March 30, 2017
Written by Katie Kuhn, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
Geno Tatinsev is a senior analyst at EY and is currently working at United Way on a temporary basis to streamline processes and create efficiencies in the accounting of pledges receivable. We chatted with Geno about his background, his passion for education, and how he came to work on this project here at United Way.
How did you find yourself here at United Way?
I am a senior auditor at EY. Recently, I heard about the EY Community Impact program, where EY employees spend time at local nonprofit organization to lend their expertise and help out with different projects. David Gay, our managing partner and a member of United Way’s Board of Directors, recommended this program to me and thought I would be a good fit for a project at United Way. I did a couple of interviews, met the United Way team... and here I am!
How do you like to get involved with the community?
My two kids are too young to volunteer just yet, but whenever they get a new toy, my wife and I help them decide on a toy to give away and explain that there are kids out there who don’t have toys. The older one is starting to understand more, but it is still a struggle when they are picking out the toy to give. I look forward to volunteering together as a family.
Through EY I have been lucky enough to volunteer at local schools like Longfellow Elementary, where EY has a partnership. We help them with various tasks-- reading with kids, painting-- really whatever they need. My passion is education. I believe it is very important to get kids educated and on the right path early on in their lives.
Tell us about your background.
I was born in the Soviet Union, and my family and I immigrated to the U.S. when I was 11. When the Soviet Union broke apart, many of the countries were comprised of different ethnic groups, which caused tension and oppression; it wasn’t going to be safe for us to stay there long term. When we came to the U.S., no one in my family spoke English, and we had very little money. It was a tough time for my parents, and I really appreciate what they did.
That is one of the reasons I value education. When we came here, our parents told us that they gave up so much for us and all they ask of us is that we educate ourselves and do good things. Even though we were poor, we were privileged to have parents who put us on the right path towards becoming educated and successful. There are many kids that don’t have that privilege. So, when I have time, I try to focus my efforts on driving education.