HOW WE LIVE UNITED                            WINTER  (Issue#1)   2010

Young Leaders Member Profile: Yohei Norimatsu

When Yohei Norimatsu thinks of what it means to LIVE UNITED, he thinks of the word synergy. “We can achieve so much more working together,” he said.

Yohei is a member of United Way’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) and also a member of the Health & Wellness Vision Council. Currently a postdoctoral fellow in OHSU’s Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Yohei began volunteering with both groups in 2008 after learning about United Way’s mission statement.

“United Way focuses on immediate response to people in need, individual empowerment, and systemic change. This aligns with my own personal philosophies.”

Among his most memorable experiences with United Way, Yohei recalls thoroughly benefitting from being a part of the most recent grant allocation process. He read approximately 30 grant proposals and also assisted with interviewing agencies that applied for project funding.
“In order to understand solutions, you need to really understand the problem,” Yohei said.

“Being involved with United Way helps me understand community issues.” As a member of YLS and the Health & Wellness Vision Council, Yohei believes all aspects of United Way’s approach
are important, and he is most drawn to exploring individual empowerment.

“I’m fascinated with human behavior and human potential,” he said. “I believe everyone is talented in some way, and if people are given opportunities, they can reach their full potential and become productive members of our society.”

“I believe United Way helps contribute to the productivity of individuals, so being involved with United Way is a great opportunity to learn about something I’m passionate about.”