Young Leaders Society Steering Committee

The YLS Steering Committee plays a major role in planning and executing the year's events. With monthly meetings, the committee brainstorms and plans volunteer and networking opportunities that will benefit the community and contribute to the personal growth of YLS members. Meet the 2008-09 Steering Committee members… 
 
"There are few organizations in the Columbia area that have such an opportunity to make a difference in so many people's lives as the United Way of the Midlands.  Getting involved as a Young Leadership Society member not only helps me make a difference financially, but also puts me in a position to develop programs that give other young volunteers an opportunity to get more involved in their community."
 
-Graem Clark, Colonial Life
 
  

I became involved with the United Way to contribute to the community.  The United Way makes these contributions easy.  The United Way does a lot of the ground work in terms of researching partner agencies and holding these agencies to a high standard.  I know that my funds will be used in the best possible manner to make positive changes in the Midlands.  As well, the United Way is very accessible in terms of getting involved in local volunteer projects.  I currently serve on the YLS steering committee, but it is also easy to find other volunteer needs by doing a search at www.uway.org. I'm Kristie Cross. I give my time and money to United Way because the United Way is working to make the Midlands a better place, and that's how I LIVE UNITED.
-Kristie Cross, YLS Co-Chair, Grant Thorton

 
 
 When I moved to Columbia in 2006, I was delighted to hear that United Way of the Midlands was forming a young professionals group which is now known as Young Leaders Society.  I became involved immediately and our committee has been working for the past 18 months to build awareness and membership.  We've had tremendous success – within this segment, we have increased both their financial contribution to the United Way and their involvement within the community. My name is David Lominack and I know that in order for the United Way of the Midlands to prosper, it's time for my generation to begin assuming the responsibility of its future.  That is how I LIVE UNITED.
-David Lominack, Carolina First Bank
 
 
 
 

My name is Michael Seezen and I'm an advocate for change and I believe in the power of our young people. I believe in the power of fostering new leadership among the community and that's how I LIVE UNITED.
-Michael Seezen, McNair Law Firm, P.A. 

  
     Becoming involved with the United Way has not only provided me with an avenue to make a difference within my community philanthropically, it has also allowed me to make an impact financially. I have peace of mind knowing my donations are being used to directly impact the lives of those individuals in the Midlands who are most in need. This peace of mind allows me to focus my energy towards my membership with the Young Leaders Society. Through this, I am able to volunteer my time by getting involved in different programs within our community. My name is Michael D. Scott and that is how I LIVE UNITED.
 -Michael Scott, Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors  

My employer, Nelson Mullins, really places an emphasis on serving the community, and giving to the United Way is part of our corporate culture.  I first became involved with the United Way by helping with our workplace campaign.  I have served as chair of the UW's professional division, and last year I became a charter member of UW's Young Leaders Society.  As I have become more engaged with UW, I have learned and seen how its funding creates change through Community Impact.   I believe UW is a good steward of funds and creates the maximum, positive impact for my investment. I'm Jody Bedenbaugh.  I represent my community and employer by volunteering with the United Way.  Through my involvement I am learning from community leaders, whom I hope to emulate as I continue my work with the United Way.  That is how I LIVE UNITED."
-Jody Bedenbaugh, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP


I am blessed to have had many relationships, privileges and opportunities in my life.  Certain people have been an incredible influence on me by leading a life of relentless philanthropy and all of them have been involved with United Way.  Their genuine love and concern for human welfare is contagious.  Their giving of time, money and resources to better the lives of others is the character of few and one that defines true leadership.  I strive each day to be that same influence in the lives of others. My name is Kevin Lindler, I give back to my community through United Way of the Midlands and I am dedicated to their success.  It is my goal to make a positive difference in the lives of all people from all backgrounds.  That is how I LIVE UNITED.
-Kevin Lindler, First Citizens Bank

   

"I volunteer with the United Way, and in particular serve on the steering committee of its Young Leaders Society, because it enables me to develop leadership skills as a young professional.  I am learning more about the United Way's mission by participating in volunteer projects and by connecting with current community leaders.  These skills will help me become a better contributor and member of the United Way.  I'm Emily Brady and that is how I LIVE UNITED."
-Emily Brady, Chernoff-Newman 

  

I was first introduced to the United Way when a program at my church, Family Worship Center, was recognized as the Volunteer Agency of the Year for its Save the Seed After-School Program.  My mother, Bernadette Herbert, then asked me if I was interested in participating in the Project Blueprint Leadership Program.  I did, in 2003.  Since then, I have volunteered as a program evaluator with Karen Oliver, a member of Women in Philanthropy, and now a member of Young Leaders Society.  I felt extremely empowered by becoming a member of Women in Philanthropy and plan to share that same enthusiasm with YLS. I LIVE UNITED by donating to the United Way and serving in a capacity that allows me to evaluate the performance of the organizations that receive United Way funds, as well as be empowered to have input in the selection process.
-Tina Herbert, McAngus, Goudelock & Courie

 
 

When I was approached to be on the YLS steering committee, I was excited to have the opportunity to play a larger role in the Columbia community.  I recently moved here from Darlington where I was an active volunteer, and now I am able to serve the City as an employee and the community as a whole through the United Way.  My name is Carroll Williamson, and I am a devoted public servant, that is how I LIVE UNITED.
-Carroll Williamson

 
 
 

One of the things that impressed me the most about the United Way was that the money donated stayed in the community and therefore had an immediate impact. I was also impressed with the way that the United Way of the Midlands verified that the grants given were properly accounted for and used in the manner they were intended.  These are a few of the reasons why I joined the Young Leaders Society (YLS). As a member of the YLS Steering Committee, I feel it is my duty to educate the younger generations about the value the United Way of the Midlands brings to the community and to encourage my generation to increase their donations. I'm Glenn Marcus, and I know that the United Way gives directly back to the local community which is so very important to me. I am involved in the community through my church, the United Way of the Midlands and YLS, that's how I LIVE UNITED.
-Glenn Marcus, SCANA
 

For 13 years, I have been involved with United Way through my corporate contributions at UPS. This year, I made a personal commitment to become actively involved with local charity organizations within my community through volunteerism. Initially, I became involved with Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Columbia. Within a few months of my involvement, I felt there was still an opportunity for me to create a greater impact in my community. I wanted to take on additional volunteer projects. After agreeing to chair the Community Connections program at UPS (South Carolina District), I gladly accepted the responsibility to serve as a member of the YLS Steering Committee, and actively engaged in various United Way events. My name is Alvina Harrison and I believe in unselfishly giving my time and energy to helping make a difference in the lives of others while expressing my personal core values and deepening my sense of purpose. That is how I LIVE UNITED.
-Alvina Harrison, UPS

I have been involved with nonprofit since high school as a volunteer, staff member and consultant. There is no other organization that reaches out to so many and is able to make such a large impact on the community as the United Way has, and continues to do. I've always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and with you United Way of the Midlands I can do that. My name is Courtney McDuffie, and that is how I LIVE UNITED.
-Courtney McDuffie, The Finishing Touch