Women’s History Month is a time of reflection, a moment to celebrate how the efforts and bravery of past generations continue to pave the way for females today.
United Way of West Florida also recognizes the contributions of strong women in the present. These are just a few of the women who are making our community stronger right now.
Tami Randel
Meet our Director of Finance, Tami Randel!
She has been on the United Way of West Florida team for over a year with years of accounting experience in the nonprofit world. Before moving to Pensacola, she was a Girl Scout leader for 10 years, active in the PTO, and participated in several community service projects.
"Working with UWWF gives me the perfect opportunity to use my education, knowledge, and skills to give back to our community. Seeing the impact we make on the community through our various programs gives me a sense of fulfillment and pride that I never had when working in the for-profit world."
Why are you involved with United Way?
Working with UWWF gives me the perfect opportunity to use my education, knowledge, and skills to give back to our community. Seeing the impact we make on the community through our various programs gives me a sense of fulfillment and pride that I never had when working in the for-profit world.
What other activities/organizations are you a part of in our community?
Before moving to Pensacola, I was a Girl Scout leader for 10 years, active in the PTO, and participated several community service projects. Right now, all my community activities are through UWWF, but I am looking forward to expanding on that this year and getting more involved.
How can other people make a positive impact in our community?
Get involved. If you are passionate about something, find an organization that is working in that area and volunteer. We can all make a positive impact in our community by giving just a little bit of our time.
Barbara MacNeil
Meet Barbara MacNeil with Loyalty Credit Union!
Beyond her career, she serves on our Board and brings a wealth of knowledge to almost every department! You can catch her at UWWF events like Stuff the Bus and Day of Caring participating with other volunteers to make a difference in our community.
Outside of UWWF, she volunteers throughout the community, a Big Sister with BBSNWL, a Board member with Independence for the Blind, a Keep Pensacola Beautiful volunteer, and a West Florida Public Library volunteer to name a few.
Why are you involved with United Way?
I’ve been a United Way donor for years and became a volunteer in 2017 when I was asked to be on the Campaign Advisory Committee. We helped the marketing team create a strategy to promote and support Workplace Campaigns. During that time I started to learn more about the ‘behind the scenes’ at United Way. The more I learned about all the ways that our community is served, the more I wanted to help. I love the initiatives that we support to help our communities in the areas of Health, Education, and Financial Stability. I’ve been able to meet individuals and families who have benefited from our partner non-profits and UWWF programs, such as VITA. All of these programs have a positive impact on the recipient of services so that they can focus on their children, family, and themselves.
Ways to Give: Donate, Advocate, and Volunteer. I have always been a donor but understanding more about the programs, it’s so easy to be an advocate. Advocate for both donors and volunteers. There are so many ways to volunteer that can take as little or as much time as you have.
What other activities/organizations are you a part of in our community?
Independence for the Blind – Board Member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida – Big Sister/Volunteer for 2 years, Keep Pensacola Beautiful and Friends of the West Florida Public Library – regular volunteer.
Pensacola Women’s Alliance – a member of this non-profit which promotes the advancement of women in our community.
How can other people make a positive impact in our community?
Follow your passion for causes that are most important to you. Learn about how UWWF and other organizations support those missions. Search Get Connected to learn about volunteer opportunities. Call UWWF to learn more.
Kate Williams
Meet our Development Manager, Kate Williams.
Kate has been at United Way of West Florida for over 3 years, starting in our 211 department.
Outside of UWWF, she volunteers with Valerie's House, a local nonprofit providing ongoing grief support programs for children and families grieving the death of a loved one.
Why are you involved with United Way?
I decided many years ago that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others. United Way of West Florida does just that through many different avenues. The one that falls closest to my heart is 988- the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
What other activities/organizations are you a part of in our community?
I have been volunteering for Valerie’s House since September 2022. They are a 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 United Way of West Florida Funded Partner whose vision is “no child will grieve alone”.
How can other people make a positive impact in our community?
Be nonjudgmental when listening to people. You do not know what they may have experienced in their lifetime.
Ann Livingston
Meet Ann Livingston!
She Is one of our amazing AmeriCorps Senior RSVP volunteers! She volunteers with Manna and other one-time volunteer opportunities with our program like writing letters for Incredible Kids Day.
Outside RSVP, Ann is a board member of the Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society and special events coordinator with the Gulf Breeze Senior Center.
"All of us can contribute to the well-being of our neighborhood and community by learning what is needed and then providing support. This might be through a monetary donation or volunteering. We can also help connect people to resources we know about even if we can’t provide direct support ourselves."
Why are you involved with United Way?
I love working with the United Way of West Florida (UWWF) through their Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). There are a variety of opportunities to serve in the community. I especially like the one-time activities where I have sorted food at Manna Food Pantries, provided logistics for a community health fair, and prepared summer education kits for preschool students. Through the monthly RSVP activities, I have also learned about different non-profit organizations in our community and the services they provide.
What other activities/organizations are you a part of in our community?
I have consistently been engaged in my community. For instance, I participated in one of the early classes for the Citizens Academy in Gulf Breeze and have also been part of Leadership Santa Rosa. I am currently on the Board of the Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society. We are renovating the Benson House which belonged to early Gulf Breeze residents and is now a museum. I also serve as Special Events Coordinator on the Administrative Committee at Gulf Breeze Senior Center. I help set up weekly educational events with many sessions focusing on non-profit organizations. This creates interest and often leads to donations of money and materials and giving one’s time as a volunteer.
How can other people make a positive impact in our community?
All of us can contribute to the well-being of our neighborhood and community by learning what is needed and then providing support. This might be through a monetary donation or volunteering. We can also help connect people to resources we know about even if we can’t provide direct support ourselves.
