Staff Spotlight: Kelly Cotter

Welcome to another Familiar Faces Friday. This week we are excited to begin introducing our staff members. Each and every person makes an impact on the work United Way of Lake County does. Their contributions make our programs possible. We’d like to begin today by introducing our Initiative Funding and Advocacy Manager, Kelly Cotter.

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

I started working at UWLC in 2008.

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

When my husband and I moved back to Lake County after living in Washington, D.C. for several years, I wanted to find a place to work where I could help improve outcomes for children and families. I met with Kristi Long, United Way of Lake County’s President and CEO, and had an opportunity to learn about the work they were doing to make measurable changes for children and families. I remember Kristi walking me over to a map near her office to show me United Way’s targeted communities of need and their proximity to surrounding affluent communities. I was struck by the unique opportunity we have to work together to make lasting changes for children, families and our communities.

How has United Way impacted your life?

I value being able to work with a dedicated, caring team of professionals who share a common drive to make a difference for children and families.

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

I have two boys who are now eight and six-years-old. Through the years, at each stage of my boys’ development, I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work we do to help children prepare for and be successful in school. Every day, when my husband and I read to our boys at bedtime, and search through piles of books to find the ones they want to read, I am reminded of the statistic I heard years ago that the majority of low-income families have no age-appropriate books in their homes. And I am reminded how much more we need to do to make sure every child has the chance to succeed.

What has been your favorite memory of working at United Way?

My official role at United Way of Lake County is writing grants and proposals to secure funding to support our programming. Over the last few years I’ve also started to capture success stories and photos to bring our programs to life. My favorite part of my job is meeting the children and families and seeing our programs in action. I am touched by each story and inspired to bring our programs to more families.

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