“The Itasca-area has been home to my family for more than 100 years. With deep roots and a tremendous love for the place I call home, I always knew I would make it back.  After moving away for school and a short stint in Duluth, I had the opportunity to move back. My husband and I often say this was the best possible decision we could have made for our family. We’ve enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends who all care deeply about our community. With three young children, you can often find us hanging out at the library, the Children’s Discovery Museum, or enjoying the beautiful summer days at a park or beach.”

What inspired you to be involved with United Way?
Energy – energy – energy! After getting to know the United Way over the past few years, I am continually impressed with the level of energy and excitement United Way brings to the community. Residents know there are needs and disparities in our community, but we will have a better chance of combating them if we can stick it out for the long haul. For that to happen, donors and supporters need to stay energized and excited to see what’s next. I think United Way does a fantastic job of celebrating the little wins that keep the community motivated to push for the big wins! I’m honored that I get to be part of that.

What is one word you would use to sum up United Way’s work?
Ingrained

What impresses you most about Itasca?
Itasca County boasts powerful examples of how more is possible through collaboration. Whether it’s businesses, nonprofits, or agencies working together, local leaders know that greater impact happens when we can all bring our resources to the collective community table. This does not happen everywhere!

What is one thing about United Way that you think most people don’t know?
United Way is uniquely positioned to work with local people to identify the community’s greatest needs. Every year, they pull together people who really know and understand the community to get resources in the places that make the most impact.

What advice would you give to a potential donor who is considering investing in United Way?
A potential donor can be confident that their resources will be used wisely and will go directly to the people living in our community.