KETAKI DESAI

“There are so many people who inspire us to help others. I feel fortunate that I am able to give back so early in my life.”

Ketaki Desai is passionate about doing what she can to help others. As executive director of the eCenter@LindenPointe, she fosters an environment of education and mentorship – one that extends to her philanthropic commitments.

After she was introduced to United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council at the Athena Awards in 2016, Ketaki realized she felt a deep connection with many women on the Council. They all had something in common – the desire to do their part and help others.

In her role on WLC’s Volunteer Committee, Ketaki was responsible for finding volunteer opportunities that would serve the community and be impactful for Council members. She developed a personal connection to the work after hearing stories of women who received help from the WLC’s signature United Way initiative in Allegheny County, United for Women.

As she talked with her mother about how inspiring it was to find like-minded people who are equally committed to serving others, they recalled when times were difficult for them.

When she was an undergraduate in college, her mom worked two jobs and still struggled to make ends meet. “My mom said, ‘If only I’d known there was someone there to help, it would have made a world of difference in our lives.’ And she’s right, women should know that help is out there,” Ketaki shared.

Reflecting on her decision to join WLC, Ketaki said she felt that she and her family had worked hard to get where they are, and it was time to get involved and focus on making the community stronger.

To learn more about United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, contact Lynne Popash in Allegheny County, at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org, or Alyssa Cholodofsky in Westmoreland County, at alyssa.cholodofsky@unitedwayswpa.org.