Staff Spotlight: Cynthia Zimmerman

Welcome to Familiar Faces Friday! This week we are thrilled to introduce Cynthia Zimmerman, our Special Events and Marketing Administrator. Every person in our organization helps make the programs you know and love possible. Learn more about Cynthia and her work here at United Way.

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

I began in March 2011 as a temporary employee. Then I was hired on as a permanent United Way employee in October 2011.

What is your title and role?

I’m the Special Events and Marketing Administrator for the Marketing and Communications Department. I manage the logistics for UWLC’s Premier Leadership Fundraising Event, the Annual Meeting, the Leadership Breakfast in addition to various promotional events to engage and educate our community, new donors and volunteers. Also, I coordinate direct mail projects and provide administrative support to the Marketing Department.

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

My career has been in the non-profit field – it’s a great fit for me. When I moved to Lake County I wanted to work with United Way of Lake County due to their effective education programs for children and youth. I grew up with a learning disability. I know how important it is for parents to have the support and services they need to provide for their child’s educational needs. UWLC’s programs provide such support for children and their families in our community.

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

Reading Success is my favorite program. I volunteered as a Reading Tutor and found it to be very eye-opening and rewarding. I knew this was an important and effective program, but it wasn’t until I started tutoring first grade students that I realized how essential it was for a child struggling to read. I wanted to help those students as much as I was helped at their age.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

Planning events is what I excel at and enjoy doing the most – providing an enjoyable environment in which to engage, educate and gain the support of those in our community for United Way’s work.

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

I’m a professional musician, a classically trained singer. When I’m not at work I’m in rehearsals or performing in my church choir as their soprano soloist. This choir tours nationally and internationally; just this past August we performed at Winchester Cathedral, England. Also, I’m a founding member of the North Shore Opera Hour – we perform monthly throughout the Chicago area for various venues. When I’m not singing, I’m enjoying quality time with my boyfriend Mark and my cat, Jasmine.

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