United Way NCA and Rosie Allen Herring Awarded the Washington Business Journal DEI Champion Award

For nearly 100 years United Way of the National Capital Area has worked to reduce barriers for every community member especially for our ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors. ALICE represents the 500,000 low- to moderate-income households in our region. This translates to an estimated 1.3 million adults and children in the National Capital Area who earn more than the Federal Poverty Level ($26,500 annually for a family of four) but less than the basic cost of living for the county or state in which they live.

Our organization works to keep diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of our work. This work was recognized when United Way NCA and our President and CEO, Rosie Allen-Herring, received the 2023 DEI Champion and CEO Of the Year award from the Washington Business Journal. This prestigious accolade celebrates individuals and companies who go above and beyond in championing positive communication, promoting inter-group relations, and actively participating in events that contribute to diversity awareness.

United Way NCA has upheld our mission work by using data integration, research evaluation, and the identification of critical gaps in resources and services across the community. Through our three pillars of health, education and economic opportunity – we work daily to reduce these gaps and help every member of our community thrive.

• Education – Through our seven community schools we work to provide basic needs support to children in middle schools and their families to ensure that they can come to school ready to learn. Our middle school and high school students receive academic enrichment services to transition successfully to high school and college and/or career readiness.
• Health – Our Thrive United 365 health initiative ensures that those in our communities that are at risk of or living with chronic diseases have access to information and services to prevent further health decline and/or improve health outcomes.
• Economic empowerment – Our powerful network of five Financial Empowerment Centers provides free resources to those who need employment, a better job, housing, start a new business, and other economic resources to take care of themselves and build wealth for their families.

It is our hope that this recognition will shine a light on the inequities that exist in our region for nearly 1.3 million individuals and families who struggle to make ends – particularly our Black and Brown communities meet each day despite working (in some cases) multiple jobs. To learn more about the WBJ DEI Champion Award, click here.