What was your path to the United Way?
What are 1-2 goals you have for the United Way in the next few years?
CT: Mine was a wiggly path. Early in my career, I had been in early childhood education and, as I finished student teaching, my path took me back to school for a business education. That was followed by owning a small business, banking and real estate management. At any rate, a fellow banker and Campaign Chair for the United Way led me to the United Way. And here, I have found my home, my heart, and my best work.
EV: I want to make the United Way accessible to more people. I think that many community members are unclear about what we do: we are a locally grown 501(c)3 organization and not a chapter of a national corporation. United Way responds to local needs in a compelling and effective way without commitments to anyone besides the citizens we’re serving and the donors that make the work possible.
EV: I spent 7 years at the Virginia Institute of Autism and 12 years at the Charlottesville Free Clinic. While enthusiastic about their missions, and those of other nonprofits I’ve been involved with, I realized that I have a passion for bringing people together. The United Way is a catalyst for working toward community goals and that felt like a great fit for me.
What is the most significant contribution United Way has made to the community?
What inspires you?
CT: Our Board, staff, and volunteers are quick to roll up their sleeves and overcome entrenched problems. It is the knowledge, commitment, and ever-evolving nature of our organization that are our best assets and, in turn, our most significant contribution.
CT: The people I work with every day. My colleagues are outstanding, and we have incredible volunteers—the envy of our community. I love the partnership we have for the betterment of our neighbors. People come together to do good for someone else knowing they may never meet whom they are helping. And yet, that person matters to them. Our community table is open to all; we gather around it to “ If we can, we should do good for care for one another.
“ The United Way is the hub...for coming together to address issues and create opportunity.” —Erika Viccellio
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nd, I will help advance the work plan of the Early Education Task Force. We are united A around the idea that every child in Charlottesville-Albemarle living with risk factors that impact success will have access to a high-quality early education program, and—as chair—I want to ensure that the group remains engaged, enthused and effective.
EV: The United Way is the hub—for community leaders, concerned citizens, businesses, philanthropists, nonprofits, government officials, schools, civic groups, health systems—for coming together to address issues and create opportunity.
If we can, we should do good for others. It’s really that simple.
others. It’s really that simple.” —Cathy Train
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