Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered.
Embracing Every Voice
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to live UNITED.
We celebrate unique and diverse identities and experiences. We believe that all people deserve fairness, justice, and security. We create a welcoming environment in which everyone feels valued and respected.
We commit to aligning our culture and business practices to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion to better address our community’s needs.
Embracing Every Voice
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of what it means to live UNITED.
We celebrate unique and diverse identities and experiences. We believe that all people deserve fairness, justice, and security. We create a welcoming environment in which everyone feels valued and respected.
We commit to aligning our culture and business practices to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion to better address our community’s needs.
Our Anti-Racism Statement
United Against Racism and Inequality
We know that during the last 100 years, Lake County has been a gateway for racial and ethnic minorities.
We recognize that structural racism, ethnic discrimination, and economic disparity have contributed to racial inequities that existed in the past and are persistent problems in our community today.
We acknowledge that these racial inequities are the result of policies, procedures, and practices that contribute to the marginalization of entire populations.
We denounce racism and ethnic discrimination because they undermine the well-being and vitality of our community.
We support diversity, equity, and inclusion because that is what it means to live UNITED.
We define equity as the presence of justice and fairness within procedures, processes, and distribution of resources by organizations and communities.
We believe that it is necessary to focus on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, as well as other intersectional identities, to end the historical, social, and systemic inequities that persist in our county.
We agree that we can only be successful if we recognize and support leaders from underrepresented neighborhoods.
We promise to engage these leaders as partners, volunteers, contributors, and community members and intentionally create pathways for them to be included in decision-making and leadership roles within our own and other organizations.
We seek to dismantle disparities and engage our community, especially those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized, in the shared work of fortifying equity and empowerment.
We strive to intentionally make decisions that provide fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all.
We engage public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone in Lake County has the resources, support, opportunities, and networks they need to thrive.
We pledge to align United Way of Lake County’s culture and business practices to end racism and to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion to support the creation of a more equitable Lake County.
We commit to an ongoing and purposeful journey of listening, learning, and growing as we hold our leadership, staff, and partners accountable for addressing Lake County’s needs for racial equality.
Goals for FY2025
Building an Inclusive Future
Creating an Inclusive Environment
- Create an inclusive culture of belonging that recognizes, promotes and celebrates the rich diversity reflective of our communities.
- Foster an inclusive environment where staff, volunteers and donors feel valued and represented.
- Utilize inclusive, asset-based language in UWLC’s communication and outreach to the community.
Learning and Development
- Provide community engagement opportunities for board members and staff to develop a deeper understanding of and connection to the community.
- Provide ongoing learning opportunities for board and staff around DEI concepts.
Strengthening Community Impact
- Seek diverse perspectives and backgrounds as active participants and utilize data to inform UWLC’s work in the community.
- Collaborate with communities across Lake County to deliver high-impact results, through UWLC’s Success By 6, Youth Success and 211, and build an equitable future for all Lake County children and families.
DEI Committees
Leading by Example
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in the leaders and teams who guide our work.
Board Committee Members
Joe Garnett – Zurich of North America
Michelle Hansen – Retired Aon
Derrick Harden – College of Lake County
Patrice Maloney-Knauff – Women United
Jose Quirarte – Honeywell
Samer Saleh – Abbott
Carl Skoog – Retired BMO
Quinton Snodgrass – United Way of Lake County
Staff Members
Quinton Snodgrass – President and CEO
Kelly Cotter, J.D. – Initiative Funding Manager
Gale Graves – VP Community Impact
Angela Ramirez – Community Engagement Coordinator
Lauren Schwabe – Marketing Coordinator
Jennifer Strom – Marketing Coordinator