One of the things that sets United Way apart is the incredible volunteers that the work attracts. Our board of directors and other high-level volunteers are an impressive group of leaders from some of our region’s most dynamic corporations and influential organizations. With the Emerging Leaders Speaker Series, the Emerging Leader marketing committee works hard to bring you the best speaker line-up and here’s why you won’t want to miss out:

Access. We cap these events at 50 so you’ve got the chance to meet the speaker and have a real dialogue. This isn’t one of those events where you’ll never make eye contact. Not only are the Q&A sessions robust, but speakers stick around to mingle with the group.

Great advice. Not only was our first speaker Fred Devereux (President West Region at AT&T, and a United Way board member) a dynamic presenter, but he offered up some great advice and people really embraced it:

• Come with a point of view and be ready to share it. Fred provided great examples of how he did this early-on in his career – and how when young professionals do it today, it helps shape AT&T (eliminating the no piercings/tattoo rule to attract the best talent, anyone?)
• Look for ways to create your own luck. Fred’s not one to shy away from seizing opportunities and he shared lots of examples of how he’s done that over the years and of others on his team that impress him daily by doing the same thing.

Chance to dive into an issue. Some of our speakers (like Dan Brettler, founder of Car Toys and Wireless Advocates, and United Way board member) are just as passionate about community as they are about building a small business. This creates a two-fer for young professionals who want to learn about both.

Great networking with peers. Not that you need another reason, but these events are a great way to meet like-minded people – all while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine.

So, get in on the next one while there’s still room. Angela Stowell, CFO and partner at Ethan Stowell Restaurants, will join us March 8. We hope you can join us!