Paula Gilberto
Member Segment: United Way Alumni I've been fortunate that my 44-year career in the nonprofit sector aligned with my values of community service. I started that career with the American Red Cross and, through it, was introduced to our local United Way. I became a donor, I led Red Cross' United Way Campaign, served as an agency speaker and then as a loaned executive. Thanks to Susan Dunn, the late George Bahamonde hired me, and I joined the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut's team for a 24-year career, the last six as President and CEO. During my United Way career, I had the opportunity to participate on various projects and initiatives with stellar professionals from local United Ways and United Way Worldwide. All were great colleagues, and many became good friends and sage mentors. While retirement concluded my paid working career, United Way NEXT has afforded me an opportunity to reconnect with these friends and mentors and continue to meaningfully engage with a network and movement I hold dear. *Pictured left to right: Gail Millerick, former UW staff and now UW consultant, Paula Gilberto, Ned Dunn and Susan Dunn, former President & CEO UW of Central & Northeastern Connecticut. |
Holly Wade
Member Segment: Current United Way Staff I “stumbled” onto UW NEXT when I reached out to a United Way colleague to find out about some of their community impact grant funding processes. As a new Director, I’d been assessing the things that my organization was doing and wondering about some best practices. That Director I’d connected with was a member of UW NEXT and introduced me to Carole Peters, UW NEXT CEO. After our initial discussion, Carole and I created a few action steps, one of those being a mentorship. My mentorship experience with Kyle Rahn, UW NEXT volunteer mentor, has been so beneficial that I decided to join UW NEXT and will continue with that mentorship. It’s so much more than having someone to guide me through United Way best practices and to help my organization move forward steadily. It’s that I’m building a relationship where I can lean on former leaders of the organization who remind me to take care of myself, who give me a place to put my emotions on the table before having difficult discussions with Board Members or Partner Agencies, and who share forward thinking ideas that can work in my community. I look forward to my mentorship meetings. I feel like I’m growing more professionally through this experience than through anything else I’ve done to date. |
Josh Kilgas
Member Segment: United Way Alumni Throughout my decade-long tenure at United Way Fox Cities, I had the honor of witnessing the remarkable influence of United Way NEXT. This vibrant network afforded me valuable resources, notably in the development of a major gifts program. A key aspect of my experience with United Way NEXT was the opportunity to be paired with a seasoned mentor specializing in major gifts. This mentorship not only expedited the establishment of a successful major gifts program but also furthered my personal and professional advancement. As I transition into an alumni role within the United Way network, I remain enthusiastic about staying connected through United Way NEXT. The network grants me continued access to a diverse array of individuals and resources, which I anticipate will continue to play a pivotal role in my endeavors. Moreover, I am eager to leverage my skills and enthusiasm to contribute to the ongoing success of United Way. Recognizing the profound impact United Way has on our local communities and beyond, I am committed to utilizing my talents to further its mission. Reflecting on my involvement, I confidently recommend United Way NEXT to those looking for avenues for professional development and meaningful engagement. The network's robust support system and diverse opportunities for growth render it an invaluable resource. My journey with United Way NEXT has undeniably left a lasting impression, and I am sincerely grateful for the chance to be a part of such an impactful community. |
Jasmine Garcia
Member Segment: United Way Alumni My United Way journey started in 2010 with the United Way of Bowling Green, Ohio, while I was obtaining my Master's in Public Administration. We partnered together to perform a needs assessment of the community related to their access to dental care services. It was such a phenomenal experience to work with Sue Canton and get to know the community. The experience gave me an amazing introduction to the integral work that local United Ways do across the globe. A few years later, my path landed at United Way Worldwide (UWW) where I merged my passion for people, process, and culture. I had the honor of supporting the global network, particularly the international team and local United Ways for the past seven years on all things “membership and operations.” I joined UW Next while in the midst of a career transition. I'm so grateful to Carole for bringing me into the mix! To share a bit about myself, I was raised on the island of Kauai, which instilled in me the value of the environment, community, and relationships. My path led me to the Peace Corps Panama, where I lived in a small indigenous village of indigenous farmworkers living on less than a dollar a day where I was quickly humbled by their knowledge, community, and happiness. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to the philanthropic community supporting global membership networks and leveraging my operational and relational skills to drive impact around the world. When I am not working, I spend as much time as I can with my family & friends, travelling, getting outside (hiking, paddleboarding), and exercising. My children are my world. I love watching them explore the world and gain new skills. |
United Way NEXT’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
United Way NEXT harnesses the passion and experience of current and former United Way professionals for the betterment of each other, the United Way network, and our communities. In achieving this purpose, we aim to create member experiences that enhance a sense of value and belonging by:
Board approved – 9/11/2023 |