United Way uses its global reach and local presence to build stronger, more resilient and more equitable communities where everyone can thrive. They work to improve the health, education, and economic mobility of every person in every community they serve. Through United Way, communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic mobility, and health resources.
Initiated in 2023, One Young World is proud to partner with United Way to create this year-long programme, targeted at young leaders who are working at United Way across the globe. United Way works to bring people together to build stronger, more equitable communities where everyone can thrive. One Young World is collaborating with United Way to empower and develop these young leaders to build a fair, sustainable future for all.
The programme aims to assist in improving the young leaders’ skills, help them create lifelong connections and expand their world-view so that they can gain a deeper understanding of how to become more impactful leaders.
Meet the 2023 United Way Delegates
Grace Braimah, Ghana
Grace Braimah, a trailblazing visionary and relentless advocate for change, has dedicated her life to empowering others and making a lasting impact in her community. Born and raised in a vibrant multicultural city, Grace’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination.
Grace Braimah is the Southern Community Coordinator for United Way Ghana. She holds a degree in Social work from the University of Ghana and Post Graduate Certifications in Project Management and Effective Leadership. In recognition of her unwavering commitment to social impact and transformative leadership, Grace has received numerous accolades and awards. From being honoured as a “Community Developer” to receiving recognition for her outstanding contributions in the field of education, Health and Financial Stability, her work continues to inspire others to strive for excellence and make a difference in their own communities.
Today, Grace Braimah stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating paths and empowering individuals to embrace their full potential. Through her unwavering dedication to education, advocacy, and community empowerment, she has created a ripple effect of change that will resonate for generations to come. Grace’s unwavering belief in the power of compassion, resilience, and collective action serves as a reminder that with passion and purpose, we can create a brighter, more inclusive world.
Nazbi Chowdhury, United States
Nazbi is an experienced government services professional who has served as legislative staff in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, most recently to the former State House Minority Leader (2020-2022) and previously as Chief of Staff to the State Senator of Florida’s 24th State Senate District (2018-2020), both serving districts in South Florida.
His passion for politics and civic engagement led him to serving as both a volunteer and paid staff member during the 2018 and 2020 general election cycles, and in two special elections shortly after, working primarily in field organising, communications, and policy research. In his current role as Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives with the United Way of Broward County (UWBC), he is honoured to work alongside many community and nonprofit leaders, while representing and promoting the mission statement of UWBC, fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of ALL individuals.
As a first-generation American, college graduate, and proud son of working class Bangladeshi immigrants, he is fully committed and passionate about learning how to utilise our systems of government to benefit the majority of ALL people. Originally, from West Palm Beach, FL, he received his B.S. in Political Science and Economics from Florida State University.
Camila Colmenares, Venezuela
Camila is the Planning Manager at United Way Venezuela. In her words, “I believe in challenging the status quo, and I believe in doing so with my peers. My name is Camila, and I am a 24-year-old Venezuelan woman.
Each part of those characteristics has played a significant part on my journey towards becoming the Latin American representative for United Way:
(i) Out of those 24 years; the last third of my life has been dedicated to the pursuit of Equal Education at all age levels of society;
(ii) I have had the opportunity to, alongside wonderful teams and a welcoming organisation, create impactful positive change that is relevant towards Venezuela´s (and Latin America´s) circumstances;
(iii) and, growing into womanhood, it has been increasingly important for me to do so from a gender-based perspective, understanding the power that education yields in the process of achieving equality.
These past few years have seen me turn from a girl with anxiety-inducing-ambition, to an empowered woman that fills the roles of University Professor, Social Entrepreneur, and NGO Manager, always perceiving each challenge with the perspective of a student.
I have been blessed with marvellous mentors, both at my workplace and in the communities that I have visited; as well as with the privilege of opportunity. It is important to me that chances such as representing my region at One Young World do not stay merely with me. Instead, I wish for my voice to become a speaker of the valuable messages that the entire Latin American region has gifted me through their example, and my body to turn into a tool to honour the restless effort that I have witnessed in United Way´s staff and volunteers.
My name is Camila, I am an Economist, a feminist, a pursuer of society-led change, a firm believer in the power of equal education from youngest to eldest, and a woman inspired by union as the pathway towards better living.”
Jenna Richards, United States
Aloha Kakou! I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, located in the Hawaiian Islands. I currently work as a Business Development Manager for Aloha United Way (AUW), where I have the opportunity to advocate for the people of Hawaii, share their experiences, and help generate funds that go directly back into the community.
Nearly half of the state’s population falls within or below the ALICE threshold, and it is my job to speak for these families because AUW and I understand how important it is to keep local families in Hawaii, an effort that Hawaii’s future truly depends on.
In addition to my day job, I work alongside my family with our non-profit organisation, The Reid J.K. Richards Foundation. This Foundation is dedicated to helping other families who have suffered the loss of a parent or primary caretaker by offering those children scholarships for the upcoming school year.
I understand first-hand how losing a parent creates financial hardship and can limit one’s ability to achieve their academic goals. As education equity is one of the five plenary challenges that is being focused on at the 2023 summit, I hope to learn more about how I can bridge the gap between students and families with different financial backgrounds, something that is so prevalent in Hawaii.
Dave Sotelo, United States
David moved to Hutchinson, Kansas January 2010, fleeing his native home in Mexico due to death threats from drug cartels to his family. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2015 and attended Catholic Seminary College at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri, and Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas.
In 2017, David lived in Topeka, Kansas, where he worked as a program assistant at Shawnee County Prevention and Recovery Services / Safe Safe Streets Topeka. There, he developed communication efforts and was a community mobilizer in the Latinx community focusing on substance use and crime prevention. He also helped youth in substance use case management.
David returned to Hutchinson in 2019 to work with Rise Up Reno Prevention Network as a Youth Leadership and Communications Program Coordinator. In August 2020, David left Rise Up Reno to join BowerComm, a strategic marketing firm based in Hutchinson, Kansas as a content specialist.
In 2020, David started his work as the Human Relations Officer at the City of Hutchinson. His task is to create harmonious relationships and eliminate prejudice among the various groups within the City of Hutchinson. He leads equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts for the City and advises other community organisations on equity strategies.
His passion is community building and leadership development. He loves creating spaces where everyone belongs. In his free time, David enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with his wife, Maddy.
