Q: Tell us a little about your role at United Way of West Florida and what a typical day looks like for you.
A: As the Community Impact Senior Manager, my role is to oversee services and programs within the department through volunteerism, outreach, grants, etc.. No day is the same as the team is always working towards or planning for something. Days typically consist of collaborating with the team, connecting with the community, organizing and prepping for an event or initiative, or researching and strategizing for something new. We’re looking for ways to close the gaps as best we can.
Q: You play a big role in planning Stuff the Bus. What does it mean to you to help bring this community event to life and support local students?
A: It means so much to play even a small part in a students’ school year and alleviate the burden of costs from the supplies. Students have everything they need when they start the school year, except potentially the school supplies. This helps build up that confidence to reach their full potential. Households are constantly juggling and making choices to afford necessities in life. Having to choose school supplies for their child over something else shouldn’t have to be an option.
Q: What is one thing people may not realize goes into making an event like Stuff the Bus successful?
A: There is a lot of planning that goes into Stuff the Bus many months before the event takes place. It includes a lot of moving parts, communication with partners, recruiting volunteers, and ensuring that we are meeting the needs of families and students across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Planning for the event starts as soon as we finish the last one. A committee comes together each year to make this event the success that it is. This committee includes the school districts, local media, and UWWF staff and board members.
Q: You also manage our Mini-Grant Program and work closely with our funded partners. What do you enjoy most about supporting local nonprofits and community organizations?
A: Managing both of UWWF’s grant processes, Mini Grants and Community Investment, has exposed me to the incredible work being done in the community. It has also connected me to the incredible people who do the work. I enjoy every part of it, but seeing the success and impact of the agencies is a real motivator. Another part I enjoy is aligning the funding with the goals and vision of UWWF. As the Community Investment Grant has shifted to an ALICE focus, it is exciting to share and works towards these efforts with local agencies. There is a strategy to the grants that combines the work of UWWF and the impact local agencies are making on our community. Building that strategy to make an effective difference in a person, family, or households life or an agency’s growth has always been a joy to see at the end of a grant process.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or story from working with one of our funded partners or seeing the impact of their work?
A: A recent memory combines UWWF staff and an agency. The staff volunteered at Bright Bridge Ministries during their Hot, Healthy Meals service. We were able to connect with staff and the folks they serve by providing nutritional, well-balanced meals. Getting out of the office and giving back in this way with an agency that does incredible work connects us to the our mission even more.
Q: What does “United is the Way” mean to you personally?
A: To me, “United is the Way” proves we can’t do our work alone. We are better when we’re working together and sharing our different perspectives and experiences. The beauty of working at United Way of West Florida is the community component that drives the work we do.
Q: What is your favorite part about working at United Way of West Florida?
A: I’ve been so lucky to have worked with incredible people over the years. This includes volunteers, agencies, schools, UWWF staff and board, and community members. There is so much care that goes into the work and passion for serving the community. My favorite part is being able to bring these folks together. Through the work, we can connect volunteers to UWWF and other agencies through Community Investment and Day of Caring, we can connect staff and board to volunteers through Stuff the Bus, and community members to the work of UWWF through every aspect of our work. There are so many aspects that bring people together for a greater cause.
Q: What motivates you to continue serving our community and making an impact through your work?
A: I’m motivated by knowing there is always more we can do and better ways to meet the needs of our community. The team I get to work with sees that to, so this collective effort drives that even more.
Q: If someone asked you why supporting local nonprofits and community programs matters, what would you tell them?
A: Local nonprofits are the experts in the areas they serve and the programs they provide make a difference in the lives of those across the community. Nonprofits are an enormous driver of change for our neighbors. Without organizations and their programs, certain needs and issues likely would not be addressed in an accurate and considerate way. We never know when we will need to turn to someone for help. It is important to know there are organizations out there to support and be there in times of need.
Q: When you’re not working, what is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I love tennis and come from a big tennis family. I try to play as much as I can on weekends and keep up with the tournaments.