ERIN ISLER

1. Are you from Pittsburgh? Have you ever lived anywhere else?
I am a Pittsburgh native and have lived here most of my life. The short time I ventured outside the greater Pittsburgh area was during college when I attended Penn State University. While at school, I also studied abroad in Rome and interned in Washington, DC. Otherwise, I am happy to say I am a born-and-raised Pittsburgher.

 2. Tell us a little about your family.
I grew up in a family of six—my parents, three brothers, and me. I’m the third child, sandwiched between my brothers, and we grew up in Mt. Lebanon. My immediate family today includes my wonderful husband, our two children, and of course myself. My daughter, Lilly, is nine and my son, David, is six, and we call Shadyside home.

3. How did you choose the career you’re in today?
In college, I studied finance, mostly influenced by my dad’s professional career in accounting and finance. My dad started his accounting and finance business when I was a young girl, and it had a very large impact on my professional interests. Today I am currently at PNC and have been here for more than 17 years in various positions throughout the bank.

4. What do you love most about your job?
I love working for a company that is unwaveringly committed to the communities in which we work and live. One of the many ways PNC demonstrates this commitment is through its partnership with United Way. They support people within our communities who need help by meeting their basic needs, building for success in school and life, and moving individuals and families to financial stability.

5. Why do you think it’s so important to give back to your community?
I grew up in a family that always volunteered and gave back to the community. Very early in my life, my parents set an example of the importance of giving back to the community. We volunteered through many different organizations and made donations to organizations in need. I think it’s important to give back to the community because when members of our community suffer, it impacts us all. I find myself being overwhelmed by the stories of families who struggle to put food on the table, pay their bills, or find an affordable, safe place to live. I am fortunate to be in a position to try to help take care of our neighbors through donations and volunteering.

6. Why do you volunteer with United Way?
United Way is intertwined with our communities and really understands where the greatest needs lie. As an organization, it brings people together to build strong, equitable communities where everyone can thrive. By volunteering with United Way, I know I am doing the work that is most needed and impactful for the betterment of our communities.

7. What is your favorite United Way memory?
My favorite memory from United Way is hearing stories from our neighbors in the Southwestern PA region who have had their lives changed for the better by organizations that partner with United Way.