Local leader in Greensboro chosen as one of 12 inaugural participants of United Way Worldwide’s program aimed at building a stronger, more equitable future
United Way of Greater Greensboro (UWGG) is excited to announce that its own Julia Thomas, Associate Vice-President of Development, has been selected to participate in United Way Worldwide’s new Next-Generation Leaders Initiative. The program is a highly interactive, transformative, two-year leadership development experience for early career leaders who are committed to United Way and the future of civil society.
Partnering with Institute for the Future, the Next-Generation Leaders Initiative incorporates custom research and training in strategic foresight, equipping learners to navigate large-scale change, uncover hidden opportunities, and take action for a vibrant future. Focusing on five key developmental areas—network leadership, community leadership, systems leadership, collaboration and communication, and learning and self-leadership—participants will learn vital cross-functional knowledge and develop future-focused skills, culminating in demonstration projects to benefit local communities.
“United Way of Greater Greensboro is proud that Julia Thomas was chosen to be a member of the inaugural cohort of the Next-Generation Leaders Initiative,” said Frank McCain, President and CEO, UWGG. “We are pleased that Julia has been recognized as a high-potential leader who demonstrates a future-focused orientation for themselves and for United Way. Participants of this program, like Julia, committed to the future of United Way and will shape the social sector to carry our mission forward in every community.”
Selection for Next-Generation Leaders Initiative is based on an individual’s performance, potential for leadership, eagerness for self-development, ability to commit to rigorous professional-development experiences, and interest in augmenting their effectiveness in addressing critical community needs. Applications are received from leaders serving in local United Ways around the world, and across all functional departments. Admission to the inaugural cohort was a selective process, with 12 learners chosen. United Way Worldwide aspires to develop 1,000 leaders in the program over five years.
“When we develop United Way leaders early in their career, communities become stronger,” said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “These leaders bring the creativity, passion, and solution-oriented mindset to build a future where every person in every community can thrive. Through United Way Worldwide’s Next-Generation Leaders Initiative we are providing a platform for changemakers to further build their skills, knowledge, and professional network to create positive, equitable, and meaningful change in the world.”
Through this initiative, United Way Worldwide is preparing its leaders to address macro-level trends and issues in their states, nations, and the world at large, in addition to the micro-level needs and goals of their communities. Through its reach and depth, Next-Generation Leaders Initiative will exponentially elevate the power of United Way to serve thousands of communities globally. Funding to support this program has been made possible in part by W.K. Kellogg Foundation and United Way Worldwide.
Cohort 1 of the Next-Generation Leaders Initiative runs from April 2024 through March 2026.
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END LOCAL POVERTY: United Way of Greater Greensboro creates, connects, and leads community partnerships that equip and empower people to leave poverty. Nearly 52,000 children, adults, and families are living in poverty in the greater Greensboro area. Our strategy builds pathways out of poverty by: Helping youth transition from cradle to career, Helping adults land jobs and increase income, Providing access to basic needs and healthcare, and Bundling services that eliminate barriers at our nationally recognized Family Success Centers and innovative Guilford Success Network. With the community’s support, we will achieve our BOLD GOAL: As a community united in equity and lasting solutions, 3,000 households will leave generational poverty by 2030. The federal government defines poverty as a family of four earning $30,000 per year. According to local self-sufficiency standards many four-member households need to earn around $66,000 to meet basic needs without subsidized assistance. www.UnitedWayGSO.org
About United Way
United Way brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. As one of the world’s largest privately funded charities, we serve 95% of U.S. communities and 37 countries and territories, impacting more than 48 million people every year. Through United Way, communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions, and health resources. United Way is the mission of choice for 1.5 million volunteers, 6.8 million donors, and 45,000 corporate partners in thousands of communities worldwide in our second century of service. Together, we are building resilient, equitable communities across the globe. Learn more at UnitedWay.org and follow us via @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.
