By Whitney Holman
Pitch Night 2026 was a powerful reminder of what can happen when vision, courage, preparation, and community come together in one room. This year, we had the privilege of hosting 18 Dolphins—our valued investors and donors—alongside a packed room of supporters who gathered to celebrate and invest in the journeys of our Change Agents.
Launched in 2018, the Change Agency program has been a cornerstone of CrossPurpose’s mission to lift individuals out of poverty and empower them to create sustainable change in their communities. The program supports graduates as they develop and launch their own businesses or non-profits, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed.
Our 2025–2026 cohort featured 8 Change Agents presenting ventures at varying stages of development, ranging from proof of concept and emerging operators to 4 full venture launches stepping boldly into the marketplace. One of the most meaningful accomplishments of this year’s cohort was achieving our first-ever 100% retention rate, successfully walking all 8 Change Agents who began the journey in August 2025 across the finish line together. That achievement alone speaks volumes about the commitment, resilience, and growth of this year’s class.
One of our Change Agency coaches described this year’s Pitch Night as “one of the best we’ve ever seen,” reflecting the quality of preparation and the atmosphere of belief that filled the room throughout the evening.
This year also marked an exciting transition in leadership and collaboration behind the scenes. Pitch Night 2026 was designed and developed by a newer Change Agency team that worked intentionally to bridge collaborative efforts across departments and create a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Their dedication, flexibility, and teamwork helped make the evening a tremendous success.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity shown throughout the night through the funds and support raised for these Change Agents. We are also proud that the evening created space to honor and reconnect with four Change Agents from prior cohorts—our “Legends”—who returned to share updates on their continued growth, progress, and impact since completing the program.