Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Why this communications pro + soccer mom loves working at United Way
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Birmingham-born Candace O’Neil loves painting and has worked in communications roles in several different sectors, but the mission focus of nonprofits holds a special place in her heart.
She currently serves as the Vice President of Community Engagement at United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA). We sat down with her to find out what she loves most—keep reading for all the details.
Meet Candace O’Neil, Vice President of Community Engagement, UWCA
Candace O’Neil grew up in Birmingham—first in Five Points West, then the Glen Oaks area of Fairfield—before graduating from Ramsay High School.
- Education: Montevallo, Mass Communication + Management Information Systems + UAB, MA in Communication Management
- Career: Multiple industries, including transportation, tech + media, before landing at UWCA
- Current role: VP of Community Engagement—this allows her to work on media + public relations while overseeing public-facing community events.
Candace is married and is the proud soccer mom of an eight-year-old son.
When she’s not on the field or at work, she enjoys painting, listening to live music and participating in activities with AKA—the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.
Candace is a big fan of UWCA
A couple of distinct experiences along the way led Candace to United Way of Central Alabama.
Helping organize “Wings for Autism” events at the airport, along with a brief stint in the development office at Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, is where she developed her love for nonprofit work. Working at a tech company further reinforced that love.
“While I loved all that the airport / aviation and tech world had to offer, I was looking for a different type of environment in this season of life. When I mentioned to a coworker that I was looking for resources to help a family member, they pointed me to United Way.
On the website, I saw a job posting for a role working events in the marketing department. I applied and was given the opportunity to join and grow with the team.”
Candace O’Neil, Vice President of Community Engagement, UWCA
Candace loves a lot about working at UWCA, but for our purposes, she narrowed it down to the organization’s mission-focused work, people and collaboration opportunities.
She especially enjoys working together with different community leaders, volunteers, donors and partner agencies.
“We’re all there for a common purpose, and it’s easy to rally together because we share the same goal of wanting to make an impact in our community.”
Candace O’Neil, Vice President of Community Engagement, UWCA
Making an impact with Youth + After-school Programs
If Candace had to pick a favorite program area, she would choose Youth Support and After-school Programs.
“Working at the YMCA while in college one summer as a camp counselor was a memorable experience for many reasons. First off, you never forget working a summer in the Alabama heat!
But seriously, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, especially the other camp counselors, all united by the common goal of ensuring kids had a great and safe summer experience while away from their parents.
Now, as a working mom, I rely heavily on the YMCA of Greater Birmingham for afterschool and summer programs. Knowing that my child is well cared for, with the opportunity to learn, grow and make friendships in a safe and supportive space, is incredibly important to me.
Knowing that the work I do here at United Way also supports several organizations like the YMCA makes it even more meaningful for me.”
Candace O’Neil, Vice President of Community Engagement, UWCA
A day in the life at UWCA
Candace appreciates that no two days are exactly alike at UWCA. Depending on the season, she could be doing any of the following:
- Planning a campaign kickoff
- Creating marketing materials to help companies encourage employee giving + involvement
- Listening to a client to share the story of how UWCA or a partner agency helped them
- Volunteering in the community in a hands-on way
The day Candace and I spoke had been a busy day out in the community, first at the A.G. Gaston Boys + Girls’ Club, where the J. Mason Davis Leadership Society was doing a day of mentoring.
Next they went to mulch flower beds, pull weeds and pick up trash at the end of a United Way Day of Action in Avondale Park.
There’s a place for everyone at United Way of Central Alabama
“Whether you’re in communications, finance, relationship building or like being hands-on, there is something for every skill set at United Way of Central Alabama.
I love that in UWCA’s culture, people can move around. They come in one position, realize there’s a place where their skills are better suited, then can stay and continue making a positive impact in a different role.”
Candace O’Neil, VP of Community Engagement, UWCA
Work for an organization that makes a difference every day. Apply for a job at UWCA today.
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