Get to know…Amy Hawley, Volunteer Engagement Manager

Tell us about your role at United Way.

As Volunteer Engagement Manager, I’m responsible for coordinating volunteer activities within the organization, as well as local nonprofits, by helping to assess and fill volunteer needs in the community.

You’ve spent most of your career in volunteer management, what led you to this type of work?

My time at the Sedgwick County Zoo led me into the volunteer management world. While working part-time in the Development office at the Zoo, an opportunity became available to help with Zoobilee volunteer coordination. I was then asked to finish the remainder of the event season, and the rest is history!

Tell us something you’ve learned or accomplished over the past three years that you’re proud to share.

Creating our volunteer network Serve United has been a huge accomplishment! Creating something from scratch and watching it grow has been so rewarding.

Do you have a favorite volunteer project or experience?

There are too many to choose! Getting to work with Credit Union of America every year for their employee training day is always a fun adventure. Their team comes to the table with such great ideas, and it is always fun seeing how their volunteer projects come to life.

If you would like, share a little bit about your family.

I was born and raised in Andover, Kan., with my parents and one sister. Both my sister and I graduated from Kansas State University, so we are big-time supporters of the Wildcats! I am a proud dog mom to a pup named Hudson. We love to spend time outside playing fetch or relaxing on the patio. Hudson and I recently became a certified therapy dog team, and volunteer together at Victory in the Valley, United Way and The Sedgwick County Zoo. My other favorite title is Aunt Amy to my two nieces, Ruby Kate and Mara. Seeing life through the eyes of two little girls is so much fun! I am so grateful to have a supportive and loving family and wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

What advice would you give to someone interested in volunteering, but they’re not sure how to get started?

Go for it! There are so many great opportunities available in our community. If you aren’t sure where to start visit our website volunteertoday.org.

What do you like most about working at United Way of the Plains?

The reach I have and the connections I have been able to make! The volunteer engagement world is a small community that is always changing. I have enjoyed being able to create personal and professional relationships with so many volunteer managers.