Get to Know…Jessie Gorges-Sawhill, Associate Director of Philanthropy

Describe your role at United Way

I collaborate with workplace leaders to support them in their employee giving campaigns. I love to be out-and-about in the community, sharing the mission of United Way of the Plains. I’ve never met a stranger. Folks that know me best, know that I love to gab!

Share your career history and how you made your way to United Way.

I graduated from Friends University in 2010 with a B.F.A in Communications. I had plans to be a journalist. However, I learned that I liked to talk, more than I liked to write. So, I took a different career path. I worked for the Greater Wichita YMCA on-and-off for about 10 years in various roles. One of my proudest achievements is when I helped open the “new” Downtown YMCA as their membership director. That role taught me a lot about leadership development, general operations and how to work efficiently with strict timelines.

What are your interests or pastimes?

I love pickleball and playing the ukulele. I’m an amateur event planner, and I love hosting themed parties. I’m also a Diet Coke and Jackie Kennedy Onassis enthusiast.

Jessie Gorges-Sawhill, United Way Associate Director of Philanthropy, plays the ukulele.
Jessie Gorges-Sawhill, United Way Associate Director of Philanthropy, poses with her pug.
Share a favorite book or movie and why.

The Birdcage. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane – need I say more? That movie always cheers me up. My favorite scene is when Nathan Lane’s character does his John Wayne impersonation.

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

I’m the mother of an 18-month-old daughter, named Pearl, and a 14-year-old pug, named Sweet Pea. I’ve been married to my husband, Willis, for almost six years. He’s a firefighter for the City of Wichita and a wonderful father!

What have you found to be a favorite experience at United Way so far?

I love it when campaign leaders at workplaces share their personal experiences with United Way. They share how our funded agencies help them in their time of need. I’m amazed at how United Way of the Plains touches people’s lives in so many ways.

Jessie Gorges-Sawhill, United Way Associate Director of Philanthropy, volunteers with other staff members.

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Published On: October 6, 2022Tags:

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