United Way continues to work toward a future where Black Americans have increased access to employment, education, health care, and housing. We’re thankful to benefit from the work of exceptional Black leaders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Meet a few of these community members, and learn what has inspired them to give back through United Way.
Denise Myrick
Denise Myrick serves on United Way of West Florida's Board of Directors and is on this year's Deleveplement/Vision and 100th Anniversary Gala committees!
She has previously served as a volunteer with the United Way of Baltimore and Prince George's County, Maryland along with the United Way of Metro Chicago. Currently, she is committed to HCO, Inc., an organization that has been serving the least, the lost, and the last for over 11 years. I also minister to juveniles in Escambia County Jail.
Why are you involved with United Way?
I served as a volunteer with the United Way of Baltimore and Prince George's County, Maryland along with the United Way of Metro Chicago, and wanted to elevate my service in this area. Currently, I am a new Board member with UWWF and on their Development/Vision and the 100th Year Anniversary Gala committees.
What other activities/organizations are you a part of in our community?
I am committed to HCO, Inc., an organization that has been serving the least, the lost, and the last for over 11 years. I also minister to juveniles in Escambia County Jail.
How can other people make a positive impact in our community?
If it is broken, do not just talk and complain about the brokenness, help fix the problem. Everyone has a gift and our gifts should not be used only for financial gain. We should help people and communities in our area to strengthen our cities and counties. The stronger the least of us are, the stronger the rest of us will be.
Who do you admire most that had an impact on American History?
Ann Lowe Fashion Designer, 18-98-1981. She designed the wedding dress worn by Jackie Kennedy in her marriage to John F. Kennedy. She graduated from a design school that was segregated. She had to do her lessons in a small room alone. I admire her because she did not let circumstances prevent her from achieving her goals. She excelled in her career, although not receiving credit for her work, in designing attire for famous actresses and other wealthy people. she teaches our youth to never give up regardless of the challenges. KEEP STRIVING FOR GREATNESS!!!
Nikki Fisher
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Meet our Individual Donor Manager, Nikki Fisher!
Outside her time with United Way of West Florida, she is involved with her church and civil justice organizations.
Why are you involved with United Way?
I wanted to join United Way of West Florida to build relationships and connections while supporting the people in need in our community.
What other activities/organizations are you a part of in our community?
During my free time, I enjoy being involved in my church and being a part of organizations that fight for civil justice.
How can other people make a positive impact in our community?
To make a positive impact in our community follow your passion. Find a way to incorporate your passion by donating or volunteering for your community. That way its a win-win for everyone.
Who do you admire most that had an impact on American History?
During Black History Month there are many African Americans I admire. I hold Kamala Harris close to my heart because she is groundbreaking today. In addition, to being the first woman vice president, she is also the first African American, the highest-ranking female official in US history!
Brian Wyer
Meet Brian Wyer, President/CEO of the Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce.
Brian serves on UWWF’s Board of Directors as the Vice Chair and helps several different nonprofits and organizations throughout the community. He devotes his time to his community and inspires others.
Why are you involved with United Way?
The long history of the organization giving back to the community.
What other activities/organizations are you a part of in our community?
Achieve Escambia Leadership Council, the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Council, First Place Partners, 1 Million Cups, Baptist Health Care, Early Learning Coalition, Great Northwest Leadership Class 2, and the US Global Leadership Florida Advisory Committee.
How can other people make a positive impact in our community?
The long history of the organization giving back to the community.
Who do you admire most that had an impact on American History?
Martin Luther King Jr.
Walter Wallace
Meet Walter Wallace, a member of the Advisory Council for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). He and his wife Mary also attend numerous RSVP monthly educational events and periodic one-day service projects.
Walter is a leader in his community. He is a Trustee and active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Woodland Drive. He serves as president of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of ESCAROSA-- a position he has held since 1992. In addition, Walter coordinates public relations for the Par Four Golf Course and Par Four Charities. This golf course was founded in 1968 when Blacks could caddie and work at private golf courses in the area but were barred from playing.
Why are you involved with United Way?
When he worked, he would serve on the committee that helped organize the workplace giving campaign. Also served on the review committee to visit potential sites where their funds would be distributed.
Believes in the Biblical parable of the talents, “To whom much is given, much will be required.
What other activities/organizations are you a part of in our community?
President of Sickle Cell Disease Association of ESCAROSA since 1992,President of Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association, Trustee and active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Woodland Drive Duties of Trustees, and member and public relations at the Par Four Golf Course/Par Four Charities.
How can other people make a positive impact in our community?
“I am a firm believer, that is you want to live in a thriving community, you must be part of the process which. This includes giving of time and money. Everyone has a talent and can contribute.”
Who do you admire most that had an impact on American History?
“There have been many important figures in our local history, but Corrine Jones had a significant impact on my life. She ran the community center in my neighborhood when I was growing up. There was a disciplinary board where we learned about the consequences of our actions. She organized overnight trips for youth every summer even though we had to sleep on picnic tables because we weren’t allowed in motels because of segregation.”
