Bridges Society
Bridging the gap between community problems and resolutions.
Bridges Society welcomes young professionals under the age of 45 who represent our next generation of leadership in the greater Pittsburgh area. Membership is extended to donors who contribute $1,000+ annually. Members get to enjoy a myriad of benefits including volunteer events, unique professional and personal development opportunities, and exclusive networking events with other community-minded professionals.
Members get to enjoy a myriad of benefits including:
- Exclusive local Pennsylvania networking events with other community-minded professionals.
- Unique professional and personal development opportunities
- High-impact volunteer events
- Leadership roles on United Way committees
BRIDGES SOCIETY CO-CHAIRS
Justin Kruljac
“Bridges gives young professionals in our region the opportunity to pull together for causes we are passionate about. Together we are able to make a larger impact in our community for both today and tomorrow.”
Natalie Talpas
“Through Bridges Society, members can get involved in leadership opportunities on committees, plus join professional development and volunteerism events year-round. There are so many ways to utilize your skills, extend your professional network and make a difference.”
Events
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Finding rewards through volunteerism and meeting new people
Mandy Kaszycki
"I just can’t help but continue on this journey of giving back. I truly believe that every little contribution really can make a difference."
A challenging childhood created a strong desire to help others
TJ McCance
"If I can have a positive impact on families through volunteer work and my career, I’m using my time on this earth in a meaningful way."
Leveraging his accounting skills to help the community
Kenny Bonus
"It's truly rewarding when I'm able to assist an individual or a company and make their lives easier."
Cherishing time with seniors and change makers
Kate Dawson
"From my involvement with Women’s Leadership Council to Bridges, I learned there are many people right here in my community, specifically young professionals, who are working towards a greater good.…
Leaving the community in a better place for my kids
Joe Yezovich
"Giving back to the place you call home unites the community and tends to have a domino effect. Others tend to follow and contribute."
Resilience in times of hardship
Aaron Horsfield
“United Way is working to create a stronger region by helping those in the greatest need.”
Inspiring students in a time of crisis
Nubia Williams
"No one is above what’s happening right now. This touches everyone. Our community nonprofits and their volunteers are literally keeping people alive. So many were already vulnerable and now they’re…
Bringing her active lifestyle and energy to United Way volunteerism
Lacey Thurner
"I was drawn to United Way through the energy and passion of other volunteers. I wanted to be part of a group that was working hard to better the community."
Using her boundless energy to give back
Kaylie Weinstein
"I think it is so important to give back to your surrounding community to build up your neighbors. There is so much that needs done close to home."
Setting a far-reaching example of the importance helping others
Luke Ratke
"The organization has a great balance of focusing on the short-term needs of the community while being mindful of long-term sustainability."
Developing personally and professionally while giving back
Wendell Frank
"I knew for awhile I wanted to get involved with service work, and United Way provides so many opportunities to do that."
Modeling good citizenship for her daughters through community service
Laura Miller
"I want to be a good role model for them. Not just tell them what to do, but show them what to do."
Helping the community (and building her own!) through United Way
Audrey Arthur
"I wanted to be a part of an organization that was making a difference, not one that was hosting events just to check off a box."
Motivated to help others and give back
Kirsty Figg
"As a member of LINC, I will have the opportunity to become more involved with the United Way and give back to the community on a regular basis."
Passionate about Pittsburgh — and giving back
Robert Rogers
"I’m a loyal and proud Pittsburgher, and I like knowing there’s a fund through United Way that I can give money to and know that it will be disbursed in a way that best benefits the region."
Tony Foster, IT Manager for Application Engineering at Eaton Corporation
Tony Foster
"United Way never fails to find energetic young professionals who want to better their communities. "
A joy for life, a passion for serving others
Yasmin Shaheed
"I love that they provide holistic assistance for everyone and anyone, because we all get down and out at times. I’ve been hands-on with them for years, and I really enjoy the organization."
Acclimating to a new city (and country!) through community involvement
Yaqi Wo
"Thankfully United Way does a great job of engaging employees from PPG and other companies and it’s become a channel for me to learn where help is needed, and how I could volunteer in things and be useful.…
Helping others through her love of people
Monica Stanton
"I’ve been on boards where they always have the same ideas floating around, but with United Way there are always fresh ideas and new things going on, and they always want to know how things are going…
Giving back to the vibrant city he loves
Andrew Flowers
"No one has to go it alone — we live and work in this society with our family and friends — and I’ve benefited from that support. I want to take time to help someone else. "
Building relationships to help others flourish
Shane Jakubovic
"Seeing United Way focus on individuals in need, who might be scared to ask for help at times, is great. They provide access to services to people who truly need it — and they do it in a compassionate…
Passionate about providing support to all who need it
Dan Lavallee
"Because the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a larger organization, it’s just in a much better place to serve the local needs, with local staff on the ground."
Giving back with gratitude
Keri Ellis
"Being involved in Bridges Society allows me to interact with a similar demographic of young professionals and opens up so many opportunities to get involved."
Building community through her passions
Nubia Williams
"I just love the chance to get to know more people, and I think volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and meet other people who also share a value system that you do."
It All Adds Up: The Top Five Things Nonprofits Teach Us About Life
Shawn Robinson
"Top Five Things" with Shawn Robinson, Director of Data Analytics, EQT Corporation
Five Tips for Creating Time to Care
Natalie Talpas
"Top Five Things" with Natalie Talpas, Senior Vice President, Group Manager, Digital, PNC
Inspired by the passion in Pittsburgh
Jessica Lynn
A Q&A with Jessica Lynn, Manager, National Audit Solutions, KPMG
Pittsburgh Proud: Taking care of one another
Joe Parsons
A Q&A with Joe Parsons, Associate, Jones Day
There’s something about Pittsburgh
Matt Neiman
A Q&A with Matt Neiman, Pittsburgh Regional Manager and Civil Engineer, Borton-Lawson
Honoring her grandparents, setting an example for her children
Maggie Boucher
A Q&A with Maggie Boucher, Senior Consultant, Henderson Brothers
Helping those in need, professionally and personally
Julie Patter
A Q&A with Julie Patter, Associate, Cohen & Grigsby
Making a difference for local kids one book at a time
Maria Blohm
A Q&A with Maria Blohm, Managing Director, Audit, KPMG LLP
From healthcare to philanthropy: impacting the health of our community
Drew Schauble
A Q&A with Drew Schauble, Manager of Finance & Revenue, Pediatric Service Line, UPMC
A young financial advisor paving the way in Pittsburgh
Justin Binion
A Q&A with Justin Binion, financial advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors
Holiday hoodies open doors to college conversations
Justin Kruljac
“These college hoodies are a motivator for the students to achieve their goals.”
Shenay Jeffrey
Shenay Jeffrey
Week in the life: Sep 17 – Sep 22
Finding rewards through volunteerism and meeting new people
Mandy Kaszycki
"I just can’t help but continue on this journey of giving back. I truly believe that every little contribution really can make a difference."
A challenging childhood created a strong desire to help others
TJ McCance
"If I can have a positive impact on families through volunteer work and my career, I’m using my time on this earth in a meaningful way."
Leveraging his accounting skills to help the community
Kenny Bonus
"It's truly rewarding when I'm able to assist an individual or a company and make their lives easier."
Cherishing time with seniors and change makers
Kate Dawson
"From my involvement with Women’s Leadership Council to Bridges, I learned there are many people right here in my community, specifically young professionals, who are working towards a greater good.…
Leaving the community in a better place for my kids
Joe Yezovich
"Giving back to the place you call home unites the community and tends to have a domino effect. Others tend to follow and contribute."
Resilience in times of hardship
Aaron Horsfield
“United Way is working to create a stronger region by helping those in the greatest need.”
Inspiring students in a time of crisis
Nubia Williams
"No one is above what’s happening right now. This touches everyone. Our community nonprofits and their volunteers are literally keeping people alive. So many were already vulnerable and now they’re…
Bringing her active lifestyle and energy to United Way volunteerism
Lacey Thurner
"I was drawn to United Way through the energy and passion of other volunteers. I wanted to be part of a group that was working hard to better the community."
Using her boundless energy to give back
Kaylie Weinstein
"I think it is so important to give back to your surrounding community to build up your neighbors. There is so much that needs done close to home."
Setting a far-reaching example of the importance helping others
Luke Ratke
"The organization has a great balance of focusing on the short-term needs of the community while being mindful of long-term sustainability."
Developing personally and professionally while giving back
Wendell Frank
"I knew for awhile I wanted to get involved with service work, and United Way provides so many opportunities to do that."
Modeling good citizenship for her daughters through community service
Laura Miller
"I want to be a good role model for them. Not just tell them what to do, but show them what to do."
Helping the community (and building her own!) through United Way
Audrey Arthur
"I wanted to be a part of an organization that was making a difference, not one that was hosting events just to check off a box."
Motivated to help others and give back
Kirsty Figg
"As a member of LINC, I will have the opportunity to become more involved with the United Way and give back to the community on a regular basis."
Passionate about Pittsburgh — and giving back
Robert Rogers
"I’m a loyal and proud Pittsburgher, and I like knowing there’s a fund through United Way that I can give money to and know that it will be disbursed in a way that best benefits the region."
Tony Foster, IT Manager for Application Engineering at Eaton Corporation
Tony Foster
"United Way never fails to find energetic young professionals who want to better their communities. "
A joy for life, a passion for serving others
Yasmin Shaheed
"I love that they provide holistic assistance for everyone and anyone, because we all get down and out at times. I’ve been hands-on with them for years, and I really enjoy the organization."
Acclimating to a new city (and country!) through community involvement
Yaqi Wo
"Thankfully United Way does a great job of engaging employees from PPG and other companies and it’s become a channel for me to learn where help is needed, and how I could volunteer in things and be useful.…
Helping others through her love of people
Monica Stanton
"I’ve been on boards where they always have the same ideas floating around, but with United Way there are always fresh ideas and new things going on, and they always want to know how things are going…
Giving back to the vibrant city he loves
Andrew Flowers
"No one has to go it alone — we live and work in this society with our family and friends — and I’ve benefited from that support. I want to take time to help someone else. "
Building relationships to help others flourish
Shane Jakubovic
"Seeing United Way focus on individuals in need, who might be scared to ask for help at times, is great. They provide access to services to people who truly need it — and they do it in a compassionate…
Passionate about providing support to all who need it
Dan Lavallee
"Because the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a larger organization, it’s just in a much better place to serve the local needs, with local staff on the ground."
Giving back with gratitude
Keri Ellis
"Being involved in Bridges Society allows me to interact with a similar demographic of young professionals and opens up so many opportunities to get involved."
Building community through her passions
Nubia Williams
"I just love the chance to get to know more people, and I think volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and meet other people who also share a value system that you do."
It All Adds Up: The Top Five Things Nonprofits Teach Us About Life
Shawn Robinson
"Top Five Things" with Shawn Robinson, Director of Data Analytics, EQT Corporation
Five Tips for Creating Time to Care
Natalie Talpas
"Top Five Things" with Natalie Talpas, Senior Vice President, Group Manager, Digital, PNC
Inspired by the passion in Pittsburgh
Jessica Lynn
A Q&A with Jessica Lynn, Manager, National Audit Solutions, KPMG
Pittsburgh Proud: Taking care of one another
Joe Parsons
A Q&A with Joe Parsons, Associate, Jones Day
There’s something about Pittsburgh
Matt Neiman
A Q&A with Matt Neiman, Pittsburgh Regional Manager and Civil Engineer, Borton-Lawson
Honoring her grandparents, setting an example for her children
Maggie Boucher
A Q&A with Maggie Boucher, Senior Consultant, Henderson Brothers
Helping those in need, professionally and personally
Julie Patter
A Q&A with Julie Patter, Associate, Cohen & Grigsby
Making a difference for local kids one book at a time
Maria Blohm
A Q&A with Maria Blohm, Managing Director, Audit, KPMG LLP
From healthcare to philanthropy: impacting the health of our community
Drew Schauble
A Q&A with Drew Schauble, Manager of Finance & Revenue, Pediatric Service Line, UPMC
A young financial advisor paving the way in Pittsburgh
Justin Binion
A Q&A with Justin Binion, financial advisor, Wells Fargo Advisors
Holiday hoodies open doors to college conversations
Justin Kruljac
“These college hoodies are a motivator for the students to achieve their goals.”
Shenay Jeffrey
Shenay Jeffrey
Week in the life: Sep 17 – Sep 22
Learn more about the Bridges Society and how to get involved
Bridges Society Step-Up
United Way offers this special giving option to allow contributors to commit to the Bridges level over a period of three or five years while receiving All The membership benefits during those years. Donors make a commitment to incrementally increase their annual United Way gift, starting at $500.
Two Convenient Step-Up Plans
- Three Year Plan
- Year One – $500
- Year Two – $750
- Year Three – $1,000
- Year Four – $850
- Year Five – $1,000
- Five Year Plan
- Year One – $500
- Year Two – $600
- Year Three – $700
- Year Four – $850
- Year Five – $1,000
