DR. KATHY HUMPHREY

As the tenth of 12 children, Dr. Kathy Humphrey quickly learned to speak up for herself and for others. She also learned how to get things done. That childhood experience translated well to Dr. Kathy Humphrey’s role today as president of Carlow University and as the co-chair of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council. Both of those roles provide her with a forum for standing up for what is good and right and acknowledging those who helped fuel her success. “There were people who mentored me, helping me recognize my own capacity to excel.” she concludes, “They believed in me and are a big reason I am here today.”

Just as her mentors helped her realize her own potential, Dr. Humphrey is now paying it forward as she works to provide opportunities for others. “My role at Carlow is to ensure that all students are empowered to become the people they want to be.” Similarly, for nearly two decades, Dr. Humphrey has been drawn to United Way because she values the organization’s impact on the community. “When I hear about the men and women whose lives have been changed forever because of the work of United Way, I’m always compelled to raise my hand and say, ‘I want to be a part of that.’”

Dr. Humphrey and Maris Dauer co-chair United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC). WLC unites more than 2,200 women leaders to foster strong professional and personal bonds as they collaborate to make a difference in their own communities and around the world. “I’m proud to serve in this capacity alongside Maris,” says Humphrey. “I’m excited by the ways we are supporting life-changing work.”

One of their primary goals is to help women leaders make valuable connections. Those in WLC are recognizing the impact they make by working together, leveraging the strength of their relationships with each other and with United Way. “We are one of the largest women’s leadership councils in the country,” says Humphrey. “That speaks volumes to who we are as a Pittsburgh community.”

Dr. Humphrey also serves on the boards of several organizations that rely on United Way resources. She knows firsthand the importance of that support. “I think about the hundreds of organizations that are so much stronger as a result of support from United Way and the WLC.” She also recognizes that if such vital backing went away, fundamental services and systems could break down. “The WLC responds to the call to make sure that work gets done.” Dr. Humphrey adds, “In many ways, while United Way is helping others, it is also helping me to fulfill my own purpose in life. And that is tremendously important to me.”

To learn more about United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, contact Lynne Popash at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org in Allegheny County, Terri Dominick at Terri.Dominick@unitedwayswpa.org in Westmoreland County, or Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher at sherrie.dunlapgallagher@unitedwayswpa.org in Butler County.