On April 26, 2022, more than 345 United Way staff from 18 states gathered in Greenville, SC for United Way’s Southeast Regional Conference. To honor the resilient, innovative, and impactful work of local United Ways, awards were presented to a small to mid-sized United Way and a large United Way in the following categories: Exemplary United Way Leader, Outstanding Local United Way, Exemplary COVID-19 Response, and Trailblazer in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. United Way of North Carolina is pleased to announce that three North Carolina United Ways won an award.
Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, presented awards on Friday, April 29 during the final day of the Southeast Regional Conference. Multiple small to mid-sized and large United Ways were nominated and judged from 7 states across the Southeast. Jenny Lee (Executive Director) accepted the Outstanding Local United Way award on behalf of Rowan County United Way. United Way of Iredell County won for Exemplary COVID-19 Response and Brett Eckerman (President & CEO) served as their representative. We also commend United Way of Central Carolinas, who won for Trailblazer in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Laura Clark (President & CEO) leads work in the greater Charlotte area.
“We are very proud of all the organizations and leaders who were nominated from our state and across the southeast. These organizations represent the larger network of NC United Ways who are all deserving of recognition for the adjustments made over the past two years to ensure their neighbors were cared for,” said Laura Marx, President & CEO of United Way of North Carolina. “It’s an honor to have three United Ways from North Carolina be recognized for their accomplishments and we were thrilled to celebrate together at the Southeast Regional Conference.”
In addition to the awards presentations, conference attendees were inspired by keynote speakers and attended workshops that offered knowledge exchange and practical application tools. Rounding out the four-day event were networking opportunities and 29 innovation stations that provided exposure to proven practices and innovative ideas. The United Way Southeast Regional Conference has existed for more than 60 years and continues to serve as the premier regional learning opportunity for United Way leaders.