Each year, Our Promise asks state agencies and departments to loan one or more of their valued employees to participate in the Leaders United Program, an 18-week working session to assist in the annual giving campaign. Leaders United participants (LUs) serve as an extension of the Our Promise team and work full time in the local United Way offices from late July to early November. Their work is absolutely vital to the success of the campaign and goes a long way to ensure deserving non-profits from throughout the state benefit from the money raised each and every year. 

This year, we wanted to highlight our LUs by shining a spotlight on their philanthropic passions.

Esther, what inspires you during this challenging time?

I am inspired by the resiliency, unwavering hope, and collective efforts of the American people to come together to fight the pandemic and to address the social changes needed to improve our lives.

Nonprofits need Our Promise CA now, more than ever. What cause(s) have your attention in 2020?

• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Help young people have a voice in the justice system where otherwise they might find themselves institutionalize detrimentally to their development as happy, healthy, contributors to our society.
• CHP 11-99 - “Officer Needs Assistance,” Provides emergency support and scholarships to the families of fallen California Highway Patrol Officers.  It is important that we support the CHP and its officers, not only because they are state employees like us, but also because they’ve chosen a profession to protect the state and its citizens, and for this, I elect to show my appreciation.

If you are interested in learning more about the Leaders United program, please click here.