Over the course of 2021, we will feature 100 Heroes who have been instrumental in our fight for the basic needs, education and financial stability of our neighbors for the past century. To learn more about how we are continuing to serve the Bluegrass in 2021, click here.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are excited to feature some women who have played an important role in United Way of the Bluegrass (UWBG). Today we are interviewing Miranda Scully, who serves as the United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator (ECC) for Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) and is on the steering committee for Women United.
What is your role with UWBG?
I’ve worked with FCPS for almost five years, and one of the first things I was asked to do was work with United Way on our employee campaign. We were fortunate to have former Superintendent, late Manny Caulk, be an advocate for United Way. He taught us that it’s important for us to support United Way because a lot of things they do support Lexington’s youth. We partner with United Way to support our community. The past few years, we’ve been working to come up with creative ways to make sure United Way’s story is shared and ensure that our teachers, families and students know of the support United Way gives. I think that’s been working too, because we’ve seen an increase in employee contributions to United Way.
I love being a part of Women United! Alice Nelson introduced me to the group, and I have loved meeting women of different backgrounds from different areas who are all focused on what we can do to help. Even though our focus is on early childhood, this group is not afraid to extend beyond that when there’s a need. I love being a part of bringing other women together. We host women’s luncheons where we all come together to really talk about things in our community and how we can support and empower others to get involved. I also love the networking opportunities. I moved away from Lexington for about four years, and when I came back I had a different role with a different employer. It was nice to be connected through United Way and have the opportunity to expand our circle of positive women. I’ve really enjoyed working with Women United.
What did this role include? What would a normal day look like for you?
In my role as a campaign coordinator, during the midst of enrollment, I’m just readily available to answer any questions. We’ve also tried to find ways to keep people engaged in how they can support UWBG. We don’t want people to think that if they can’t do one specific thing to support UWBG, there’s nothing they can do.
Once you get involved with UWBG, you kind of always see yourself as a Champion for United Way because it’s so easy. It’s easy to tell family members or coworkers to just call 211 if they need help. If a nonprofit was struggling to support families in the midst of the pandemic, they could connect to United Way for help with Covid relief. It’s nice to be connected with something that’s so strong because no matter what I’m doing day-to-day, I can always be a Champion. It’s easy to be a Champion and advocate and connect people to United Way because of all the basic needs and foundational things they provide to the community.
What do you think is the most special thing about UWBG?
The people who work there are so passionate and intentional with their support, but I would have to say the most special thing is how rooted UWBG is with the needs of our community. Whether that’s literacy or connecting people with the help they need. It’s so easy to tell people to call 211. UWBG strives to be rooted in the basic needs of our community in order to provide necessary resources and support. They are even building up to the launch of WayPoint centers in various communities. I think that’s a huge undertaking but it’s so needed. For them to see that need, take it on and bring it to fruition is just huge.
In your opinion, what positive change has UWBG made in the Bluegrass over the past 100 years?
I think the most impactful thing they’ve done is evolving and adapting to whatever the community’s needs are. They quickly adapted to serving during the pandemic, and to be able to do that successfully is amazing. I think the work they’ve done around early childhood and literacy has been huge, along with everything they’ve done to be able to launch their new WayPoint centers. They also have the ability to work with partners in order to meet the existing problems in the community.
Fun questions:
What’s your favorite place in the Bluegrass?
My family’s favorite places are definitely restaurants, especially the locally owned ones. We’ve been going to some restaurants in Lexington ever since they opened. People know your name there.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Bluegrass?
My favorite thing is to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and just take in the outdoors. I love being able to drive around on the country roads and walk or run on the trails and things like that.
Thank you for being such a strong part of UWBG, Miranda! We appreciate you and all that you do.
Do you know someone who has worked alongside United Way of the Bluegrass in the past century who should be considered for our 100 Heroes series? Please email us at liveunited@uwbg.org to share your nomination!