Improving The Tallahassee Community With United Way Of The Big Bend (UWBB)

We sat down with Barbara Ray, Managing Director and Global Public Sector Lead, to discuss North Highland’s partnership with UWBB as part of the firm’s philanthropic focus on economic empowerment which includes pilot programs with select community partners. UWBB currently works to improve the trajectory of thousands of vulnerable poor and low-income individuals across its eight-county footprint. Through North Highland’s expertise and guidance, UWBB will strategically transform its fundraising, resource allocation and communication activities so that it can greater serve the more than 172,278 people in the Big Bend that struggle to afford the basic necessities of life.  

Q: Can you explain North Highland's partnership with UWBB?

The partnership between North Highland and UWBB started a little more than two years ago through the firm’s Day of Giving Back event in 2017. It was the firm’s 25th anniversary, and to recognize this milestone achievement, the firm hosted 25 days of giving back, or volunteerism, across its markets. Through this event, we sought out opportunities to work with new agencies and organizations. At the time, UWBB was beginning to review its current interactions with local agencies. I was approached by Katrina Rolle, President & CEO of UWBB, to partner with them as UWBB was positioned to make a big change due to local and national factors. At the top of UWBB’s agenda was to eliminate poverty; North Highland’s philanthropic mission is economic empowerment with specific emphasis on approaches to disrupt root causes of poverty. It was a perfect match from the beginning.  

Q: What are the goals of this partnership?

The goal of this partnership is to help position UWBB as a leader in solving the community’s problems, particularly around the elimination of poverty. North Highland’s objectives for this partnership is twofold. First, our goal is to help the Tallahassee community – it’s part of our mission and our vision. Second, we want to use what we’ve built for UWBB to scale as a model to support work across multiple communities. We’re on a mission of unleashing potential together in the communities in which we live, work and serve.

Q: Why is this involvement with United Way important to Tallahassee?

Tallahassee has a high percentage of ALICE population (asset limited, income constrained, employed) along with pockets of high crime rate within the community. The ALICE population is above the average rate for the state of Florida and the crime rate rivals that of much larger Florida cities. In order to maintain and grow as a community, which is to leverage all of the great assets we have, grow the next generation of families and retain talent in the community, we have to attack these issues that are bubbling below the surface. This partnership shines a light on what needs to be addressed to help Tallahassee fulfill its potential and make a significant difference within the community.

Q: How does this tie into North Highland's corporate philanthropic focus on economic empowerment?

This partnership fits squarely into North Highland’s philanthropic mission. There is nothing more empowering, economically, than eliminating poverty and this is applicable to every community across the country. It goes to the heart of what we say as a firm that we want to do. There is a real impact of our efforts on the local community; it’s tangible. The community is appreciative and is taking advantage of this positive change and we look forward to building ongoing success within the community.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your involvement with the program?

I’ve been in Tallahassee for 29 years and have been part of the North Highland family for nearly 14 years. Being able to leverage what is so amazing about our global firm in a community that I’ve called home for the past three decades is so rewarding. Being able to marry what I do for a living with the community I live in is incredibly satisfying.

Q: What are some challenges North Highland has faced in this partnership?

This is significant change for the community, particularly when you are talking about the not-for-profit world which is passionate about helping the community and fulfilling the need. When you make a change to a much narrower problem solve, anxiety can occur and our goal was to help guide everyone through the process. Recognizing these concerns, and then carrying the group forward together was key. This first milestone was reached due to the combination of our community knowledge and expertise and our strong partnership with UWBB. Together, we’ve defined the path for success and look forward to working with UWBB to continue this journey of transformation to build lasting change within the Tallahassee community.

To learn more about North Highland’s commitment to economic empowerment, click here.

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