Jennifer Kilgore

Jennifer Kilgore is creating bridges for more women to join Women’s Leadership Council

Jennifer Kilgore is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Flynn Construction, a national general contractor headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Inside her office walls, building things is a daily business. But Jennifer is also a leader investing her time and talents to build on the outside in her community. Jennifer moved from Denver, Colorado 13 years ago with her husband and has made Pittsburgh her home. Today she lives in the Mexican War Streets where she and her husband rehabbed a 19th-century butcher shop, keeping much of its original structure and the history within the community alive.

Jennifer’s first encounter with United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) was a powerful one. She attended the annual WLC breakfast with a good friend. “I went to that breakfast totally unaware of what I was about to experience. The guest speaker was a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing and she shared her inspiring story. I was absolutely moved to tears and I met so many more amazing women that day.” Jennifer joined the WLC shortly after and today she passes that gift along. “I get a table every year now and invite women to come and join me in hopes that they’ll have the same experience.”

Whether it’s the WLC Annual WineTasting, luncheons or volunteer opportunities Jennifer is there to help, meet new people and share her support. As a member of the WLC engagement committee she helps spread the word. “I knew a lot of women that were in companies that didn’t participate in United Way campaigns—they were independent in a sense and didn’t realize they could be members. I make sure they know that you don’t have to be a member of a big company to be a part of WLC.”

Jennifer believes that if you care about your community, that’s all it takes to be a part of the solution. “Most people have heard the United Way name, but may not know all that United way does. The good news is that United Way is an organization that everyone can be involved in. Anyone is able to fight for people that need help. Whether it’s hunger, finding a place to stay, or helping people get back on their feet from whatever has happened in their lives. Our dollars and volunteer efforts, in any amount, create positive change.”

To learn more about United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, contact Lynne Popash at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org in Allegheny County or Terri Dominick at terri.dominick@unitedwayswpa.org in Westmoreland County or Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher at sherrie.dunlapgallagher@unitedwayswpa.org in Butler County.