United Way’s Emerging Leaders Announces '17 Leadership

From United Way of Central Maryland: United Way of Central Maryland today announced new leadership for its Emerging Leaders United (ELU) membership group. Whitney Harmel has been named chair, and Elizabeth Paal named vice chair for 2017. United Way’s ELU provides unique opportunities for young professionals to give back and make positive, long-lasting change in central Maryland. The group offers members professional development, educational and volunteer opportunities, as well as networking events.

An ELU member since 2014, Whitney Harmel will now serve as chair for the group after serving as vice-chair in 2016. Born and raised in Baltimore County, Harmel was attracted to ELU because of the opportunities the group has provided its members to collaborate with other like-minded young professionals who are driven to make a difference. Whitney currently works for a software integrator headquartered near Boston. In her role, she partners with IT professionals responsible for maintaining a secure workplace to limit their company’s exposure to cyber threats. The Annapolis resident received her bachelors of science degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech.

"ELU has helped me discover a true passion for philanthropy and giving back to the community,” said Harmel. "Our members are diverse in every way, but we all share a passion for the Baltimore region and improving the odds for families and individuals in need."

Baltimore-native Elizabeth Paal also shares a deep commitment to central Maryland, which is evident through her involvement with numerous nonprofit organizations in the region. A graduate of Leadership Baltimore County, Elizabeth is the past chair of membership for the Junior League of Baltimore and in 2015 was recognized as one of Maryland’s Finest for raising thousands of dollars to support the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Elizabeth is a certified financial planner practitioner with Heritage Financial Consultants. Her practice specializes in comprehensive financial planning in the areas of wealth management, retirement planning, education funding, risk management (insurance) and estate planning.

“Baltimore has always and will always be home to me,” said Paal. “When I moved back to the area after college, I learned about ELU. After attending my first event, I was hooked and determined to get involved in the community. ELU was and still is comprised of young, dynamic, professional leaders looking to lift up our communities in need.”

“Whitney and Elizabeth are both role models in the community and fantastic leaders in the workplace,” said Jeremy Rosendale, director of United Way of Central Maryland Emerging Leaders United. “They are phenomenal ambassadors, not only for ELU, but the entire United Way network. Their leadership and commitment to giving back will move our organization forward and help us to assist even more people in the community.”

Emerging Leaders United provides unique opportunities for young professionals to give back to the local community at events while meeting other committed young professionals. Click here to learn more about United Way of Central Maryland’s Emerging Leaders United and how the group continues to fight for the education, financial stability and health of every person and family across central Maryland.

Photos courtesy of United Way Central Maryland