Our Stories 2026: Why We Support United Way
November 9, 2026
Stories are powerful. They bring us together, inspire change, and give us hope for tomorrow.
Amanda Payne, Ugo Nwagbaraocha, Dr. Victor Amaya, and United Way staff share why they give to United Way, meeting today's needs while changing the lives of tomorrow.
Amanda Payne
Waukesha County Business Alliance
As CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance, I'm passionate about making Waukesha County and Southeast Wisconsin a great place to live, work, and do business. United Way plays a vital role in making that possible. And we are fortunate to have such strong partnerships between our business community and nonprofit organizations.
My connection to United Way is also deeply personal. I grew up watching my mom who served on the United Way of Waukesha County Board, and my grandfather who led a manufacturing company in Waukesha and dedicated countless hours as United Way campaign co-chair. Their commitment showed me how one person can make a lasting difference in their community.
That legacy inspired me to get involved years ago as a volunteer and I am honored to continue supporting United Way today.
Ugo Nwagbaraocha
Diamond Discs International
As a native Milwaukeean, son of parents who came to Milwaukee from Nigeria nearly seven decades ago, I know firsthand the vital importance of hard work, education, and access to opportunity. This background drives my mission across several organizations, including Diamond Disc International and others, to create a thriving ecosystem of local, diverse businesses.
My commitment to United Way began in 2007 inspired by the great Thelma Sias of We Energies. And last year seeing the comprehensive dignity-first care provided United Way's Project Homeless Connect this deeply solidified my dedication to their cause.
The work we are doing together is about building a stronger, more equitable community where everyone has the resources to thrive. Thank you for standing with me in this vital mission.
Dr. Victor Amaya
Data You Can Use
When I look back at my own journey, I realize I'm here because people believed in me. When I came to this country, mentors, teachers, and community leaders saw potential in me. They opened the doors and gave me opportunities that changed my life.
Those acts of kindness shape who I am. And that's why giving back is so important to me. That's also why I support United Way. They bring people together to remove barriers, create opportunity, and help people build better futures. I know what's possible when someone invests in you.
Today, I support United Way because I want every child, every family, and every neighbor to have that same opportunity.
Julie Divjak
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
The reasons I was excited to join the United Way team 21 years ago continue to remain true – I get to be part of an incredible team of people who show up every single day to make our community better, a team that is committed to continuous improvement (both internally and externally), a team that not only takes the financial and relational responsibility of stewarding my and the rest of our donor’s dollars very seriously, but takes the impact of those dollars seriously – ensuring that investments back into the community are changing lives for hundreds of thousands of people every single year; like me and my family who have benefited from United Way funded programs when we needed them.
Emily Thiede
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
Having a stable career with a livable income is truly the foundation to a secure future. I experienced the value of technical school education firsthand. I met some wonderful people there who were provided with opportunities to gain certifications in the trades that allowed them to keep their jobs or start new ones. Even though I was only just out of high school, my experience in tech school left a lasting impact on me. It means so much to me knowing Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement supports programs such as the ones that provided my classmates with continued success. And knowing that I am a part of this important work is why I am all in.
"My 'why’ really comes from working here and getting to see firsthand what our donor dollars make possible…Project Homeless Connect is probably one of the biggest examples for me. I get to see this huge event come together, but I also get to walk around and see so many of our funded partners there providing services, sharing resources, and doing the work. It’s really cool to see that firsthand and know that our dollars are helping support the great work they are doing in the community! I also get to see it through my job in other ways. When I organize volunteer opportunities for my councils, I get to see firsthand what donor dollars make possible—things that maybe wouldn’t have happened otherwise. We also get opportunities to visit some of our funded partners, tour their spaces and hear directly from them about the work they’re doing and the people they’re helping. Getting to see that work up close is special. Moments like those are what really connects to me! I know my individual gift is just one small piece, but when you put it together with everyone else’s, it becomes something so much bigger. And because I’m lucky enough to see that impact play out, it makes me feel good knowing that I get to be a small part of it!"
– Kristen Hagen, United Way Staff
"I give to United Way because I appreciate the diversity of issue areas and the diversity of the organizations we fund. From large to small organizations, and increasingly organizations led by people of color, we bring these folks together to work on important issues. I also appreciate the strong support of the LGBTQ+ community in all things United Way. Count me in to support United Way!"
– Gerry Coon, United Way Staff
"I give to United Way simply because I once needed help. And I needed systems in place in my community to help me be successful which is exactly what we are doing through our Key Initiatives."
– Gevonchai Hudnall-Vogel, United Way Staff
"I have given to United Way since my first year as a Campaign Coordinator (or Loaned Executive as they were known back then!) 15 years ago. My biggest WHY is that I truly and deeply believe in the collective impact approach that United Way takes. True, lasting impact comes through the hard, complicated work of getting many people to work together to create those sustainable systems of change. United Way is here for our community for the long term, and I’m so proud to be a part of it."
– Laura Meine, United Way Staff
Our community’s toughest challenges can’t be solved by one organization alone. But when we come together, we can create lasting change and improve lives right here in our own neighborhoods.
Give to United Way’s 2026 Community Campaign. Together, we can build a stronger community for everyone.
Spark change and inspire others. Donate to the 2026 Community Campaign today.
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