Cary, NC -- As I reflect on my journey as President and CEO of United Way of North Carolina, I’m reminded daily that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. It requires clarity, courage, and a deep commitment to the people and communities we serve. Being a female leader in this space adds another layer of meaning. It calls me to lead not only with strategy and vision, but also with empathy, resilience, and a willingness to model what sustainable leadership truly looks like.
I’m fortunate to stand alongside remarkable women across the United Way network who embody these qualities. Leaders like Jenny Lee, Executive Director of Rowan County United Way and Linda Jewell Carr, Executive Director of United Way of Sampson County, remind me that our strength is amplified when we lift one another up, share what we’ve learned, and acknowledge the realities of leading organizations that carry such profound community impact. Their examples reinforce that leadership is not a solitary act; it’s a collective practice shaped by collaboration and shared purpose.
One theme that continues to surface in conversations with these women is the importance of self‑care as a leadership discipline. In the nonprofit world, we often pour ourselves into the mission with everything we have. But the truth is simple: an organization cannot be sustainable if its leaders are not. When we prioritize our well‑being, whether through rest, reflection, or simply giving ourselves permission to pause, we strengthen our capacity to make sound decisions, support our teams, and guide our organizations through both stability and change.
Sustainability, after all, is not just about financial health or operational strength. It’s about cultivating a culture where people can thrive. It’s about ensuring that our teams feel supported, our strategies are grounded in long‑term thinking, and our leadership practices reflect the values we champion in our communities. When we take care of ourselves, we model what it means to take care of the organization.
As we continue our work across North Carolina, I’m inspired by the collective leadership within our network who show up every day with passion and purpose. Together, we are building something enduring. We can ensure that our United Way remains strong, resilient, and ready to meet the evolving needs of the communities we proudly serve.
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