United Way of Erie County has announced the appointment of Sonja Delaney as senior strategic advisor for community investment and economic mobility, according to a news release.
Delaney brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience in the credit union and cooperative finance sectors.
Most recently, she served as chief strategy officer for Directions Credit Union and spent 16 years as president and chief executive officer of Midwest Community Federal Credit Union.
Throughout her career, Delaney has led strategic growth initiatives, organizational development efforts, governance activities and innovative approaches to member and community engagement, the release said.
Her experience in leadership, relationship-building and community investment brings valuable insight to United Way’s efforts to strengthen financial stability and economic mobility throughout the region, according to the release.
In her role, Delaney will work alongside United Way leadership to strengthen community investment strategies, expand workplace engagement efforts, support partner agency collaboration and advance initiatives focused on financial stability and economic mobility for local families.
“Each of us has a role to play in lifting up our neighbors,” said Delaney. “When individuals, businesses, and organizations come together to strengthen the financial health and resilience of our community, we all benefit. I’m honored to support the United Way of Erie County in this work that truly helps everyone rise.”
United Way of Erie County continues to focus on building a stronger network of support for local families through investments in education, health, financial stability and community partnerships,” said E.J. Brinson, executive director of United Way of Erie County, in the release. “Through its partner agency network, community collaborations and direct initiatives, United Way works to address both immediate needs and long-term solutions that help individuals and families achieve greater stability and opportunity.
“Sonja’s leadership experience, strategic mindset and commitment to community impact make her an outstanding addition to our team. As we continue strengthening workplace engagement, supporting our partner agencies, and advancing the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Fund to Fight Against Poverty, her experience in financial services, strategic planning, and community leadership will help us create new opportunities for working families and expand economic mobility throughout our region.”
As part of her role, Delaney will help guide efforts to strengthen workplace engagement, expand support for ALICE households, and advance strategies that connect employers, employees and community resources.
A key area of focus is to help advance United Way’s ALICE Fund to Fight Against Poverty, a community investment initiative designed to support working families through financial empowerment, workforce mobility, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions that help households move beyond the survival budget toward long-term financial stability and economic mobility.
Delaney will assist in exploring the development of a new community leadership and engagement initiative designed to connect business professionals, volunteers, nonprofit leaders and community stakeholders through education, service and leadership development opportunities, the release said.
The initiative is intended to strengthen community awareness, increase workplace engagement and cultivate the next generation of civic and philanthropic leaders in Erie County.
These efforts will be reflected in United Way of Erie County’s upcoming Workforce & Economic Mobility Conversation at 11 a.m. June 24 via Zoom, the release said,
The event will bring together business leaders, nonprofits, educational institutions, workforce partners, government representatives and community stakeholders to discuss workforce challenges, employee financial stability, economic opportunity and collaborative solutions that support both employers and working families throughout the region.
Community members and organizational leaders interested in participating, may register at http://bit.ly/4xoRqi7.
The conversation is part of United Way’s broader commitment to advancing financial stability, workforce development and economic mobility while creating stronger connections between the business community, nonprofit sector and public partners.
For more information about United Way of Erie County, contact staff@uweriecounty.org.