Change Makers

Connect

Change Starts With You


Passionate about improving the community so everyone can thrive? Join United Way’s network of over a 1,000 impact-makers—like you—who are committed to just that!

United Way of King County – Happy Hour Hellos – Nordstrom

Throughout the year, Change Makers come together to connect with community leaders, widen their social networks at issue-focused opportunities, and learn how to leverage their professional skills to raise their impact. Belong to the group, sign up for the newsletter today.

Why Be a Change Maker?

Learn | Deep dive into issues affecting our community with local experts and thought leaders. Learn how you can bring your expertise and resources to get results.

Connect | Build your network of peers united in mindset, leadership skills, and service.

Volunteer | Help local nonprofits, make a hands-on difference with family-friendly volunteer opportunities.

Exclusive Access | Get free tickets to sold-out signature events with community leaders, our Impact Bash, and more.


Experience Change-Making Events


Hosted by the Change Makers community, everyone’s invited to Change-Making events—donors attend for free, get exclusive networking opportunities with community leaders, and giveaways from our generous sponsors. By giving $100 a month or more for a year, you can be a part of the change our community needs too.

Meet the Change Makers


Headshot of Heather Roper

“I chose to become a Change Maker because I know that I can trust United Way to put my investment wherever it’s needed most in the community today.”

–Heather Roper | Group Rental Manger, Enterprise Holding

Headshot of Kamika Dillard

“I chose to be a part of the Change Makers community because I felt that I could make a difference immediately. I’m excited to be able to bring my experience and enthusiasm to United Way and serve my community in ways that are impactful.”

–Kamika Dillard | Business Program Manager, Microsoft

Dora Leung's professional headshot

“Being a Change Maker has provided me an opportunity to meet with people who share the same connection with United Way, and give back to the community in a hands-on way.”

–Dora Leung | Clark Nuber PS

Professional Headshot of Kayleen Burnett

“I believe every child should have an equal chance to succeed. I am proud to partner with UWKC as a Change Maker to support that mission because I trust UWKC to leverage their incredible partnerships to make my dollar go further.”

–Kayleen Burnett | Costco Wholesale

Steve Hooper headshot

“I want to do more than just clocking my 9-5 and I am thankful that I can directly make a difference for others in my community through United Way.”

–Steve Hooper | Jr.President, Ethan Stowell Restaurants and Change Makers Committee Co-Chair

professional headshot of Kamala Saxton, who is wearing glasses, a beige scarf and red blouse

“I love the depth that United Way has–the number of people they’ve helped in this economic crisis is impressive.”

—Kamala Saxton | Co-owner, Marination and Super Six

Headshot of Vannessa Rivera

“Volunteering and engaging with United Way has helped me feel more tapped into the issues affecting my community.”

—Vannessa Rivera | Senior Program Manager, Amazon

Professional headshot of Melanie. She is smiling at the camera wearing a cream color blouse.

“Knowing how much further my dollars stretch with United Way gave me the confidence to give.”

—Melanie Deitch | Marketing & Communications, PCL Construction

Stephen Blanford sits at table wearing a suit looking off camera to the right

“The name tells the story. My wife and I want to be catalysts in addressing homelessness, disparate educational outcomes and racial equity in our community. That is why we became Change Makers.”

—Stephan Blanford, ED.D. | Principal, Lighthouse Consulting

Philip and Juliana stand in front of balloons

“We’ve seen the direct impact in the community—and the many stories we’ve heard inspired us to step up and become Change Makers.”

—Sarah and Juliana | Software Engineers

Sue Sherbrooke wearing a blue shirt standing in front of a bush and smiling

“Now more than ever, it’s clear we really are connected to one another. Change Makers is one tangible way to express that community.”

—Sue Sherbrooke | Community Volunteer

Brian Carter's professional headshot

“My work, and the work of my firm, feels so well-aligned with the mission and values of United Way of King County.”

—Brian Carter, AIA | Principal & CEO, Integrus Architecture

“We became a Change Maker household to make a difference in our community. Plus, the family-friendly volunteer opportunities allow us to introduce our daughter to the importance of giving back.”

—Malia| Software Development Manager
—Matt | Manager, Marketing Data & Analytics

“I know that by being a Change Maker I’m supporting a variety of efforts to improve our community and fight the impacts of poverty.”

—Robby | Data Analyst

The Change Makers Committee

The Change Makers Impact


Get one family permanently off the streets and into a home.

Provide a family with weekly home grocery delivery for a year through our DoorDash partnership.

Enable 8 youth to take GED tests necessary to finish their high school education.

Provide after-school meals for 30 kids whose families are struggling to make ends meet.

Help a student and their family pay one month of rent, moving expenses or assist with mortgage.

Curious About Other Giving Communities?


Our Giving Communities understand the power of working together to find solutions. Belonging to one of them multiplies the collective impact that United Way has on our community. Find a group that’s right for you and start showing up to network with community leaders, fundraise for an equitable future, and level up your impact.

Emerging Leaders 365

As young professionals, Emerging Leaders 365 donors give $1 a day or more annually to launch a year of impact.

$30+/month

Champions

United Way Champions join forces with forward-thinking leaders to give $10,000 or more to have a lasting impact on our community.

$10,000+