United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) is staffed with talented professionals who all share the same passion for wanting to make the St. Louis region a better place for our neighbors to live and thrive. This incredible team includes several young people who drive UWGSL’s success, and Quiara Burris-Boone, UWGSL’s Director of Graphic Design, is among our best and brightest. Her eye for vibrant, impactful designs highlights our organization’s mission. Her creativity is on display across multiple platforms, including local television, billboards, print, web, and social media. Quiara is a pivotal part of our efforts to garner engagement and support throughout the community. For her efforts, the St. Louis American Foundation recently selected her as one of the recipients of their Salute to Young Leaders Award. We spoke with Quiara about her dedication to United Way’s mission and what this award means to her.
Quiara, what made you want to come to United Way?
What drew me to United Way was the mere thought of the impact that I could potentially make. Graphic Design is my passion and I’ve always had a heart to help people, so to work for one of the largest nonprofits in the St. Louis region gave me the opportunity to combine those two passions. So, the decision to come here was a no-brainer for me.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love a good challenge, and knowing that I play a crucial role in our messaging to potential donors is pressure, but it allows me to challenge myself and it gives me the opportunity to see things from a different lens and perspective. It’s also an extra bonus that I get to work with like-minded teammates who are passionate about the role each of us play in strengthening United Way’s ability to help people.
What does United Way’s mission to help people live their best possible lives mean to you?
It means being able to connect people to resources that help them meet their individual needs. For example, a mother struggling to provide for her children can be connected to a United Way partner agency that specifically focuses on giving mothers the resources and support needed for them to properly care for and nurture their children. So, our safety net of 160 nonprofit partner agencies and services like 211 are crucial to helping people meet various needs.
How did you feel when you first found out that you were selected as one of the awardees of the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders Award?
I was like, “Oh my God!” When I first found out that I had been nominated I was deeply honored and then when I found out I was selected as one of the winners, I was elated! It is my hope that the work that I show up to do every day makes a difference and it means so much when others take notice and recognize the efforts that I put forth to help United Way.
Does this honor motivate you to continue to thrive in your role of helping United Way build strong, resilient communities where our neighbors overcome challenges and are hopeful for a brighter future?
Absolutely, I love positive outcomes, and I love when we all can win as a people and as a community. So, if my small contribution can help spread awareness about who, why and how United Way helps build stronger communities, that is gratifying for me.
The ceremony for the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders Award will be held on Thursday, May 22nd at 5:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.
Take action now:
- Learn more about how molding young people through mentorship is so important.
- Share this story with family and friends.
