What’s your “why”? Why do you invest both time and through monetary donations to UWNEMN? I have always enjoyed volunteering and working with others who feel the same. It does not take much to make a difference in someone’s life which in turn enriches mine.
What do you most enjoy about serving on the UWNEMN board? UWNEMN offers a variety of ways for people to give of their time and ideas. Everyone is constantly looking for ways to either improve current endeavors or develop new ways to engage the community. It is the people that work for this organization on an everyday basis that makes me want to be on this board of directors. What Erin and her incredible team are able to accomplish each year is truly a testament to their personal commitment to the mission of UWNEMN and our communities.
What accomplishment of UWNEMN are you most proud of during your board tenure? I cannot pick just one, and they are not my accomplishments so much as that I am proud that I was able to be involved. First is Community Steps; seeing the look on those faces of those kids when they picked out their new shoes made my whole year. Their sheer excitement and gratitude was worth every moment. Second is the Wall that Heals; as a military family member this one hit my heart in a special place. We heard stories we did not expect and shared tears with people we never met before. This was one of the most humbling experiences of my life, one of which I would never have had without the United Way.
What’s one positive change you’d like to see or help UWNEMN make in our region? I would like to continue to get the message out regarding the work UWNEMN has already established for our veterans and with the children’s programs. UWNEMN does a great job of spreading the word, engaging people, and getting them excited to volunteer and donate. It is our job as ambassadors of their mission to continue that work and affect change.
Jennifer Ford is a business developer for the Entrepreneur Fund and has served on UWNEMN’s Board of Directors for three years.