Tag: Staff

Staff Spotlight: Karla Medina Alamar

This Familiar Faces Friday, we are introducing Karla Medina Alamar. Karla is our Community Impact Initiative Coordinator. 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 June 11, 2018.

What is your title and role?

I am the Community Impact Initiative Coordinator and I am mainly responsible for volunteer engagement and project outreach.

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

I was a summer associate in 2017 and found that United Way programs really do make a difference, children do take notice and when they’re there they are visibly excited. Also, the team atmosphere that people establish creates a work environment that I knew I wanted.

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

United Way Days because revitalizing schools does a whole lot of good towards children’s educational experience.

What is your favorite part of your job here?

At the end of the day of a long school re-enhancement project, there is a visible and finished product that everyone can admire and shows the hard work and dedication of our volunteers.

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

For now, I am trying to publish my senior year Anthropology & Sociology thesis and keep my younger siblings active for the summer.

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

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.