YLS Ambassadors
A-List Tells Others About the Young Leaders Society
Hollywood has its “A-List.” Now Tarrant County does too. The United Way Young Leaders Society Ambassadors—nicknamed the “A-List”—are on a mission to spread the word about the benefits of being in the Young Leaders Society, a group for young professionals ages 21 to 45.
The A-List volunteers have committed to use everything from bulletin board flyers to social media to let co-workers know about the networking, professional development, social and volunteer opportunities enjoyed by YLS members throughout the year.
“Because of the size of different companies, it’s hard to get the message out about our events and activities,” said Chesapeake Energy Public Affairs Representative Tiesa Leggett, the YLS Executive Committee member who conceived the A-List. “I think the ambassadors will be great representatives of United Way.”
The A-List members are:
- Rachel Clark, Pier 1 Imports
- Leslie Johnston, Arlington ISD
- Winjie Miao, Texas Health Resources
- Kirk Williams, BNSF Railway
Most of the ambassadors have played key roles in their companies’ United Way workplace campaigns. “I’m our campaign manager,” said Arlington ISD Communications Coordinator Leslie Johnston. “I became an ambassador to find out more about the program so I can encourage others to donate at the leadership level.”
Philanthropy is important for YLS members, who each donate $1,000 annually to United Way or work toward that goal through a three-year “Fast Track” plan.
“I am extremely interested in ensuring that my kids grow up understanding that we are truly fortunate and blessed for all that we have,” said Kirk Williams, a Consulting Systems Engineer at BNSF Railway. “I believe that giving back to the greater community that we live in is an excellent way for them to truly understand how fortunate we are.”
Upcoming YLS events include:
- Networking at the Fort Worth Club and Rahr Brewery
- Annual volunteering event in June
- Professional development programs on financial planning and effective ways of communication
Started in 2007, the United Way Young Leaders Society has grown to 560 members from 62 companies. For more information, phone or e-mail Paula Acosta, 817-258-8073.
Our Vision
Tarrant County will be a place where children, individuals and families thrive, where neighbors care for each other and where people willingly share the responsibility of ensuring a safe and healthy community for all.
Our Mission
To improve lives across our diverse communities by:
- Prioritizing needs in education, income and health
- Forming innovative and effective partnerships with other organizations
- Strategically raising and investing resources to make lasting change
Our Diversity Statement
United Way of Tarrant County values and seeks diversity by respecting the knowledge, abilities and experience of all individuals. Our commitment is to support an inclusive environment reflecting our United Way communities and accomplishing our mission.
