United Way of Lake County | Staff Archives - Page 5 of 8

03 Aug

Staff Spotlight: Robert Szarzynski

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

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.

26 Jul

Meet the Interns: Anna Kedjidjian

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News

This summer, we are excited to welcome Anna Kedjidjian, our newest Marketing intern! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County. As part of our Marketing team, Anna will assist with research, social media, videos, events, and much more. Join us in welcoming Anna!

Where do you go to school and what year are you?

I am in incoming sophomore at Randolph-Macon College.

What is your major?

I am currently undecided, but I have thoughts in a major in communication studies and a minor in political science.

Where are you from?

Deerfield, IL.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Walker Brothers. I am a huge fan of breakfast food, especially for dinner!

What is something interesting that no one knows about you?

When I was in fourth grade, my dream job was to be a roller coaster designer.

If you had to sing one karaoke song for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston. She is truly an idol!

What is the best movie in the world and why do you think so?

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. I love the whole Princess Diaries series, but I think the second one is the best because everyone is trying to make Mia find a prince, but she doesn’t think she needs a man! I also relate to her awkwardness a lot!

To learn more about internship opportunities at United Way, click here.

13 Jul

Staff Spotlight: Stephanie Guadarrama

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

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.

12 Jul

Meet the Interns: Emma Paukert

by Jennifer StromCategories: Kindergarten Countdown Camp, News

This summer, we are excited to welcome Emma Paukert, one of our new Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) interns! We love getting to introduce new people to the work we do at United Way of Lake County. Read on to learn more about Emma’s experience with KCC so far!

What is your role at Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC)?

I am an intern for KCC, serving as a teacher’s aide in the classroom.

What has been the most memorable part about your involvement in KCC so far?

The most memorable part about my involvement so far has been seeing the overall impact that one day at school has on these children. I have found it very interesting how young children are able to absorb new information and catch on to things adults know without even thinking about.

Have there been any students or teachers, in particular, that have impacted you and how?

Everyone, from students to teachers, has impacted me. I admire the teachers’ passion for teaching young children and the amount that they care for and value every student’s right to be educated. In terms of the students, they have impacted me by making me realize how important education is and how the fundamental stages of schooling are vital to a student’s success.

Do you think KCC is making an impact on the children that attend?

I believe that Kindergarten Countdown Camp has a tremendous impact on the children that attend. Just from the few weeks that I have been here, I can already tell a difference in the children’s ability to write their name, listen to directions, and interact with other children. I feel that this camp is well preparing students for kindergarten and a successful academic career.

What does education mean to you?

To me, education is the gateway to success in all facets of life. A well-rounded education gives students the tools, knowledge, and attitude they need to be successful. Education is the medium that allows us to expand our thoughts and explore our ideas.

12 Jul

Women United Spotlight: Marilyn Mines

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, WU Member Spotlights

Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Marilyn Mines and her connection to Women United. If you would like to learn more about Women United and the work they do, click here.

What year did you join Women United?

2015

What is your professional background?

I am a registered nurse who worked in the Nursing Home arena for over 40 years. I have recently retired.

What inspired you originally to be a part of Women United?

My daughter is involved. Hearing the inspiring stories she relayed, about the early learning programs and other contributions the organization made to the less privileged children, drew me in.

What does early childhood education mean to you?

Times are difficult today for everyone. Those entering the world without the ability to read or keep up with other makes it more difficult to cope. Though I have no personal story to tell, I believe every child should have an equal starting point. Early education makes that possible.

What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?

The comradery of the women: all working towards the same goal and having fun doing so.

What does Women United mean to you?

It is a group of women who are interested in bettering the world, starting by helping young, less privileged children to have an equal chance to survive in today’s environment. It is a group of women who could be doing so many other things with their time and money but to choose to help others less fortunate. It is a group of women who care.

What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?

Being a part of Women United will add meaning to your life. You will be able to choose your activities, both social and fundraising. You will meet a dynamic group of women who share your values and interests, and you will feel good about what you are doing.

Women United has periodic informational meetings, called Wine & Learns. The next Wine & Learn is on August 21, 2018 from 6-7:30 PM in Libertyville at a member’s home. Interested? Contact Diana Nielander at diana.nielander@uwlakeco.org.

Join Women United on Saturday, August 4 for their Booze, Bites, Beats & Bingo Fundraiser from 7-10 PM. For more information, either click here to see the event page or contact Diana Nielander at diana.nielander@uwlakeco.org.

Learn more about Women United here.

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06 Jul

Staff Spotlight: Amy Warrington

by Marketing DepartmentCategories: News, Staff Spotlights

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)!