MAKING CONNECTIONS ARCHIVES
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Name: Dr. Patricia A. Clary
Member Segment: United Way Retiree Member Quote: I became aware of United Way NEXT shortly after completing my Ph.D. in organizational leadership in 2022. Even though I had retired, my passion for positively impacting society remained unwavering. I was determined to reconnect with organizations capable of driving meaningful change in our ever-evolving global landscape characterized by formidable challenges. I recognized that United Way and United Way NEXT were integral components of this solution. Having served as the President & CEO of a United Way in California, I have long held a profound appreciation for the valuable work conducted by United Way and the dedicated individuals whose passion aligns with the organization’s mission. United Way NEXT allows me to remain actively engaged and effect positive change through my involvement with the organization. I have discovered that UW NEXT fully lives up to its mission statement, serving as a platform for leaders to connect, listen, lead, and inspire. My journey with UW NEXT led me to discover and complete the Interim Executives Academy offered by Third Sector Company. Additionally, I had the opportunity to participate in a networking event in Louisville, KY, where I rekindled relationships with former United Way peers and forged meaningful connections with new friends and colleagues. Moreover, the potential to come alongside United Way CEOs offering mentoring best practices based on life experiences in United Way’s ecosystem inspires me. Carole Peters, President & CEO of UW NEXT, and her dedicated team care about what’s NEXT and how United Way NEXT can support the United Way local and global community. I am honored to be a part of UW NEXT and their work to effect positive change. |
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Name: Charles Wright
Member Segment: United Way Alumni Member Quote: I have always been driven by wanting to be a member of a larger effort driving social impact. While in graduate school, I interned at United Way, leading to a full-time opportunity. The timing was great as United Way was moving to outcome measurement and community impact. While I enjoyed being a local staff leader, I found a passion to be involved with UWW on several network initiatives. Working on teams focused on tackling issues that could impact the whole network. With an evaluation background, I was given a chance to step up and play a leadership level both locally and in helping United Ways around the country. What I miss the most is going to national and regional conferences and sharing excitement and knowledge with hundreds of people from around the country. Happy hours were where the real innovative ideas were drawn out on a napkin – true story! Since departing my local United Way after a glorious 23-year career, I have been working as a consultant with a number of local foundations and nonprofits, as well as being a lead instructor for classes in the School of Social Work at the University of Cincinnati. Upon leaving my local United Way, I saw the United Way Retiree Association reimagining itself and selecting the right leader to evolve this important organization. Immediately, I felt plugged in and began to connect with people. “Priceless,” is the word I would use to describe all the mentoring and lessons learned as I grew my career. I felt like being part of UW NEXT, I would continue to be around individuals where I could learn valuable lessons. My experience with UW NEXT has been very fulfilling. I have used the webinars for continuing education and enjoy the fact that I am still learning new things. Please reach out if we did work together and aren’t connected. |
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Member Name: Gary Johnson
Member Segment: United Way Retiree Member Quote: Here’s my journey: I am a graduate of UCONN class of 1974 and Quinnipiac Law School class of 1981. I was a practicing Attorney in the 1980’s. I started my United Way career on March 18, 1978. There was an advertised position for a Campaign Associate in our local paper, a position funded by the Federal Government under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). Funding for the position though CETA ended in September 1978, so the Board of United Way of Milford voted to fund the position. I’ve been there ever since, at least until June 30, 2022, when I retired after 44 years. It is highly unusual for a person to stay in one community for that long. I did take over as Executive Director in January 1986 when my predecessor retired. I never had any desire to move. Milford is a wonderful coastal community in Connecticut. I really enjoyed my United Way career and am proud to be a member of NEXT where I am able to renew old acquaintances and hopefully have a continuing impact on the United Way movement in years to come. |
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Member Name: Savannah Lyon, CEO of the UW of Kearney Area - Nebraska
Member Segment: Local United Way Member Quote: I sobbed in the middle of a state director meeting. Having not slept well for months, I felt very much alone in my role as a new United Way Executive Director. I desperately wanted support and a place where I could be transparent. I needed expertise from people who had walked a similar path ahead of me. As the meeting closed, one of the leaders forwarded me Carole Peters’ email. “They can help get you a coach,” she promised. Finally, a glimmer of hope. I wasn’t even out of the parking lot from the meeting before I tapped out an email to Carole. She replied within 90 minutes. The following day, Carole zoomed with me for two hours. She encouraged me and provided me with tools, resources and ideas. Later, she connected me with Kyle Rahn, a UW NEXT Member and Mentor. Kyle Rahn is a former United Way Executive who is passionate about building up leaders, especially female leaders. She meets with me frequently. Since our relationship started, I have finally slept. I have clarity in my vision and a reliable resource when I’m unsure or my board is doubtful. Most of all, I have a cheerleader who encourages and supports me. Having Kyle as a mentor has been a game changer and a lifeline. I believe this is something that every new executive director needs to be successful |
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Member Name: Bonnie Duncan
Member Segment: United Way Retiree Member Quote: After 25 years at United Way of Hunterdon County I was looking forward to retirement last year. Some folks may have a detailed plan of what that next step in their life journey would be – I was not one of those folks. I knew I needed to take some time to decompress. I wanted to spend some time on self-care while spending more time with friends and family While that was the initial plan, it wasn’t long before I knew I wasn’t done and that I needed a plan to see how I could still put some of my skills to work in a different way. Our United Way was a lifelong supporter of the United Way Retirees Association, and I was intrigued by the rebranding and launch of United Way NEXT Switching to an individual membership was easy and there were so many opportunities to get involved and still stay connected to the United Way system. Over the past year I have been able to pick and choose the work I want to be engaged in. I’ve attended webinars and networking meetings. I joined the Engage and Exchange Work Group to see how we can partner, collaborate, and coordinate with UWW and others. The collective knowledge of skills amongst my colleagues is inspiring. Through UW NEXT, I got certified as an Interim Executive Director with the Third Sector Company and attended their first annual conference. Joining UW NEXT was the best thing for me. I’m not ready to hang up on all my past work. This allows me to stay connected and stay active, but at my own pace. Lifelong learning only makes us better and there is so much still left to do. I encourage everyone to check out UW NEXT and see where you fit in – I guarantee there is a place for you. |
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Member Name: Rochelle Zeidman
Member Segment: United Way Alumni Member Quote: UW NEXT provides a unique value proposition - connecting committed current and former talented leaders for strategy and advice to serve local United Way communities through learning opportunities and mentorships. I value and am inspired by their knowledge and passion to create a more equitable world where all people thrive, and every community is a resilient one, with family-sustaining jobs, good schools and a healthy environment for all. My United Way journey included serving as Director of U.S. and International Giving at UWW, collaborating with local United Ways. Through that experience, I was humbled to see the commitment of the Tocqueville Society, Women’s Leadership members, and the incredible people who believe in the UW mission in communities across the U.S. and around the world. As a member of UW NEXT, I have been continuously impressed by this dedicated army of talent and compassion leveraging their abilities to solve tough problems and have lasting impact. |
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UW NEXT Member: Kerri Strauss
Member Segment: United Way Alumni Member Quote: I am a proud member of UW Next! I have always been drawn to community impact work, starting at a young age as a Girl Scout brownie. I enjoy making a difference where I live. Joining service clubs in high school and college, volunteering at various nonprofits, I found United Way at a young age. While working on my Master of Social Work degree, I requested an internship placement in my local UW’s Community Impact Division. This led to a decade of UW employment. The main value I find through UW Next is the members. People make all the difference. It’s the personal relationships we develop in life that matter most - our family, friends, colleagues, retirees, volunteers, at all stages of life. I’ve found professional connections, colleagues who have enhanced my career, and even colleagues who have become friends. Having a strong network to rely on – personally and professionally – has greatly enhanced this next stage of my life. As a UW NEXT member, I am serving as a mentor for a new Executive Director of a UW in Louisiana. I also serve on the Engage and Exchange Work Group of UW Next, and the newly formed Podcast sub- committee, along with attending monthly member meet ups. UW Next has provided me with ways to contribute meaningfully to the broader UW Network. I enjoy staying connected to such an instrumental piece of community impact. I find deep meaning in the volunteer work I do with UW Next and hope this message inspires you to get involved. |
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UW NEXT Member: Nina Buenavista
Member Segment: United Way Current Staff Member Quote: I have been with United Way Miami for four months, and as you can imagine, there is plenty to learn about the organization and planned giving. Although I had almost 20 years of experience conversing with clients about estate planning and their legacy as a former banker, my expertise was in managing their investments rather than planned giving - I am aware of the limitations it entails. Therefore, I jumped at the opportunity of connecting with United Way Next when Evelyn Morgner presented the opportunity. I wanted to connect with individuals who could guide my United Way journey. I also wanted a planned giving mentor to tap into their expertise, learn from their experiences, and for my overall personal growth. Carole Peters connected me with Roma Bose, UW NEXT member and volunteer faculty, based on what I told her about what I was looking for in a mentor. Roma and I connected on our first Zoom shortly after. I loved that she gave me immediate feedback on my strategy and some additional insights I had yet to consider. I look forward to her challenging my limits and broadening my perspective. Planned giving is a beautiful opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the organization and the donor. For United Way Miami, it contributes to its long-term sustainability, ensuring impact in our community. For the donor, I get to be a part of their philanthropic journey, helping them fulfill their goals and secure their legacy. United Way Next is helping me expand my network and knowledge – I look forward to meeting more amazing people! |
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UW NEXT Member: Bob Ferriday
Member Segment: United Way Retiree Member Quote: When I reflect on my relationship with UW NEXT, for me, it was a natural thing to do to join the Retiree Association of the organization I had worked for the last 25 years. Then, my wife and I began traveling to various locations around the U.S. to attend the UWRA Gatherings. One thing led to another, and I was asked to join the board. Being a retired United Way Chief Financial Officer, it was natural that I was asked to serve as Treasurer. I have found this role to be stimulating and enjoyable. One recent example is when Benton Clark, retired CFO from Fort Worth, agreed to join our Finance Committee and it was rekindling a relationship that began several decades ago from our Finance Roundtables. In addition to serving on the UW NEXT Finance committee, I have had the opportunity to be part of the UW NEXT Endowment and Planned Giving volunteer faculty providing support to the field. That has been stimulating too! Recently, a past co-worker and recent re-hire at our United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County in WI, Shemagne O’Keefe Mullins, and I have reconnected around her new role as Engagement Manager, Planned Giving. What a small world indeed. In short, I have found that volunteering seems to always give back more than you expected and UW NEXT is a great place to have that happen. |
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UW NEXT Member: Eve Powell
Member Segment: United Way Alumni Member Quote: After receiving recommendations from Evelyn Morgner and Keith Barsuhn, I joined United Way NEXT. I am excited to offer my expertise in service of helping LUWs thrive. United Way plays a critical role in our communities, and I am happy to be part of the UW NEXT Volunteer Faculty that is helping LUWs remain vibrant, relevant, successful, and high-functioning organizations. Fortuitously, Wes Wicker was on one of the early Zoom calls I joined and that led to a consulting position at his firm, Columns Fundraising. So I am working both as a consultant and volunteer! |
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UW NEXT Member: Sheridan Threadgill
Member Segment: United Way Alumni Member Quote: I worked as the Community Engagement Coordinator for Kishwaukee United Way in DeKalb, Illinois for almost three years and during that time I grew to appreciate all of the work that the United Way does behind the scenes and on the ground for communities across the world. Upon leaving the United Way to focus on my family and completing my Master’s in Public Administration, I received a personal invitation to join UW NEXT from CEO, Carole Peters. I knew right away that this was something I wanted to be a part of. I have always appreciated the UWs promotion of networking and professional development. Joining UW NEXT is a great opportunity to still be connected to UW, the people and programs offered. I look forward to engaging with this Community of UW Leaders! |
