Our Team
Meet the dedicated board members and staff driving United Way of Lake County’s mission forward.
Board of Directors
2026-2027 Officers/Executive Committee
Glenda G. Abbott
Chair
Retired, Director Quality Assurance
Abbott
Joe Garnett
Immediate Past Chair
VP, Head of Executive Leadership Development
Zurich of North America
Patrice Maloney-Knauff
Chair Elect
Global Leadership Council Member
Women United
Andrew Warrington, PhD
Finance & Audit Chair/Treasurer
Chief Executive Officer
UCC Environmental
Mike Foley
Community Impact Chair
VP, Clinical Development Operations
AbbVie
Yeshwant Sanzgiri
211 Advisory Council Chair
Retired, Senior Director
AbbVie
Derrick Harden, EdD
At-Large Member
VP of Strategy, Planning & Support
and Chief of Staff
College of Lake County
Quinton Snodgrass
President and Chief Executive Officer/Corporate Secretary
President and CEO
United Way of Lake County
2026-2027 Board Members
Jeff Babinski
Vice President & General Manager
American Place Casino
Kristin Bartolucci
Vice President, Controller Research and Development
AbbVie
Cmdr. Julius G. Dabu
Executive Officer
Naval Station Great Lakes
Maggie Dudzinska
Global Supply Chain Manager
Dickson
Jamie Epstein
Community Volunteer
Ken Galo
Area Manager
North Shore Gas
J. Kevin Hunter
Lake County Board Member, District 5
Lake County Government
Marc Jones
Supervisor
Waukegan Township
Michael Karner, EdD
Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools
Regional Office of Education
Susan Kirby
Senior Director, Merchandising & Supplier Management
Grainger
Matthew Rizzie, JD, MS
Executive Director
GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment
Samer Saleh, CSCP, PMP
Divisional Vice President
Abbott
Tim Sashko
President - Board of Health
Lake County Health Department
Our Staff
Quinton Snodgrass
President & CEO
Gale Graves
Vice President, Community Impact
Nafisha Karim
Vice President, Resource Development
Rosa Elia Jensen
Director, Executive Operations
Jennifer Strom
Director, Marketing & Communications
Robert Szarzynski
Director, Administration
Yajaira Balderas
211 Community Engagement Coordinator
Kelly Cotter
Initiative Funding Manager
Marissa Gomez
Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator
Rosa Herrera
Success By 6 Manager
Joey Macias
Donor Relations Specialist
Katie Martinez
Finance Manager
Alina Mozo
Youth Success Coordinator
Maria Nava
211 Manager
Karen Nordgren
Donor Relations Senior Account Manager
Peyton Rack
Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Specialist
Angela Ramirez
Community Engagement Coordinator
Lauren Schwabe
Marketing Coordinator
Bobbi Selvik
Senior Manager, Youth Success and Community Engagement
Cynthia Zimmerman
Donor Engagement Coordinator
Kate Eastman, Donor Relations Coordinator
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?
I started in October 2025.
What is your title and role?
Resource Development Coordinator
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
I am a founding member of the UWLC Leaders United group and have always been inspired by those who dedicate their time to serving the community.
Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?
Breakfast club holds a special place in my heart, eighth graders are an age group that gets over looked but has this incredible capacity for growth and change.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
Being part of the impact, seeing it happen, seeing the heart and work that goes into a single good moment or good day for someone else.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
When I'm not at work I spend time with my family, I enjoy reading and playing with my dog.
Cynthia Zimmerman, Events and Donor Stewardship Manager
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County? I began in March 2011 as a temporary employee. Then I was hired on as a permanent United Way employee in October 2011.
What is your title and role? I’m the Events and Donor Stewardship Manager. I manage the logistics for UWLC’s Premier Leaders fundraising event, the Annual Meeting, in addition to various promotional events to engage and educate our community, new donors and volunteers. Also, I coordinate direct mail projects and provide administrative support to the Marketing Department. What made you want to be a part of this organization? My career has been in the non-profit field – it’s a great fit for me. When I moved to Lake County I wanted to work with United Way of Lake County due to their effective education programs for children and youth. I grew up with a learning disability. I know how important it is for parents to have the support and services they need to provide for their child’s educational needs. UWLC’s programs provide such support for children and their families in our community. Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why? Reading Success is my favorite program. I volunteered as a Reading Tutor and found it to be very eye-opening and rewarding. I knew this was an important and effective program, but it wasn’t until I started tutoring first grade students that I realized how essential it was for a child struggling to read. I wanted to help those students as much as I was helped at their age. What is your favorite part of your job here? Planning events is what I excel at and enjoy doing the most – providing an enjoyable environment in which to engage, educate and gain the support of those in our community for United Way’s work. When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time? I’m a professional musician, a classically trained singer. When I’m not at work I’m in rehearsals or performing in my church choir as their soprano soloist. This choir tours nationally and internationally; just this past August we performed at Winchester Cathedral, England. Also, I’m a founding member of the North Shore Opera Hour – we perform monthly throughout the Chicago area for various venues. When I’m not singing, I’m enjoying quality time with my husband.Jennifer Strom, Director of Marketing & Communications
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?
I started on September 5, 2017.
What is your title and role?
In my role, I work with my team to maintain an integrated, strategic marketing and communications program; including web content, print and electronic materials, social media, donor communications, multimedia applications, special events, and more.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
It was my goal to find an environment that was supportive and collaborative and to find work that was creative, inspiring and fulfilling. United Way of Lake County ticked all those boxes and felt like a great fit from the start. I love the work that United Way does and I’m grateful to be a part of such a caring and hardworking group of individuals.
Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I love all of our programs, but the one I want people to know about most is 211. Everyone in Lake County can use 211 to get connected to health and human services in their area. It’s free, confidential, 24/7, with English and Spanish-speaking staff and translation to 150+ languages. This is a wonderful way for people across our community to get connected to critical resources.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
I get a chance to work on projects with every group at this awesome organization. I love supporting our programs and community engagement efforts, helping spread the word about our offerings and how people can get involved with us.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
My favorite things to do are spending quality time with my family and friends, exploring nature, creating art, and playing games.
Bobbi Selvik,
Community Engagement Manager, Leaders United Lead
When did you start working at UWLC? I started working at United Way on November 5, 2018.
What is your title and role? I am the Manager of Community Engagement. I am responsible for providing year-round volunteer engagement opportunities as well as the implementation of the Young Leaders United group. What made you want to be a part of this organization? I’ve worked with children my whole life, and I’ve worked and volunteered in nonprofit settings most of my adult career. Celebrating children’s success is so important to me. UWLC takes on the incredible challenge of investing time and resources towards building that strong foundation so every child can feel success. That’s pretty amazing! Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why? I think all of the UWLC programs are valuable. It’s hard to choose just one. The initiative that I’m drawn to most is the upcoming 211 helpline. With 24 hour access, families will find the assistance and intervention they need to feel safe and empowered. This will help so many families in Lake County. What is your favorite part of your job here? One of my favorite things about the job here are the people. I’ve never encountered a more dedicated, encouraging, and friendly group of people before coming to work here. With an incredible group such as this, there is no limit to what we can accomplish together. When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time? When not at work, I love to cook. I enjoy making and baking for my family. They may not enjoy eating my creations but I enjoy the process anyway. Girl Scouts is also a huge passion for me. My troop graduated from high school last year after 13 years of scouting, but I am still a Girl Scout leader and love to find ways to engage the troop both near and far from home.
Michelle Sanchez,
Donor Relations Senior Account Manager
When did you start working at UWLC? I started working at United Way of Lake County on October 4, 2021.
What are your title and role? I am a Donor Relationships Account Manager. My role is working with organizations on their employee giving campaigns. What made you want to be a part of this organization? I’ve always wanted to work somewhere that made a meaningful difference. The fact that UWLC’s work positively affects the community that I grew up in and still live in was what really sealed the deal for me. I’m excited to be a part of the commitment to support Lake County. Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why? 211! I think it’s incredible how much support 211 can offer people. It’s something I didn’t know about prior to working at United Way, and I’m passionate about telling others about it because I know how many lives it can impact. What is your favorite part of your job here? Getting to connect with so many people. Since I started, I’ve met a new person almost every day. It’s awesome to get to expand my network and meet so many people that are out there doing work for the community. When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time? I like to run in the evenings and watch cooking videos on TikTok. I’ve also recently picked up reading and aim to read a new book every month or two.Angela Ramirez,
Community Engagement Coordinator
When did you start working at UWLC? I started working on January 3, 2023. A great way to start a new year!
Tell us about your title and role. As Community Engagement Coordinator, I work to bring the community together by uniting leadership and resources for the betterment of Lake County. What made you want to be a part of this organization? I see UWLC as a pillar of the community, bringing vital resources and programming to all of Lake County. After working 25 years within a local school district, in family and community engagement, UWLC was a natural transition for me to continue to make a positive impact in Lake County. UWLC provides a way for people to stay connected to a greater sense of community. Who would not want to be a part of that? Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why? UWLC allows me to continue doing what I love—bringing people together for the greater good—which is a part of all UWLC’s programs. What is your favorite part of your job here? The opportunity to do great work with great people. Getting to do what I love on a daily basis is a dream come true. To be able to bring together people’s time, talents, and resources to make life better for everyone is what makes it all worthwhile. When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time? I love spending time with my family, friends, and dog. When not coordinating volunteers at work, I volunteer at various community events. I am an active Little Fort Lions member and sit on the board for several local grassroots nonprofit organizations.Maria Nava,
211 Manager
When did you join UWLC? I joined UWLC in April 2024.
Tell us about your title and role. My role as the 211 Manager is to engage with our community and help those in need get connected to our referral helpline, which allows them to access available health and human services in Lake County. What made you want to be a part of this organization? United Way of Lake County’s mission to improve quality of life in our county resonates with my desire to do meaningful work that positively impacts lives and strengthens our community. Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why? I connect the most with 211 because as a first-generation immigrant I understand the need for support and the challenges of finding it. The program’s ability to connect individuals with essential health and human services that can improve and save lives is invaluable. What is your favorite part of your job here? My favorite part of the job is working alongside colleagues who work tirelessly to support our community through diverse programs. When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time? Outside of work, I like volunteering, hiking, traveling and enjoying life with my friends and family.
Alina Mozo,
Executive Assistant
When did you start working at UWLC?
I started working with UWLC on November 4, 2021.
What are your title and role?
My title is Executive Assistant, and my role is to provide executive support. I work with board members and committees, WU members and committees, VIP donors, and leadership donors.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
I am excited to have joined UWLC. I am amazed of this organization and how UWLC serve the Lake County community. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me here at UWLC.
Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I don’t have a preference; I love what all our programs do for the community.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
I love working out, taking Zumba classes, and spending time with my family.
Katie Martinez,
Finance Manager
When did you start working at UWLC?
I started working at UWLC on April 4, 2022.
What is your title and role?
My title is Specialist, Finance. I do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work for the Resource Development team. A big part of my job is to maintain our database so our account managers can build relationships with our donors. I also work closely with our Finance, Marketing, and Technology team to do day-to-day operations and prepare for events.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
I love everything UWLC stands for! I knew I wanted a career that was centered around helping families. Serving people in my community was always a big factor for me as well. I found all that at United Way.
Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I love the 211 program. I had no idea it even existed until I started working at United Way. I think seeing the impact is what really shocked me. The amount of people the program has helped is truly amazing. This is something everyone in the state can benefit from.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
I love collaborating with the Resource Development team to make connections with our donors. But my favorite part of my job is seeing the community benefit from our work. Coming to work every day and knowing you’re doing something for the community is so rewarding.
What kinds of things do you like to do with your time when you are not at work?
When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family. I really enjoy spending time outside and going on walks. But I also love staying home and binge-watching shows on Netflix.
Rosa Herrera,
Success By 6 Manager
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County? I started working at United Way of Lake County in May 2017.
What is your title and role? My role as the Success by 6 Initiative Coordinator is to support and promote healthy early childhood development to ensure children enter school ready to succeed. What made you want to be a part of this organization? In 2012, I was earning my Bachelor’s Degree in social work and interning with United of Lake County. I quickly immersed myself to learn as much as I could about the organization, the community it served, and the overall work it was doing to reach its broader goal. During my time here, it became evident that I wanted to be a part of an organization that leads its community towards sustainability. Before coming back to the organization, I went on to specialize in non-profit management in philanthropy with a social work lens. I wanted to be a part of an organization that strives to lead in the Lake County community, through research, informed practice, and initiatives that continue to change lives through education. Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why? All the programs at United Way of Lake County have a great purpose and perform at different capacities for the families and children of Lake County. Being at the forefront of programs and initiatives within SB6 has created a strong connection for me with the work we do. The program provides many benefits, from guiding parents to explore and implement tools and techniques, to becoming their child’s first teacher, to preparing students for kindergarten by providing educational programming and building key readiness skills. What is your favorite part of your job here? I have the pleasure of working with diverse populations, differing in age, origin, culture and socioeconomic status. I also enjoy developing programs and services for underserved populations, while keeping my social work values of using a strengths-based approach to help communities reach self-sufficiency. The myriad of connections amongst families, children and professionals sparks my passion and commitment in empowering and advocating for all people. When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time? Recently, I started an aerial yoga class, and while it requires physical strength, it also brings relaxation and mental clarity. Additionally, I enjoy reading books located in the 300s section of the library, attending music festivals, spending time with family and friends, drinking tea, and watching a good documentary or movie.Marissa Gomez,
Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator
When did you join UWLC?
My journey at UWLC began in August 2021 as a Success By 6 intern.
What is your title and role?
As Success By 6 Initiative Coordinator, I help children develop the fundamental skills needed to succeed in school. I am the teacher for our birth to 3 program, Better Together, where I provide educational materials and activities to help parents and caregivers become their child’s first teacher. I host Kindergarten Countdown Camps throughout Lake County, provide Early Learning Clubs, and distribute our Kindergarten Readiness Calendars. In addition, I attend community events to promote United Way programs, such as 211 and Bright by Text.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
As an intern at United Way of Lake County, I had the opportunity to learn and grow. During my time here, I grew a passion for helping people in our community reach resources and have a better chance at success.
Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I connect with all UWLC programs, as I stand strongly with United Way of Lake County’s goal of providing resources to create lasting change that will improve and save lives in Lake County, IL.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
My favorite part of my role is the opportunity to engage with kids and families and prepare learning experiences and activities for the Better Together classroom.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
While not at work, I spend time with my family, friends, and cat, Oakley, traveling and engaging in my hobby, photography.
Kelly Cotter,
Initiative Funding Manager
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?
I started working at UWLC in 2008.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
When my husband and I moved back to Lake County after living in Washington, D.C. for several years, I wanted to find a place to work where I could help improve outcomes for children and families. I met with Kristi Long, United Way of Lake County’s President and CEO, and had an opportunity to learn about the work they were doing to make measurable changes for children and families. I remember Kristi walking me over to a map near her office to show me United Way’s targeted communities of need and their proximity to surrounding affluent communities. I was struck by the unique opportunity we have to work together to make lasting changes for children, families and our communities.
How has United Way impacted your life?
I value being able to work with a dedicated, caring team of professionals who share a common drive to make a difference for children and families.
Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I have two boys who are now eight and six-years-old. Through the years, at each stage of my boys’ development, I have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work we do to help children prepare for and be successful in school. Every day, when my husband and I read to our boys at bedtime, and search through piles of books to find the ones they want to read, I am reminded of the statistic I heard years ago that the majority of low-income families have no age-appropriate books in their homes. And I am reminded how much more we need to do to make sure every child has the chance to succeed.
What has been your favorite memory of working at United Way?
My official role at United Way of Lake County is writing grants and proposals to secure funding to support our programming. Over the last few years I’ve also started to capture success stories and photos to bring our programs to life. My favorite part of my job is meeting the children and families and seeing our programs in action. I am touched by each story and inspired to bring our programs to more families.
Jessica Ceisel,
Women United & Donor Engagement Senior Manager
When did you start working at UWLC?
I had the pleasure of joining the UWLC team in November 1, 2021 as Community Engagement Coordinator. I was then thrilled to have the opportunity to transition to Senior Manager of Women United & Donor Engagement, starting in January 2023.
What are your title and role?
In my role as Senior Manager of Women United & Donor Engagement, I have the opportunity to partner with many of our community donors including the incredible women who make up Women United.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
My background is in education but over the past few years I have become involved in the non-profit world. It quickly became clear to me that the non-profit sector is exactly where I am supposed to be. I love how UWLC merges my two worlds together by helping education thrive within our local community.
Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?
Women United! This group is comprised of so many inspiring women who come together with the unified goal to support the community in which we live and work. It is truly an honor to participate in volunteer, philanthropic and social experiences with these women. These ladies come together, each with their own unique perspective, background and talents with the shared intention of creating positive change. It is unlike any other group I have been part of!
What is your favorite part of your job here?
This is an easy answer for me–I love having the opportunity to explore our community and connect with people who I may not otherwise have the chance to connect with. Understanding the stories and the “why” of our community members and organizations has been by far the most rewarding part of the work that I do here at UWLC. Our community has so much to offer!
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
You can find me outdoors and on or near the water whenever I get the opportunity. I love to spend time with my husband and two kiddos exploring or finding new adventures with my friends. I also spend much of my time in the rare disease and pediatric medical advocacy world helping to bring awareness and advancement. Most of all, and probably most importantly, I love to laugh and indulge in all things cheese.
Yajaira Balderas,
211 Community Engagement Coordinator
When did you join UWLC?
I joined UWLC on March 18, 2024.
Tell us about your title and role.
As the 211 Community Engagement Coordinator, I collaborate closely with other agencies, nonprofits and community partners who strive to bring leadership, support and resources together to offer essential health and human services to individuals and families across Lake County.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
As a long-time resident of Lake County, a first-generation immigrant and having grown up in a community with limited access to resources, I have a deep understanding of the challenges and hardships of the underrepresented groups within my community. I have witnessed the positive impact of programs offered by United Way of Lake County, so I wanted to be a part of United Way’s mission to create strong, resilient and equitable communities. I am elated to be a part of sustainable change in Lake County!
Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I connect the most with the 211 program because this is where health and human service providers throughout Lake County unite their time, talent and resources to provide life-changing services. It has changed how individuals and families needing support can connect with services.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
My favorite part of my job is working with the amazing Community Impact team comprised of individuals who are dedicated, encouraging, inspirational, friendly, supportive, relentless advocates and leaders striving to create sustainable change in our community. Working with people I admire and having them guide me along the way energizes me and prepares me to take on any challenge.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
I have a passion for spending time with my family, learning, reading, coffee shops, and following my curiosity. My favorite family activities are practicing Taekwondo, Hapkido and Kickboxing. Outside work, I coordinate resources and volunteers for Taekwondo tournaments and other community events.
Robert Szarzynski,
Director, Administration
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?
I began as a Loaned Executive working on campaigns, part-time, in August of 2017. Subsequently, I was lucky enough to begin full-time in January of 2018.
What is your title and role?
As Manager, Donor Services, I am responsible for providing operational and business support for the Resource Development team in the areas of reporting, analysis, data tracking, and research, benchmarking.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
I have always been a big fan of the United Way of Lake County and the work we do. I jumped at the opportunity to add my talents to the mix.
Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?
They are all amazing, but Reading Success is my favorite. Perhaps I am biased because I have been a volunteer with Reading Success for a few years now. I live in Waukegan. Unfortunately, sometimes schools and students in Waukegan get a bad rap. Living here, I know this isn’t true and it is so great to confirm that by spending time with these extraordinary students.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
I like the work but I love the people. I have never worked with a more diverse and talented group. The employees at United Way of Lake County really care about the community we serve as well as their co-workers.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
My wife and I are big time music fans. We travel to Chicago and Milwaukee as often as we can to see live music. I like smaller venues but we have also been to large fests such as Lollapalooza and Riot Fest in Chicago and Jazz Fest in New Orleans. I also enjoy spending time with my three daughters Taylor (24), Ella (18) and Vaughan (15) and giving them the business as often as I can.
Gale Graves,
Vice President, Community Impact
What is your title and role?
My role as Vice President of Community Impact is to develop community solutions through collaboration and strong diverse partnerships to deliver measurable, purposeful programs and initiatives.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
United Way of Lake County’s commitment to create the changes necessary to ensure children are prepared for school really excited me. I want to work with our community too and therefore create sustainable change in Lake County for our future.
Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I believe in all our programs but Success By 6 resonates with me because a key to achieving equity is building the capacity to ensure that all children have access to fun, engaging, and impactful early childhood education opportunities.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
My favorite part of my role is collaborating with the fantastic Community Impact team and creating sustainable change in our communities.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
When I am not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, experimenting in the kitchen, and giving back to the community.
Kristi Long,
President & CEO
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?
I joined UWLC in May 2002. I came from the United Way of Greater Salt Lake.
What is your title and role?
President & CEO. I have the awesome job working with our entire staff and Board of Directors on our mission of helping children build their education foundation – especially kindergarten readiness and early literacy.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
First, I love the Midwest. Born and raised in Omaha, I missed the great people in the heartland! Second, when I joined the organization, the Board of Directors were looking for a new direction. They were very interested in placing more resources into prevention and I thought that was exciting. They also viewed resources as greater than just money. They truly valued Lake County citizens who can give through money, time or talent.
Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?
Early learning is close to my heart. My Mom was young when she had me and she depended on her parents to help her. They played a large part in my early life and I know because of them I was cared for, read to, and was constantly engaged in learning. Today in Lake County many families need that extra support to get their children ready for their first day of school. I think the two items that are so critical are – “learning starts at birth” and “parents are their child’s first teacher”.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
I love working with our staff, Board of Directors and volunteers – they are so committed to helping Lake County families! In today’s world everyone wants to know about results. And I’m so proud of the evaluation we do of all of our programs and grant recipients. I also feel the work we do to empower parents is the most important element of our work. If we can help parents gain confidence in their skills whether it’s reading to their child every day or advocating for them at school, we are making a lifelong difference for that family.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
Living in the Chicagoland area, I love to take advantage of the arts. I also co-lead a Girl Scout Daisy Troop – working with these 5 and 6 year olds brings home many of the lessons I’ve learned through our education programs. And, anyone who knows me at all knows my devotion to Lucy, my 8 year old poodle/Lhasa mix. She is the best dog ever!!
Nafisha Karim, Vice President, Resource Development
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?
I joined UWLC in May 2025.
What is your title and role?
Vice President of Resource Development.
What interested you in being a part of UWLC?
I have worked in non-profit development for the last 20 years. I began my career at United Way of Metro Chicago and then spent several years at Rotary International in various roles, most recently managing multi-million-dollar endowment campaigns. After spending the last several years working internationally, I wanted to work locally where I could see firsthand the needs of our local communities and how to help make sure all members of our community are receiving resources they need to be healthy and happy.
Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I connect the most to Success By 6. Early childhood development is crucial to the long-term success of our children and every child deserves the same opportunities to thrive and be successful.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
I love working with people with similar interests and values and seeing so many people come together to make the biggest impact possible.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, working out, and vacationing.
Peyton Rack, Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Specialist
When did you start working at United Way of Lake County?
I joined UWLC on July 9, 2025.
What is your title and role?
As Graphic Designer and Digital Marketing Specialist, I shape and maintain a cohesive brand image while amplifying our impact across the community. I work with the marketing team to create engaging content and design both digital and print materials.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
I have been working as a professional graphic designer since 2015, primarily in Emergency Management Consulting. I also have a background in the arts and still practice painting and drawing. I was drawn to UWLC because of its deep commitment to strengthening the community. Lake County is such a diverse and vibrant place, and I'm happy to contribute to meaningful work that directly impacts the people who live here.
Which of United Way’s programs do you connect to most and why?
I think all programs are so important to the community, but I would have to say Breakfast Club. There is a lot of opportunity at this age to create lasting impact.
What is your favorite part of your job here?
I love designing digital and print materials and combining creativity with purpose. I aim to use design and storytelling to highlight the amazing work UWLC is doing in the community, and to create engaging visuals and messages that inspire people to get involved.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
I paint and draw in my home studio and spend a lot of time outdoors with my partner and friends. I enjoy camping, hiking, and kayaking. I also love to cook.