Young Leaders Spotlight: Katherine Holder

Katherine Holder is excited to be one of the newest members of the United Way Young Leaders Society Membership Committee. Her goal: to get more young professionals involved in United Way through networking events and volunteer activities.

Working with YLS underscores Katherine’s involvement in community and civic engagement. While attending Emory University in Atlanta, Katherine established “Teen Court,” a program geared toward high school students preparing for legal careers. The experience taught her that when young people have opportunities to grow into leaders, they help their communities rise up and succeed, she said.

Katherine, a Seattle native, has been aware of United Way’s work in the communities where she has lived and traveled. But it wasn’t until she served as a loaned executive for a United Way campaign did she achieve a deeper understanding of United Way’s impact.

“I learned about the rigorous and comprehensive review process involved in making funding decisions. Donors giving their time and money to United Way should feel really good about that,” she said.

As part of YLS, Katherine hopes to recruit emerging leaders to share in the work of United Way, while also imparting her passion for working with young people, and ensuring their success.

“Being involved [with United Way] has helped me see the different facets of our community, and has made me a stronger and more well-rounded person,” said Katherine.

“United Way impacts our region on so many different levels: from the wide range of programs that we fund, to a variety of volunteer opportunities. We really make a difference.”