United Way California Capital Region (UWCCR) isn’t just an organization — it’s a movement. A community-driven powerhouse that mobilizes people to action so all can thrive. For over 100 years, United Way has been a pillar in the Capital Region, but in the last several years, they’ve transformed, launching direct services that empower families, uplift communities and break barriers.

At the heart of this transformation? Women leading the charge.

Under President and CEO Dr. Dawnté Early’s leadership, UWCCR has built a management team that reflects the community, with nine of 13 leaders on their team being women.

People like Amber Lovett, who leads the marketing and fundraising team, have been a steady force for 24-plus years, supporting the organization’s new strategic vision and ensuring they have the resources to bring it to life. Part of Amber’s team, Stacy Wolfenberger and Sia Magadan, help by securing funding through workplace giving and strategic partnerships — critical to expanding UWCCR’s community impact work.

The organization’s program directors, Tahirih Kraft and Zelene Molina, make sure UWCCR’s direct service programs are not only effective but community-informed, meeting people where they are and responding to their needs. In the last year, they’ve provided nearly $900,000 of guaranteed income to families and former foster youth in college, expanded UWCCR’s kindergarten readiness program, tutored over 160 students in literacy and helped navigate 290 families to housing.

“We’ll keep innovating, expanding our direct services and forging partnerships that ensure we don’t just serve our community — we empower it.”— Dr. Dawnté Early, President and CEO

Poverty is a policy choice, which is why policy expert Ejiro Okoro has positioned UWCCR as a community advocacy leader. By challenging the systems that create inequities, Okoro leads the advancement of economic mobility initiatives like guaranteed income. As the organization looks to the future, Candice Phillips and Lillian Matu lead the finance team, ensuring that the financial foundation is as robust as the programs UWCCR runs.

“Real change takes bold leadership, strong partnerships and a deep commitment to lifting people up,” says Early. “We’re not just running programs — we’re challenging the status quo and building
a future where everyone thrives. And we’re just getting started.”

United Way isn’t just doing the work. It’s leading a movement for lasting change.