power of Ohana:
Community-Led Recovery in a Disrupted World
After the Fire USA's 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit took place September 9-11 at the Hanna Center in Sonoma, CA. This exclusive three-day event brought together 225 leaders to address the complex issues of preventing, responding to, and recovering from Megafires. Attendees experienced a comprehensive 360-degree view of wildfire networking, best practices, and capacity building with community leaders, cross-sector partners, and funders.
Relive the powerful discussions and inspiring keynotes shared by wildfire leaders. Whether you missed it or want to dive back in, you can watch all the sessions below and on our YouTube channel. For on-the-go listening, check out the podcast format on the How to Disaster podcast!
Welcome Los Angeles into the Worst Club of the Best People
with Aloe Blacc and Kainoa Horcajo
with Aloe Blacc and Kainoa Horcajo
Welcome! The Power of Ohana: Community-led Recovery in a Disrupted World
KEYNOTE: Supporting California Through Philanthropy
Miguel Santana, President and CEO, California Community Foundation
Miguel Santana, President and CEO, California Community Foundation
PANEL: Home Plan Libraries from Paradise to Los Angeles
Video Presentation: Rep. Mike Thompson and Rep. Doug LaMalfa
PANEL: We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For
PANEL: Funding Futures: Investing in Community Fire Recovery
KEYNOTE: Invisible Infrastructure: How Social Capital Builds Disaster Resilience with Renae Hanvin, CEO + Founder, Resilient Ready
PANEL: Linked by Fire, United by Hope
Day 2 Welcome: Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO, After the Fire USA
KEYNOTE: The Heart of Leadership in Disasters: Honest Lessons from Years on the Frontline with Katie Simmons, Butte County
PANEL: Built to Withstand: Creating Wildfire-Prepared Homes
PANEL: Land After Fire: Reimagining Home Post-Disaster
Video Presentation: Rogue Food Unites
KEYNOTE: Backing Community Leaders Beyond the Crisis with Alena Wall, Kaiser Permanente
PANEL: Leading and Healing After the Fire
PANEL: Block Captains: From Sonoma to Los Angeles
PANEL: Toxic Trails: What Fire Leaves Behind in Air, Soil, and Water
KEYNOTE: Through the Federal Maze: Securing Resources in Uncertain Times with Pete Gaynor, Former FEMA Administrator
PANEL: Mandate for the Future: A Climate Resilient Rebuild
Day 3 Welcome: Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO, After the Fire USA
KEYNOTE: Hubs of Hope: How Technology and Partnerships Power Preparedness
with Sam Shockley, Amazon
with Sam Shockley, Amazon
Video Presentation: AC Disaster
PANEL: Ashes to Action: Startups Post-Disaster
PANEL: From the Ground Up: Local Voices in Advocacy
Video Presentation: State Senator Ben Allen
PANEL: Tech Driven, People Centered
Closing Keynote: The Heart of Ohana: Leading with Hope Through Loss
with Mayor Richard Bissen, Maui
with Mayor Richard Bissen, Maui
Closing Remarks with Jennifer Gray Thompson
