On Saturday, November 9, Angela Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, visited some of the hardest-hit areas of WNC, including the Swannanoa Valley.

While with us, Williams met with Megan Davis, Assistant Principal at Owen Middle School and Josh Wells, Community School Coordinator at Owen. Through them she learned more about Community Schools and how the work we've been doing for the past 6 years in the Owen district has helped us support the local community. 

The team then headed next door to the Alan Campos neighborhood. There they met with Antonio Garcia of CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) who is organizing rebuilding efforts in that area.  

A message from Angela Williams

After the event, we received this message from Angela: 

Thank you again for being such a gracious host during my recent visit to North Carolina.
 
We consistently talk about the power of community and collaboration, and your coordinated response to Hurricane Helene is a powerful demonstration of the impact we can have when we share values, a mission, and a commitment to give and serve our neighbors. I am inspired by the work you and your team are doing.
 
In the days and months ahead, please know that you and your team have my full support. We will rebuild, stronger and more resilient than ever.
 

While in the region, Williams traveled to four United Way offices to meet with six different United Way leaders:  

1. Suzanne Mizsur-Porter, Executive Director of United Way of Rutherford County 

2. Mo Schwind, Executive Director of Burke County United Way 

3. Kat Carlton, Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County 

4. Celesa Willett, Executive Director of United Way of Haywood County 

5. Dan Leroy, President and CEO of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County 

6. Rebecca Hall, Executive Director of High Country United Way