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UWCA HR, Peggy and Jamyia love their jobs in Birmingham — Peggy (L) is a UWCA-vet and Jamyia (R) is just getting started! (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

I get to write about how great Birmingham organizations are and how much people love their jobs, and that’s true for the employees of United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), too.

Take Peggy Murphy: She joined the UWCA team as a fresh UAB grad, and now, 25 years later, she’s the Vice President of E-Services. And Jamyia Shade, while just over a year into her receptionist role, has made her work ethic known around the office and looks ahead at the future.

I sat down with these two and got a glimpse into what makes their jobs so great. Keep reading, and you might find opportunities for yourself, too!

Peggy went from receptionist floater to Vice President

UWCA HR, Peggy Murphy VP of E-services — Peggy Murphy started her UWCA career in March 2001. (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

Peggy Murphy was born and raised in Tarrant, and she and her family love all the Birmingham sports—specifically Barons baseball!

When she’s not underneath the stadium lights at Regions Field, Peggy is serving as the Vice President of E-services at United Way. But her UWCA career started nearly 25 years ago as a floater receptionist, which meant she relieved the front desk receptionist during breaks and would float from each department and fill in as needed.

Now, she’s climbed the UWCA ladder and is finding new ways to use her love for technology and people every day.

“I’ve always had a servant’s heart, and I’ve always had an interest in technology and problem-solving.

That’s what has led me to be here for 25 years: Doing what I love with technology and using it for the better good.”
Peggy Murphy, Vice President of E-services, UWCA

For Jamyia, her job is all about helping people

UWCA HR, Jamyia, receptionist — Jamyia officially joined the UWCA team in August 2024—just over a year ago! (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

Hailing from the Chelsea and Mount Laurel area, Jamyia Shade loves that her job gives her an excuse to explore downtown Birmingham. She loves going to The Market at Pepper Place on Saturday and visiting the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on her lunch break.

Much like Peggy nearly 25 years ago, Jamyia is at the beginning of her career at UWCA as a receptionist in the Alice Williams Building.

From the short time I was with Jamyia, I could see how warm and welcoming she was to visitors—and they walked through the doors with smiles on their faces as well!

“I love assisting people and watching people grow from the help they’ve gotten at UWCA. Once, we had a veteran come and give gifts to their case manager for helping them get a new home, and that was really sweet.”
Jamyia Shade, Alice Williams Building receptionist, UWCA

There’s a place for you at United Way

UWCA HR, Jamyia, receptionist birmingham job — Find your dream job at United Way of Central Alabama. (Callie Morrison / Bham Now)

While Peggy and Jamyia are at opposite ends of their career, they still love their jobs at UWCA the same.

Why? Because no matter your role, you’re in an encouraging atmosphere with opportunities to grow.

“You can grow here, like Mrs. Peggy! I’ve talked to so many people in different departments about all the opportunities to grow as a person and professionally.”
Jamyia Shade, Alice Williams Building receptionist, UWCA

And, you gain new experiences and meet new people every day.

“It’s one of the only places that I’ve worked where you get to collaborate with case managers, CPAs, external partners and more. It’s a type of environment where you get to see all aspects of how the business works.

To me, that’s the most fascinating part of what we do: collaboration internally and externally.”
Peggy Murphy, Vice President of E-services, UWCA

There’s a career out there for you. Check out job opportunities at United Way of Central Alabama.

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