Category: Staff Spotlights

Staff Spotlight: Robert Szarzynski

Welcome to this week’s Familiar Faces Friday! Today we are introducing Robert Szarzynski who works as our Manager of Donor Services. Read on to learn more about Robert and his work here at United Way of Lake County!

When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?

I began as a Loaned Executive working on campaigns, part-time, in August of 2017. Subsequently, I was lucky enough to begin full-time in January of 2018.

What is your title and role?

As Manager, Donor Services, I am responsible for providing operational and business support for the Resource Development team in the areas of reporting, analysis, data tracking, and research, benchmarking.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

I have always been a big fan of the United Way of Lake County and the work we do. I jumped at the opportunity to add my talents to the mix.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

They are all amazing, but Reading Success is my favorite. Perhaps I am biased because I have been a volunteer with Reading Success for a few years now. I live in Waukegan. Unfortunately, sometimes schools and students in Waukegan get a bad rap. Living here, I know this isn’t true and it is so great to confirm that by spending time with these extraordinary students.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

I like the work but I love the people. I have never worked with a more diverse and talented group. The employees at United Way of Lake County really care about the community we serve as well as their co-workers.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

My wife and I are big time music fans. We travel to Chicago and Milwaukee as often as we can to see live music. I like smaller venues but we have also been to large fests such as Lollapalooza and Riot Fest in Chicago and Jazz Fest in New Orleans. I also enjoy spending time with my three daughters Taylor (24), Ella (18) and Vaughan (15) and giving them the business as often as I can.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Guadarrama

This Familiar Faces Friday, we are introducing Stephanie Guadarrama. Stephanie is one of our  Kindergarten Countdown Camp Coordinators for the Success By 6 Program (SB6). Learn more about her role, what she likes to do in her free time and how she connects to the programs developed by United Way of Lake County (UWLC)!

When did you start working at UWLC?

I started June 4^th.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

I’ve always heard about United Way and decided to finally do some research as to what they were about and I fell in love. I also really want to become an elementary school teacher and when I saw they were looking for volunteers for the Reading Success Program, I jumped on board as soon as possible.

Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?

I really connect with both Reading Success and Kindergarten Countdown Camp because working with children and helping them grow is a true passion of mine.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

Getting to see all my little friends at the elementary schools and my awesome colleagues!

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

I’m a huge crafter. I literally feel like a 70 year-old woman trapped in a 21 year-old’s body. I love to cross-stitch, crochet, paint and sew.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

Staff Spotlight: Amy Warrington

This Familiar Faces Friday, we are introducing Amy Warrington. Amy is one of our Kindergarten Countdown Camp Coordinators. Learn more about her role, what she likes to do in her free time and how she connects to programs developed by United Way of Lake County (UWLC)!

When did you start working at UWLC?

I started working at United Way of Lake County at the beginning of June, though I have volunteered with UWLC previously. 

What is your title and role?

I am one of the Kindergarten Countdown Camp Coordinators, which means I go to participating schools and make sure everything is running smoothly, and answer any questions parents may have. 

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

My parents work a lot with UWLC and I think it has a really important mission. I love that UWLC really works in the community and walks the walk as well as talking the talk. 

Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?

Probably Success By 6 because it’s the program I work with! This is where it all starts, a basis for future success, and I think that’s really essential. 

What is your favorite part of your job here?

My favorite part of my job here is being able to go out in the community and see the change being made. 

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

I love to garden, cook and walk my dog. I’m also always up for the occasional Netflix binge.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

Staff Spotlight: Susan Mendoza

This Familiar Faces Friday, we are introducing Susan Mendoza. Susan is our Executive Assistant. Learn more about her role, what she likes to do in her free time and how she connects to the programs we offer at United Way of Lake County (UWLC)!

When did you start working at UWLC?

I started on July 1, 2017.

What is your title and role?

My title is Executive Assistant. In my role, I support the President/CEO, providing a wide range of administrative services that contribute to the achievement of United Way’s mission and vision.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

After many years of working in the corporate sector, I was happy to find a job that would allow me to live with a purpose. I enjoy that my work at United Way of Lake County gives me the opportunity to give back to my community.

Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?

Most recently, I took advantage of “My Free Taxes” which is a key initiative managed by United Way. The program provides free federal and state tax preparation and filing assistance, both online and in person, to individuals and families with household incomes of $64,000 or less. I always wait until the deadline to file taxes because I dread the process and I usually end up giving part of the refund away to a tax professional. I am so glad I used this program. It was so easy to file! The process took less time than I thought, and best of all, it was free.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

Working alongside great people who are passionate about the work United Way does for the Lake County community.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

I love spending time with my family, including my fur babies. I enjoy traveling, catching a movie and going to ball games. In the summer, I look forward to local concerts, fairs and Six Flags.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

Staff Spotlight: Rosa Herrera

Welcome back to Familiar Faces Friday! This week, we are introducing Rosa Herrera. Rosa is our Initiative Coordinator for our Success By 6 Program (SB6).  Learn more about Rosa and her work at United Way of Lake County (UWLC) by reading below!

When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?

I started working at United Way of Lake County in May 2017.

What is your title and role?

My role as the Success by 6 Initiative Coordinator is to support and promote healthy early childhood development to ensure children enter school ready to succeed.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

In 2012, I was earning my Bachelor’s Degree in social work and interning with United of Lake County. I quickly immersed myself to learn as much as I could about the organization, the community it served, and the overall work it was doing to reach its broader goal. During my time here, it became evident that I wanted to be a part of an organization that leads its community towards sustainability. Before coming back to the organization, I went on to specialize in non-profit management in philanthropy with a social work lens. I wanted to be a part of an organization that strives to lead in the Lake County community, through research, informed practice, and initiatives that continue to change lives through education.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

All the programs at United Way of Lake County have a great purpose and perform at different capacities for the families and children of Lake County. Being at the forefront of programs and initiatives within SB6 has created a strong connection for me with the work we do. The program provides many benefits, from guiding parents to explore and implement tools and techniques, to becoming their child’s first teacher, to preparing students for kindergarten by providing educational programming and building key readiness skills.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

I have the pleasure of working with diverse populations, differing in age, origin, culture and socioeconomic status. I also enjoy developing programs and services for underserved populations, while keeping my social work values of using a strengths-based approach to help communities reach self-sufficiency. The myriad of connections amongst families, children and professionals sparks my passion and commitment in empowering and advocating for all people.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

Recently, I started an aerial yoga class, and while it requires physical strength, it also brings relaxation and mental clarity. Additionally, I enjoy reading books located in the 300s section of the library, attending music festivals, spending time with family and friends, drinking tea, and watching a good documentary or movie.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

Staff Spotlight: Quinton Snodgrass

Welcome back to Familiar Faces Friday! This week we are excited to introduce Quinton Snodgrass, our Vice President of Resource Development.

When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?

January 2017, I actually just had my one year anniversary!

What is your title and role?

VP of Resource Development.  I work with our individual, corporate, and foundation supporters to best connect them to programs and initiatives that make an impact in Lake County.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

My first internship in business school was with United Way of Central Indiana. That experience is what drove my career focus in health and human service work.  Since then I have worked in underserved urban neighborhoods in metro Chicago, and incredibly remote villages in rural Cambodia. A common thread in every community I have worked with is the drive parents have for their children to succeed; overwhelming research shows that the key factor in success, more than anything, is education. I have young children and as I watch them grow and learn, my belief in this mission grows tangible. I am a part of this organization because other children should have the same chance to succeed that my children have, and I can be a part of making that possible.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

Early education, but also the pending launch of our 2-1-1 information and referral hotline.  I say that because there are a tremendous amount of services and resources available to families in need, but a major gap has always been helping people reach and access the services that could most benefit them during a time of crisis. United Way Lake County is looking to launch an integrated call, text, live chat, web resource to act as a connecter between people in crisis and programs that can help them. To me that is a very exciting opportunity to make a massive difference for children and families in Lake County.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

Helping people connect to programs that change lives. Is that corny?  I also like getting emails saying “free doughnuts in the break room!”

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

Did I mention two little kids?  6 and 3.  I have a faint memory of what truly ‘free’ time feels like, but outside of work I can be found slowly renovating our home, working on vintage motorcycles, finding new things to cook, brewing beer, helping my wife urban homestead everything from organic asparagus to a small flock of chickens, and using my dwindling collection of 1980s Transformers as bribes for potty training.

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

Staff Spotlight: Kristi Long

What a way to start the new year–this week on our first Familiar Faces Friday, we are introducing Kristi Long, the President and CEO of United Way of Lake County! Keep reading to learn more about Kristi and her incredible role here at United Way.

When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?

I joined UWLC in May 2002. I came from the United Way of Greater Salt Lake.

What is your title and role?

President & CEO. I have the awesome job working with our entire staff and Board of Directors on our mission of helping children build their education foundation – especially kindergarten readiness and early literacy.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

First, I love the Midwest. Born and raised in Omaha, I missed the great people in the heartland! Second, when I joined the organization, the Board of Directors were looking for a new direction. They were very interested in placing more resources into prevention and I thought that was exciting. They also viewed resources as greater than just money. They truly valued Lake County citizens who can give through money, time or talent.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

Early learning is close to my heart. My Mom was young when she had me and she depended on her parents to help her. They played a large part in my early life and I know because of them I was cared for, read to, and was constantly engaged in learning. Today in Lake County many families need that extra support to get their children ready for their first day of school. I think the two items that are so critical are – “learning starts at birth” and “parents are their child’s first teacher”.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

I love working with our staff, Board of Directors and volunteers – they are so committed to helping Lake County families! In today’s world everyone wants to know about results. And I’m so proud of the evaluation we do of all of our programs and grant recipients. I also feel the work we do to empower parents is the most important element of our work. If we can help parents gain confidence in their skills whether it’s reading to their child every day or advocating for them at school, we are making a lifelong difference for that family.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

Living in the Chicagoland area, I love to take advantage of the arts. I also co-lead a Girl Scout Daisy Troop – working with these 5 and 6 year olds brings home many of the lessons I’ve learned through our education programs. And, anyone who knows me at all knows my devotion to Lucy, my 8 year old poodle/Lhasa mix. She is the best dog ever!!

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.

Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Strom

Introducing Jennifer Strom, our Manager of Digital Media and Graphic Design. Continue reading to learn more about Jennifer.

When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?

I started on September 5, 2017.

What is your title and role?

In my role, I work with my team to maintain an integrated, strategic marketing and communications program; including web content, print and electronic materials, social media, donor communications, multimedia applications, special events, and more.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

It was my goal to find an environment that was supportive and collaborative and to find work that was creative, inspiring and fulfilling. United Way of Lake County ticked all those boxes and felt like a great fit from the start. I love the work that United Way does and I’m grateful to be a part of such a caring and hardworking group of individuals.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

I love all of our programs, but the one I want people to know about most is 211. Everyone in Lake County can use 211 to get connected to health and human services in their area. It’s free, confidential, 24/7, with English and Spanish-speaking staff and translation to 150+ languages. This is a wonderful way for people across our community and across the country can get access to critical resources.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

Being in the Marketing department, I get a chance to work on projects and initiatives with every department. I love learning more about the work UWLC does and getting to know everyone at this organization.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

My favorite things to do are spending quality time with my family and friends, exploring nature, creating art, singing, dancing, and playing games.

Thank you for joining us for another Staff Spotlight. To meet more people on staff, click here.

Staff Spotlight: Dennis Burke

Good morning and welcome to Familiar Faces Friday! It has been such a pleasure for us getting to introduce you to our staff here at United Way of Lake County. This week we are excited to introduce Dennis Burke who is our Manager for New Business.

When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?

July 1, 2017.

What is your title and role?

Manager, New Business. I’m here to secure new business partners, introduce new products and services such as 211, while also enhancing relationships with existing clients.

What made you want to be a part of this organization?

I had an awareness of United Way and had long been a supporter including serving as a departmental campaign coordinator when I worked at Abbott Laboratories. I was introduced to UWLC by a member of the Finance Committee. I was struck by the passion of the people that I met and their commitment to the children and families of Lake County.

Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?

There is no special program, but rather our overall mission to advocate for the health education and financial stability of all Lake County residents that resonates with me. I have had the opportunity to attend campaign kick-offs featuring speakers from sponsored agencies as well as various volunteer engagements, and each is inspiring in its own way.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

As a resident of Lake County, I am awe struck by the tremendous need for services that exists within our community. I am proud to be affiliated with UWLC and the energetic and committed staff that work here. It is also invigorating to share our mission with future supporters.

When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?

My wife Jan and I enjoy the Cubs, golf, cycling for pleasure and spending time with our adult children, extended family, and friends. Fun fact – we really dig snow shoeing and cross country skiing in the Lake County Forest Preserves. Bring on the blizzard!

Thank you for joining us for another Familiar Faces Friday. To meet more people on staff, click here.