Serving the community is a way of life for Cynthia Todd. Service has shaped her journey both personally and professionally. As the first Black woman appointed to the University of Montevallo Board of Trustees and a dedicated volunteer with United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), Cynthia is passionate about increasing access to resources in our community.
Her relationship with UWCA began when her first employer offered United Way partner agency tours, where she witnessed firsthand the needs that are impacted by donations and volunteers. Cynthia’s involvement with UWCA has grown throughout her professional career. Early on, she served as a United Way Loaned Executive in 2004. At the same time, she and her family found themselves in need of United Way’s help. “I felt in a small way that I was giving back to help others who needed the same services,” she said. Today she serves as Co-Chair of UWCA’s Shelby County Advisory Board, supporting initiatives to expand access to services countywide.
Supporting Local Organizations Across Shelby County
In her Advisory Board role, Cynthia helps direct funding to smaller nonprofit organizations that address specific needs within the community. Community Project Grants provide critical funding assistance for programs addressing, for example, food insecurity, senior services and community health and wellness. “I have seen organizations helping students and families with meals for the weekend they wouldn’t otherwise have…and fresh foods being provided to the community,” said Cynthia. “Food insecurities are real, and to address this issue in my community was fulfilling.”
Making an Impact that Makes a Difference
Cynthia felt the impact of her volunteer work after awarding UWCA Community Project Grants to Shelby County organizations for the first time in 2024. “The award recipients were so appreciative of how much the grant would change the lives of those they serve in Shelby County,” she said. One community representative connected with her on the subject of food insecurity, explaining how many children do not have food outside of meals provided by their schools. Grants have also been awarded for short-term projects, such as building an activity and exercise room for young survivors of human trafficking.
“For me, volunteering fosters a strong sense of purpose. Specifically focusing on the needs in Shelby County allows me to see the impact firsthand, which is so rewarding!” said Cynthia. “Because of United Way, we are truly helping people where it matters most.”
To learn more about how United Way of Central Alabama supports Shelby County, click here.