Troy Parker, Assistant Director of Corporate Relations at United Way of Greater Atlanta, shares with us his passion for United Way's work in LGBTQ+ spaces, and why it means so much to him. Tell us about your role at United Way of Greater Atlanta. I work as a Development Officer supporting the engagement strategies of…

"Atlanta is a huge city with many worthy causes, so I decided to join Young Professionals Leaders because I was looking for a way to use my skills to support causes that align with my values."

"Our main focus with United Way has been reducing Atlanta homelessness, most recently through the Motel-to-Home initiative. Here we are helping households that are in a fragile situation—one nudge could drive them into homelessness or raise them into stable housing.  We love being able to help at this critical time in their lives."

"I have the amazing fortune of working with an organization whose founder was passionate about supporting the communities that made us successful. 92 years later we are still growing a culture of associates that show they care the most about the people they serve."

"I decided to get involved with YPL to connect with like-minded young professionals who are passionate about community service, philanthropy, and networking. As a young professional, I feel that it is important to give back time and resources to the community that I live in so that those without the same resources can also flourish."

As seen through the United Way’s Child Well-Being Index ®, literacy rates in our region are unconscionably tied to zip code, race, and ethnicity — keeping equity and justice out of reach for so many. After two disrupted school years, the need has never been greater or the stakes higher. Our brains are naturally wired…