MAKING CONNECTIONS
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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! |
