Get to Know…Brooklyn Black, Associate Director of Philanthropy
Tell us about your role at United Way as an associate director of philanthropy.
The easiest way to understand my role at UWP is that I work with different companies throughout south-central Kansas to educate their employees about the needs in our community and why their support is so important. I also support these companies during volunteer opportunities through our volunteer center.
You’ve spent most of your career in nonprofit. What led you to this type of work?
I’ve always had a servant’s heart and love supporting others, whether they’re going through a tough time or just need a little encouragement to become the best version of themselves. With over 10 years of working in nonprofit, I can honestly say it’s never been easy, but it’s always been incredibly rewarding.
Tell us something you’ve learned or accomplished over the past three years that you’re proud to share.
One accomplishment I’m especially proud of over the past three years is launching Small Business United. It’s been exciting to have other United Ways across the country reach out to me for help starting their own, and even more exciting to support United Way of Spain in getting theirs off the ground!
If you would like, share a little bit about your family.
My husband and I have been married for almost three years and just welcomed a beautiful new addition to our family, our daughter Prairie, who is now three months old. You may have spotted our little “movie star,” Elainna (7), in the UWP holiday video this past December! And because we apparently like chaos, we also added a puppy named Draco to the family. His big brother Kilo is still figuring out that puppies really, really love to play.
What do you like most about working at United Way of the Plains?
What I love most about working at UWP is that no matter what I’m doing—whether it’s sending emails, making phone calls, volunteering, or organizing events—I’m supporting people of all ages across South Central Kansas.
OUR FOCUS
Our focus is on health, education, financial stability and basic needs—the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Click below to learn more about what we’re doing, the programs we invest in and our lasting impact in each area.
