
When Rylee Vaughan graduated from Florida State University, her future felt uncertain. But when her family moved from Florida to Prattville, Alabama, the transition to Birmingham opened new opportunities.
Growing up, Rylee was deeply involved in the outdoors, sports and community service through her church. Today, she continues to lead an active lifestyle in Birmingham, enjoying running, cycling, reading and exploring local cafes and thrift shops. Some of her favorite local spots include the scenic Jemison Trail, Trattoria ZaZa and Domestique Coffee, where she finds both inspiration and relaxation.
But back to her career path. Once settled in Birmingham, it didn’t take long for Rylee to land at United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) as a Relationship Manager. That’s a job that involves building and maintaining contacts in the business community and keeping them informed of the many ways United Way touches and improves people’s lives. Her journey with UWCA began when a mentor introduced her to a former United Way employee. Soon after that, she interviewed and, in April 2024, she embraced her new role.



As part of her onboarding process, Rylee participated in the Loaned Executive program during the summer Pacesetter campaign. “Being a Loaned Executive was really fun — you get to meet so many people,” she said. “It helped me develop my communication skills, which are vital for my role.”
In her day-to-day responsibilities at UWCA, Rylee acts as a connector, working collaboratively with corporations, nonprofits and schools. Her tasks are varied, ranging from attending campaign kickoff events to engaging with local CEOs and updating reports. “It’s fun because it changes every single day,” she said, emphasizing the dynamic nature of her work.
What motivates Rylee each day is UWCA’s mission to connect individuals with meaningful opportunities. “We’re not just raising money; we’re linking people with their passions,” she explained. This mission, combined with a supportive work culture, makes her first adult job fulfilling. “It’s been a positive environment where everyone values work-life balance,” she said.
For those contemplating a position at UWCA, Rylee encourages them to take the plunge. “If you want to make an impact in the community but aren’t sure where to start, United Way is a great choice. You’re part of a nonprofit with significant impact.”
To learn more about our impact, visit Impact – United Way of Central Alabama (uwca.org)
This blog was inspired by “How one Bham newbie found the perfect community-focused job | Bham Now,” originally published by Bham Now.
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