Tim Anderson has worked in non-profit before and sees working as an LE as an effective way to make a difference. Tim looks forward to seeing how the United Way operates and benefits the community. When he’s not on loan to the UW he’ll be cheering on the Huskers in football and volleyball.

Kourtney DeFreece got involved as an LE to gain a sense of what’s going on in Omaha’s community and non-profit landscape. She looks to build a better knowledge of the community’s needs and gain a perspective of the UW of the Midlands. She also enjoys her role as a wife to her husband and mommy to her new puppy, Kirby.

Giza Chandler, (Liza with a G, she says), heard about being a LE from family, and family is what had her interested in working for the United Way. She has seen how the UW helped her loved ones and hopes to give back as an LE. Being retired, she enjoys the freedom to spend time with her family.

Pam Penke has been a community volunteer for 16 years giving at least 100 hours a year to a non-profit group she belongs to. This is her 6th year working the United Way campaign.

Janis Berry will tell you right away she is blessed, and for all that’s been given to her she is eager to give back to those less fortunate. She worked with the United Way funded programs for many years, thankful for the work they did to help youth and adults in the community realize their dream of becoming successful citizens.

Audrey Kowski will be graduating at the end of the year with a degree in behavioral science. She looks forward to following her passion into a career in human services and working as an LE was a great start. While working at the United Way, she is excited to see the power of generosity and the effect it has on the community.

Justine O’Neill-Hedlund always knew about the United Way and working as an LE has taught her even more. She is eager to do her part to make this the best UW campaign. Having recently graduated with a degree in Political Science, she also volunteers her skills on political campaigns as well.

Troy Upton was looking to get more involved in his community and getting involved as an LE was a perfect fit. In light of the hard economic times, Troy looks forward to being part of programs that get people back on their feet. He also enjoys the time he spends with his kids and volunteering at their school.

Kelley Coffey has always been active in volunteering for agencies and community projects and working as an LE is another opportunity to do more good work. She enjoys meeting different people in her work as an LE and thinks it is fun to see the wide variety of UW campaigns. Travel is her other calling, taking her to different corners of the globe.

Craig Strong is excited to use his time as an LE to give back to the community. He is glad to have a better understanding of all the United Way has to offer and enjoys all the fun he’s having. He’s creative as well as generous, being involved in a drama team and photographing the natural beauty of the midlands.

Cathleen VanHauer enjoys being able to work and better the community, and sees working as an LE as the best of both worlds. She has been amazed at the dedication of those working at the United Way, saying it brings tears to the eyes. Her nurturing spirit is evident in her hope to work as a teacher and her time spent gardening.

Kate Hughes got a taste of working with non-profit groups working in public affairs at Cox and became interested in working as an LE to get even more experience. Having just graduated with a degree in public relations, she’s excited to use her skill in public speaking to reach goals and help her community. When she’s not at the United Way she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Boo.

Sharon Davis has 20 years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, and serving as a liason for the University and funding organizations such as the federal government, state government, and foundations. She enjoys a great life—family, friends, career, hobbies—life is good, she says.