ALICIA POLLARD
United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council empowers women to make a targeted impact
“By getting involved with United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, you will make a significant and targeted impact on your community.”
Alicia Pollard was brought up with the notion that supporting one’s community and each other was a part of life.
“We learned to be thankful for whatever we had. There are always people who need help, and you never know when you’re going to need that help yourself,” she explained.
Alicia has found a place for her philanthropic passions with United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) in Westmoreland County, which she joined 11 years ago. She was inspired to join by a three-year study conducted by United Way that identified very specific needs in the community. The WLC in Westmoreland County decided to target its efforts and focus in on one of those needs in particular: local seniors.
“We have an aging population. I liked to see that the Council was focused on this specific need. They knew they could make an impact in this area if we all banded together,” Alicia said.
She has also enjoyed the opportunity to network and create friendships with other local leaders in philanthropy. Since joining, she has chaired United Way’s Day of Caring in Westmoreland, Fayette and Southern Armstrong Counties, is the Co-Chair of the WLC Executive Committee, has been involved with the local Campaign Cabinet, and was a chair of the Westmoreland WLC’s membership committee.
Alicia’s favorite part of her involvement is two-fold. “It’s rewarding to know I am using my skills and background to give back to the community and be involved with United Way. Knowing United Way is focused on local issues and fixing our area’s highest needs makes me proud to be involved,” she said.
She encourages other women in the community to learn more about United Way’s WLC and how they can make a difference.
“It is an excellent way to get involved in the community if you’re interested in giving back and making an impact. It’s a privilege to get to work together with so many great women, and it really helps to remind you of the needs in your community and empower you to make a change,” she said.
To learn more about United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, contact Alyssa Cholodofsky at Alyssa.Cholodofsky@unitedwayswpa.org in Westmoreland County or Lynne Popash at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org in Allegheny County.
