The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Pratt board development series model for others
MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex United Way remains focused on engaging the next generation of leaders to advance our successes in education, income, health and housing. Our Board of Directors values the experience, skill sets, and valuable relationships that people under 40 possess.
One of our highlights in 2018 was organizing a board development series that attracted a diverse and highly motivated group of potential leaders. We believe this series can be replicated in various settings and formats. Julie Rioux, who is employed at Pratt & Whitney, and also a director for our board, took the lead to organize the series at her company with great success.
I am pleased to have her as this week’s guest columnist. If you are interested in exploring how we can adapt this specialized training for your group or company, please contact Kevin Wilhelm at Middlesex United Way.
A diverse, highly motivated group
On Nov. 30, The Nonprofit Leadership and Board Development event was held at the Pratt & Whitney Hangar/Museum and well-attended by a group of engaged leaders from across UTC businesses. There was representation from many of the Pratt employee resource groups, as well as Society of Women Engineers, Engineers without Borders, Women in Aviation and the Pratt Legal team. The Pratt & Whitney United Way Cabinet, along with strong support from 2018 Campaign Chair Dave Derro, sponsored the event.
The event concept was driven by its creators, Kevin Wilhelm, president and CEO, of The Middlesex United Way and Linda Iovanna, president and CEO of MARC Community Resources. For this event, the pair teamed with Ann Pean of United Way of Central and Northeastern CT, Sondra Dellaripa of Harvest development Group, Pro Bono Partnership, Marcum Financial and Middlesex United Way Board Member and PW Engineer Julianne Rioux to bring the concept to a broader audience in hopes position a diverse group of Pratt leaders into the community.
The attendees participated in three educational seminars in the areas of governance, development and finance with special focus on board and committee member basics and expectations. Those in attendance were nominated by their peers and have demonstrated leadership in the nonprofit arena. These leaders raise the bar and bring diversity of thought and passion for community service to their new nonprofit roles.
Participants heard keynote messages delivered by Associate Director and Middletown United Way Site Lead Julisa Velasquez, from the PDC Materials organization, and Jeff Ongley, senior director Business Strategy & Group Development and the 2018 United Way Executive Champion. They touched on the importance of volunteering and giving back to our local community, as well as providing a warm thank you message to all who joined the session.
After training was complete, the afternoon was filled with networking, during which participants were paired with 19 area nonprofits based on their interests for volunteer roles, as well as selection to board committees and possible director positions.
As a socially responsible corporate citizen, Pratt & Whitney works to “drive positive change and enhance the well-being of the communities in which we live and work.” Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.