At United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), our greatest asset is a community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of others – whether through financial support, volunteering or, as in the case of Emily Finley, devoting their careers to this organization and our mission. For 23 years, Emily has been a source of energy and inspiration to our entire team.
From Education to Nonprofit Service
Emily has called Birmingham home for most of her life. Coming from a family of educators, she followed in their footsteps, earning a degree from Auburn University and spending five years as a teacher. While she found fulfillment through teaching, she ultimately sought a new way to make a difference beyond the classroom.
That search led her to UWCA, where she began a new chapter in her career as a Campaign Associate. Now, after taking on several different roles and responsibilities – and more than two decades later — she serves as our Director of Organizational Development, playing a vital role in supporting our team and driving our mission forward.
“At UWCA, I found hope and excitement for the programs and services that I see provided in the community,” said Emily Finley. “I got to bridge that gap between despair and hope for other people.”
In her current role, Emily wears many hats. Whether it’s leading manager meetings, planning organizational events or providing support to employees and Loaned Executives (before and throughout our Annual Campaign), Emily excels at problem-solving and building connections. She thrives on facilitating solutions to difficult challenges, and she’s always there to offer support to her colleagues.
A Workplace That Feels Like Home
The family-like culture at UWCA is one of the things that has kept Emily with us for 23 years. Emily experienced this firsthand as a single mother when her fellow employees in the Resource Development Department supported her and her son through challenging times.
“I was a single mom for a really long time, and people in the Resource Development Department were a big part of helping me and my son. They wrapped their arms around him and supported us. The family environment was a good home for me,” said Emily.
At UWCA, we believe in supporting not only the communities we serve but also the people who make our mission possible.
Interested in being part of a mission-driven organization that values its people? Join the UWCA family and make a difference every day.
This blog originally appeared on Bham Now’s “Why one local woman has stayed at this family-like company for 23 years.”