Emerging Leaders United for a Cause

United Way of Westchester and Putnam

Announces Inaugural Emerging Leaders Event with Panel Discussion

October 2013 – United Way of Westchester and Putnam is pleased to announce the launching of their newest leadership group: early-to-mid-career professionals joining forces to make a positive difference in the communities where they live and work. Emerging Leaders United for a Cause kicks off on Thurs., Nov. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Swiss Re in Armonk. Bringing together professionals from all the area corporations and industry-specific businesses, this professional development and networking event provides an opportunity to hear senior level executives speak to how philanthropy has made a difference, not only to them personally, but professionally.  Registration is required (www.uwwp.org).

“We want to support the up-and-coming leaders of tomorrow to become engaged in our community,” said Naomi Adler, Esq., CEO and President of United Way of Westchester and Putnam.  “As more and more young professionals work in our area, United Way provides the impetus to keep them invested in the community where they earn their living. These young professionals will lead the boards of the not-for-profits of tomorrow.”

Emerging Leaders United for a Cause offers food, wine, and networking, in addition to a panel discussion on how philanthropy can grow one’s career with such renowned local executives as Jim Kavanaugh, VP and Controller of IBM; Jamie Miller, Head of North America Property – Swiss Re Corporate Solutions; Jennifer Grudnowski, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney – Pro Bono Partnership; and Richard Nightingale, VP, Youth and Family Services – Westhab. Ms. Adler will moderate.

"Swiss Re has a strong culture of encouraging and fostering employee participation in making responsible and effective contributions to the world we live and work in,” said  Jamie Miller.  “Our worldwide philanthropic efforts are focused on bettering both the present and the future for our employees, clients, and communities around the world. We address humanitarian and social challenges through community days, long-term

projects, and providing emergency aid.  We try to inspire our employees to recognize that we can all find our own unique way to contribute and incorporate philanthropy into our lives."

As if a free ticket for hors d’oeuvres and tapas, wine and beer, and all the other benefits to participating in Emerging Leaders United for a Cause were not enough, attendees will vie for fabulous raffle prizes, such as a Surface RT 32GB donated by Microsoft; a One Month Membership to THE GYM in Armonk; and NFL Tickets to Jets or Giants game and Beyoncé Concert Tickets at Barclays Center donated by PepsiCo, to name a few.

Sponsoring and supporting companies include: Swiss Re; THE GYM; Mystic Flavor Caterer; MTC Limousine & Corporate Coach, Inc.; Millbrook Vineyards & Winery; IBM; PepsiCo; Microsoft; Apogee Fitness and Wellness Centers; The Business Council of Westchester; and the Young Professionals Group of the Westchester County Association.

About the United Way of Westchester and Putnam

For the past 50 years, United Way of Westchester and Putnam has operated with the fundamental belief that all people deserve a quality education, enough income to support a family, and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. United Way works with agency partners, government, businesses and community leaders to solve problems that are too complex for any one entity alone. All contributions go toward improving the education, income, and health of the children, youth and families throughout Westchester and Putnam. United Way’s Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1, covering Westchester and Putnam as well as Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties, answers up to 500 calls and 1,000 online inquiries per day ranging from tax, heating, and mortgage questions to childcare, basic needs, natural disaster and crisis calls. United Way of Westchester and Putnam is at 336 Central Park Ave., White Plains, NY 10606.

To register for Emerging Leaders United for a Cause, go to: http://www.uwwp.org/el.shtml, or call Anne-Marie Annunziato at: 914-997-6700 x707.