“As the VP of Resource Development, I’m excited to lead the fundraising strategy for United Way of Olmsted County and connect people to the community through giving.”
Stephanie Rudeen joined United Way of Olmsted County in September, and we’re so happy to have her on the team – and to introduce her to our community! We recently sat down with her for just that purpose.
Q. How would you introduce yourself?
Hi! I’m Stephanie Rudeen, brand new Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Olmsted County. I love fundraising for causes I’m passionate about, my eight-month-old daughter Evelyn, my two cats, and my husband.
Q. How long have you lived in Olmsted County?
I have lived in Olmsted County for a little over two years now. I grew up and went to undergrad in California, and then lived in Virginia and Oregon. I live near downtown Rochester and enjoy walking and biking to cafes, restaurants, and shops. I’m still getting used to the winters here, but we were excited to buy our first snowplow last season!
“Together, through giving, volunteerism, and advocacy, we can move the needle on the fundamental challenges facing our society – quality education for all, financial stability, and health equity.”
Q. What drew you to this role?
I love connecting people to causes they’re passionate about. It’s such a privilege to be able to tell the story of an organization and be a part of someone’s philanthropic journey. It can often feel like we have little impact on community change and the issues facing our community, but through giving, we can make a tangible difference and be a part of a vision larger than ourselves. As the VP of Resource Development, I’m excited to lead the fundraising strategy for United Way of Olmsted County and connect people to the community through giving.
Q. Were you involved with any United Ways prior to joining UWOC?
I made my first United Way donation around 2007. The nonprofit organization I was working for in San Diego received funding through the United Way, and payroll deduction seemed like an easy way to give. Since then, I have given through various workplace campaigns at other nonprofit organizations and have also continued to be on the receiving end of funding and collaboration.
I have always found value in United Way’s work, so I’m excited to now be a part of an organization that impacts the community in so many ways.
Q. What do you think it means to Live UNITED?
I think it means recognizing that you are part of an interconnected network of people, organizations, cultural groups, etc. Alone, it is difficult to create change that leads to a better community. Together, through giving, volunteerism, and advocacy, we can move the needle on the fundamental challenges facing our society – quality education for all, financial stability, and health equity.
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About United Way of Olmsted County
United Way of Olmsted County (UWOC) is a community change organization with the mission to unite people and resources to improve lives in our community. We fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community in a variety of ways: we collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to mobilize their expertise and resources; we accelerate impact by strengthening systems and cultivating leaders to build a community where all people can thrive, regardless of race or place; and we participate in a collective effort that empowers local residents to create lasting transformations in their own communities through our focus on community-driven change.
Adèle McLees
Communications Coordinator
United Way of Olmsted County