We are a network of community-focused leaders who serve to promote the value of volunteering, philanthropy, and advocacy to create sustainable change within Monterey County.
ELS members are inspired to cultivate partnerships and help UWMC achieve its mission to engage the community and focus resources to improve lives in Monterey County.
2025 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY
JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 4 - AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM
Members assist with operations during the world-renowned event. Learn more regarding the volunteer opportunity and sign-up here: https://www.unitedwaymcca.org/att-pebble-beach-pro-am-golf-tournament
FEBRUARY
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FEBRUARY 22, 2025 - "STRETCH, CONNECT, AND UNWIND"
Join us for a rejuvenating yoga class that’s more than just a workout—it’s a chance to connect with like-minded professionals and support meaningful change in our community.
Hosted by the Emerging Leaders Society (ELS), this event combines movement and mindfulness with the opportunity to learn how you can get involved in shaping a better future for Monterey County.
Tickets are $20 per person and all proceeds will benefit the Emerging Leaders Society.
MARCH
3- READ ACROSS AMERICA
Members volunteer to read to preschool classrooms throughout Monterey County on the birthday of author Dr. Seuss. The goal is to promote language and literacy skills through reading.
APRIL
30 - LIVE UNITED AWARDS
United Way Monterey County’s 49th community service awards to recognize outstanding volunteers. ELS members are encouraged to attend the event and engage with the honorees for valuable networking opportunities.
MAY
14- EMERGING LEADERS SOCIETY OF UNITED WAY MONTEREY COUNTY SCHOLARSHIP FUND SELECTION COMMITTEE
The fund supports student parents in furthering their education at local colleges. ELS members are actively involved in the selection committee, where they review applications and assist in selecting the final award recipient. This experience provides valuable opportunities to develop a range of professional skills, including leadership, communication, teamwork, decision-making, and project management.
JULY
- STUFF THE BUS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
ELS members volunteer for the annual Stuff the Bus and assist with packing backpacks with school supplies for students throughout Monterey County.
AUGUST
14-17th - VOLUNTEER AT THE PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE
Each year, United Way Monterey County provides key volunteers for the Concours Automotive Week and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. ELS members volunteer at the Concours Village in the Retail Tent at Pebble Beach. This volunteer opportunity features the sale of Concours d ‘Elegance official posters and merchandise.
SEPTEMBER
19 - UWMC ANNUAL COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
OCTOBER
18 - HALLOWEEN TRUNK OR TREAT
NOVEMBER
TBD - UWMC ELS AND UWSC ELS FRIENDSGIVING CONNECT EVENT
DECEMBER
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
WHY BECOME A MEMBER?
MEMBER VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
Our Emerging Leaders Society works closely with United Way Monterey County (UWMC) to identify volunteer projects and fundraising opportunities that align with UWMC’s programs and services. Some of the volunteer projects that our Emerging Leaders Society has participated in are Read Across America, Stuff the Bus, and the LIVE UNITED Awards.
United Way Monterey County - in collaboration with ELS - is dedicated to helping families achieve financial stability so that Monterey County can be a place where children succeed, families are economically self-sufficient, and each of us can lead healthy and productive lives.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, please email Crystal Lopez.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING
This unique and dynamic group offers members a variety of opportunities to volunteer and participate in community-building activities. Our members value the importance of investing in their community and foster that belief by interacting with local leaders and addressing issues aligned with UWMC’s focus areas: Helping families access quality child care and affordable housing, and providing a portfolio of financial support services to help families become self-sufficient.
Members also benefit from opportunities to participate in various social- and business-related events, valuable networking opportunities, and regular updates on the impact of United Way's work.
PHILANTHROPY AND ADVOCACY
ELS hosts fundraising events that benefit programs such as Stuff the Bus, which provides school supplies for students experiencing homelessness throughout the county. We partner with businesses throughout Monterey County, such as Alvarado Street Brewery on Main, Alvarado Street Brewery Monterey, and Pizza My Heart in Monterey, to raise funds for our programs.
If you are a business interested in partnering with ELS, please email Crystal Lopez.
READY TO JOIN?
A gift of $100 or more annually to United Way Monterey County qualifies you for membership. You can make your gift directly or through your employer's United Way Monterey County Workplace Campaign. You can choose to make a one-time gift of $100 or enroll in reoccurring payments of $8.33 until you decide to opt-out. To make any changes to reoccurring payments, please contact Crystal Lopez at crystal.lopez@unitedwaymcca.org.
PAST EVENT GALLERIES
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JANUARY MIXER
ALVARADO STREET BREWERY MIXER
PIZZA MY HEART FUNDRAISER
JOINT MIXER WITH UNITED WAY SANTA CRUZ CHAPTER
MEET OUR EMERGING LEADERS SOCIETY CHAIR
JORDAN PRATT-THATCHER
Commercial Insurance Broker at Leavitt Central Coast Insurance Services
MEMBERS
MARCELA BARBOSA
Management Analyst II at the Monterey County Probation Department
JESSICA PATE-THIBAULT
Senior Account Executive at Sunshine Sachs Morgan and Lylis
JAVIER ALVAREZ ZAVALA
Relationship Manager – Business Banking Central Coast | Comerica Bank
SHANICE VIRRUETA
VITA Specialist at United Way Monterey County
BUSINESSES WE'VE PARTNERED WITH
If you're interested in partnering with ELS for an event, please contact Crystal Lopez by calling (831) 318-1971 or email at crystal.lopez@unitedwaymcca.org
SIGN UP TO BECOME AN ELS MEMBER