LADAWN YESHO

“We have friendship, and we have a collective purpose to do good.”

LaDawn Yesho’s father struggled with disabilities, and she has an elderly grandmother (known to her as Gram) who continues to live independently. Thankfully, her family is able to come together to support each other and handle different caregiving roles. But as LaDawn often reflects on her family’s circumstances, she recognizes that not all families who have individuals in need of care are so lucky.

“I am very aware of my family’s many blessings, and I want to support others in similar situations that may not be as fortunate,” she shared.

Upon moving back to Westmoreland County in 2014, LaDawn knew she wanted to get involved in the community. A colleague suggested LaDawn look into United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC). “United Way is so well-known and focuses on many great causes. I was happy to have made this connection and be able to jump right in,” she remarked.

Since her involvement with the agency began, LaDawn has volunteered her time through many different activities and events, including supporting local senior citizens through Open Your Heart to a Senior, joining the WLC Executive Committee, gathering a team of friends and colleagues to participate in United Way’s Day of Caring, and even sponsoring a young professional through WLC’s TOGETHER Leading program. Outside of her work with United Way, she gives her time to many other causes both professionally and personally throughout the community.

She encourages others to become involved with United Way and consider joining the WLC because of the networking opportunities and the many ways that the group creates change in the community.

“United Way is making a difference – we’re being proactive through preventative initiatives and teamwork. We are striving to provide a sense of strength throughout the community. I hope that others will join us as it takes the kindness of many to permeate through the hearts and needs of others,” LaDawn said.

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.