United Way Monterey County Emerging Leaders Society

 

We are a network of community-focused leaders ages 21 and over who promote the value of volunteering, philanthropy, and advocacy to create sustainable change across Monterey County.

ELS members are inspired to cultivate partnerships and support United Way Monterey County’s mission of connecting people, partners, and pathways to improve lives across Monterey County, while advancing our shared vision of a thriving, united community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

 

 

 

2026 United Way Monterey County Events Calendar - Emerging Leaders Society

 

 

 

 

 

WHY BECOME A MEMBER?

MEMBER VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

Our Emerging Leaders Society works closely with United Way Monterey County (UWMC) to identify volunteer projects and fundraising opportunities that align with UWMC’s programs and services. Some of the volunteer projects that our Emerging Leaders Society has participated in are Read Across America, Stuff the Bus, and the LIVE UNITED Awards.

United Way Monterey County - in collaboration with ELS - is dedicated to helping families achieve financial stability so that Monterey County can be a place where children succeed, families are economically self-sufficient, and each of us can lead healthy and productive lives.

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please email Crystal Lopez.

Angela Goncalves at Stuff the Buss 2023

Emerging Leaders Society January Mixer

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING

This unique and dynamic group offers members a variety of opportunities to volunteer and participate in community-building activities. Our members value the importance of investing in their community and foster that belief by interacting with local leaders and addressing issues aligned with UWMC’s focus areas: Helping families access quality child care and affordable housing, and providing a portfolio of financial support services to help families become self-sufficient.


Members also benefit from opportunities to participate in various social- and business-related events, valuable networking opportunities, and regular updates on the impact of United Way's work.

PHILANTHROPY AND ADVOCACY

ELS hosts fundraising events that benefit programs such as Stuff the Bus, which provides school supplies for students experiencing homelessness throughout the county. We partner with businesses throughout Monterey County, such as Alvarado Street Brewery on Main, Alvarado Street Brewery Monterey, and Pizza My Heart in Monterey, to raise funds for our programs.

If you are a business interested in partnering with ELS, please email Crystal Lopez.

ELS- Crystal-Angela-Ryan

 

 

 

READY TO JOIN?

A gift of $100 or more annually to United Way Monterey County qualifies you for membership. You can make your gift directly or through your employer's United Way Monterey County Workplace Campaign. You can choose to make a one-time gift of $100 or enroll in reoccurring payments of $8.33 until you decide to opt-out. To make any changes to reoccurring payments, please contact Crystal Lopez at crystal.lopez@unitedwaymcca.org.

 

 

 

EMPOWER EMERGING LEADERS TO DRIVE LOCAL IMPACT

2026 ELS Sponsorship form

 

 


 

MEET OUR EMERGING LEADERS SOCIETY CO-CHAIRS

Jordan Pratt-ThatcherJORDAN PRATT-THATCHER

Commercial Insurance Broker at Leavitt Central Coast Insurance Services

click here for full bio

NICOLE ABBRUZZETTI

ProHealth Home Care Inc.

MEMBERS

Hastie Financial Group

RYAN HASTIE

Financial advisor with Hastie Financial Group (HFG)

click here for full bio

Marcela Ramirez photoMARCELA BARBOSA 

Management Analyst II at the Monterey County Probation Department

click here for full bio

JOANNA CORREA

Amore Boutique Fash

JAVIER ALVAREZ ZAVALAJavier Alvarez Zavala

Relationship Manager – Business Banking Central Coast | Comerica Bank

 

ADRIANA RAMIREZ

Adri. Aesthetique

JESSICA PEREZ

Pacific Valley Bank

 

BUSINESSES WE'VE PARTNERED WITH

 

 

If you're interested in partnering with ELS for an event, please contact Crystal Lopez by calling (831) 318-1971 or email at crystal.lopez@unitedwaymcca.org

 

SIGN UP TO BECOME AN ELS MEMBER

 

Name
Current ELS Member
Areas of Interest
Join the ELS leadership team.
Help fill backpacks with supplies for students living in homeless or near-homeless conditions.
A volunteer opportunity to bring reading excitement to children on the birthday of author Dr. Seuss.
United Way Monterey County’s community service awards to recognize outstanding volunteers.
Volunteers help spruce up and improve play facilities at community schools.
Volunteers get a first hand glimpse of Concours d’Elegance.
United Way Monterey County’s signature community event.
Events to network with fellow ELS members.
Discussion and Q&A with community leaders. Gain industry incites and build professional skills.
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United Way Monterey County (@unitedwaymonterey) • Instagram photos and videos