United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Young Philanthropists Society (YPS) brings together young professionals who are committed to giving back, building connections and creating positive change across Central Alabama.
Helping guide that work is the YPS Steering Committee, a group of professionals who bring their experience, leadership and commitment to service to opportunities that engage YPS members and strengthen the community.
Cortez Bennett
Cortez Bennett serves as Vice President and Healthcare Real Estate Credit Products Specialist at Regions Bank.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, to a military family, Cortez is originally from Aberdeen, Maryland.
He is a graduate of the University of Montevallo’s Stephens College of Business and now works in Regions Bank’s Healthcare Real Estate Credit Products group.
For Cortez, serving through YPS provides an opportunity to join others in making a difference through United Way.
“I enjoy serving and giving to United Way because it is a one-stop shop to provide small contributions that lead to a big impact in our community,” Cortez said.
Outside of work and community involvement, Cortez is an avid golfer and shoe collector. He and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters Addison and Savanna.
Eliza Bicksler
Bringing people together is at the center of Eliza Bicksler’s work and her involvement in the community.
Eliza has spent seven years at Brasfield & Gorrie, where she designs and executes corporate events, retreats and gifting programs.
Her work combines attention to detail with a passion for creating experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways.
A United Way donor since joining Brasfield & Gorrie, Eliza has served on the YPS Steering Committee for two years.
For her, YPS is a natural extension of her belief in Birmingham and her commitment to investing in the community she calls home.
Through YPS, Eliza has the opportunity to connect with other young professionals who want to strengthen the community while building relationships with one another.
Holly Lowe
Holly Lowe brings a background in engineering, risk management and leadership to the YPS Steering Committee.
A native of Titahi Bay, New Zealand, who grew up in Austin, Texas, Holly joined Brasfield & Gorrie in 2016 as an assistant project manager before transitioning to the company’s Risk Management Department in 2019. Today, she serves as director of insurance programs, overseeing the company’s corporate insurance programs, partnering with owners to navigate risk on complex projects and leading a team of five.
Holly was part of the first cohort of the STEM Path to the MBA Program at the University of Alabama, where she earned her undergraduate degree in civil engineering, an MBA and a Master of Science in civil engineering. She is also a graduate of the Momentum Upward Leadership Program and a member of the Rotaract Club of Birmingham.
Holly and her husband, Braxton, have two children Arthur and Emerson.
Elly Arnold
As a community engagement specialist at AmFirst, Elly Arnold supports the development and execution of community engagement and marketing initiatives across Alabama. She works with nonprofit partners, internal stakeholders and corporate volunteers to help ensure the credit union’s community investments reflect its “People Helping People” philosophy.
Elly’s experience spans both nonprofit and corporate giving, with a focus on building partnerships, managing programs and connecting organizations with opportunities to make an impact.
She earned an MBA from the University of Montevallo and a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a minor in human rights and conflict studies from Birmingham-Southern College. In addition to serving on the YPS Steering Committee, Elly is a member of the Junior League of Birmingham and serves on the Glenwood Junior Board.
Cal Horton
Cal Horton brings 15 years of banking experience and a longstanding connection to United Way of Central Alabama to the YPS Steering Committee.
As a Community Development Lending and Investment Partner at Regions Bank, Cal identifies and originates loans and investments that support community and economic development.
Cal’s involvement with United Way began early in his banking career. He served as a Loaned Executive in 2011 and returned as a Pacesetter Loaned Executive in 2013, working alongside United Way staff and other Loaned Executives to support workplace campaigns across Central Alabama.
That experience has developed into a continued commitment to United Way. Since 2023, Cal has served on the YPS Steering Committee, helping create opportunities for young professionals to connect with the community through giving, volunteering and service.
Cal also earned a Bachelor of Science in commerce and business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Alabama.
Building the Next Generation of Community Leaders
Cortez, Eliza, Holly, Elly and Cal represent some of the young professionals helping lead YPS. Through giving, volunteering and connecting with others who care about Central Alabama, Steering Committee members help create opportunities for the next generation of community leaders to get involved.
To learn more about the Young Philanthropists Society, click here.