Author: Diana Garcia

Behind every community resource is a person who believes deeply in the power of connection. For Cecilia, that belief was shaped long before joining United Way for Greater Austin. Growing up with a front-row seat to her mother’s work with United Way in the Rio Grande Valley, she saw early on how meaningful community support could be. That foundation led her to United Way in Austin, where her journey with 2-1-1 and ConnectCTX would continue to grow. In this blog, she shares her path, why this work remains important, and what she’s learned along the way. My Journey with United Way and ConnectCTX I’ve been part of the United Way family since 2017, but my connection to the organization actually goes back much further. My mom has worked for United Way for most of my life in the Rio Grande Valley. Growing up, I saw firsthand how meaningful this work could be. When I moved to Austin for college, it felt like the right time to step into that world myself. I interviewed for a part-time role with the 211 team as a Navigation Specialist, and that role turned into so much more. Since then, I’ve had the chance to work across 211, the Behavioral Health Team, and ConnectCTX, our resource database. Each one has taught me something different. What I Love About ConnectCTX One of my favorite things about working with ConnectCTX is how new it is. We’re constantly growing this closed-loop resource tool so it meets our neighbors […]

Belonging is the foundation for a thriving community. When families are economically stable, have reliable access to resources they need to be healthy and well, and feel connected to their communities, they can reach their full potential. That’s what United Way for Greater Austin works for every day. Last year, with you, we made incredible strides toward that vision. Last year alone We answered over 1,000 requests daily for resources like food, health care, and housing We helped 18,000+ young children from low-income households gain access to high-quality early learning We connected 115,890 individuals and children to critical resources  Early Education Win Building Stronger Futures: $75M Invested in Early Learning Through Proposition A At United Way, we believe that every child deserves a strong start, and that begins with access to high-quality early care and education. Thanks to our advocacy efforts and the support of our community, we celebrated a major win last year: the passing of Proposition A in Travis County. This measure secured $75 million annually in local funding to strengthen the early childhood care system, supporting 10,000 children. Our work didn’t stop there. Through additional legislative advocacy, we helped reduce permit restrictions for new child care centers and championed policies to streamline support for preschools, making it easier for centers, school districts, and teachers to reach more children with quality care and education. Still, we know that early learning is just one piece of the puzzle. Ensuring individuals and families have easy access to pivotal resources plays […]

Empowering. Energizing. Uplifting. A sold-out crowd of more than 300 people came to Gathering for Good on May 1, 2025, to support United Way’s mission to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all. Thanks to the generous gifts of so many, we raised over $140,000! Like a prism refracting light into brilliance, Women United takes on challenges and turns them into action. At Gathering for Good, we celebrated the many roles we play — parent, mentor, advocate, entrepreneur, friend — and the strength we carry collectively. When we bring our full spectrum of talents, perspectives, and lived experiences into focus, the possibilities are truly endless. Together, we are Empowering a Spectrum of Change. Our deepest gratitude to our amazing keynote speaker, Daniela, for sharing her inspiring story of perseverance. Her experience with United Way is an example of how access to resources and support from community members can lead to real and lasting change.   “With the guidance of United Way, I’ve learned to advocate for myself, and I have found ways to be successful despite the adversity I have faced. Struggle is universal for everyone. Just because someone carries their pain or struggle well doesn’t mean it’s not heavy. We all face different adversities. We come from different backgrounds. We are different colors, shapes, and sizes, and we carry different burdens. But together we can create change. We can empower one another. We can continue to be the change in our community by helping others shine through adversity.” Thanks […]

United Way Capitol Day on February 26, community advocates visited the Texas State Capitol and met with 13 elected officials about ways to support early care and education and access to resources. Community members, nonprofit and corporate leaders, dedicated volunteers, and more rally for a thriving Central Texas Our work in high-quality early care and education and equitable access to resources must have systemic implementation to bring about change. That’s why we use grassroots advocacy – to make sure our efforts have lasting solutions. The 89th Texas Legislative Session brings big opportunities to speak up for theselasting solutions. As our elected officials meet to discuss legislation, dozens of community members, nonprofit and civic leaders, United Way committee members, volunteers, and staff came together at the Texas State Capitol to share about their lived experiences and the public policy priorities that aim to build opportunity for all. Early childcare providers and supporters met with Marco Benitez, Senior Policy Analyst with Representative James Talarico, to discuss ways to improve the early childcare ecosystem. Capitol Days bring powerful voices together Three special advocacy days marked opportunities to elevate our work. 211 Day: Recognizing the vital services our 211 helpline provides to thousands of Central Texans each year, United Way leaders and staff advocated for crucial upgrades to the 211 system on “211 Day,” February 11 (2/11). Texas United Way Capitol Day: United Way volunteers, community members, nonprofit partners, and staff met with 13 House and Senate Representatives at the Texas State Capitol on […]

On March 1, 2025, United Way for Greater Austin will host its 7th annual A Night United, a sold-out evening of impact, philanthropy and celebration. This highly anticipated event brings together Austin’s business and community leaders in support of United Way’s mission to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all. This year’s event marks an important milestone as we welcome incoming CEO Ingrid Taylor, who will take the helm from longtime leader David C. Smith. A passionate advocate for economic mobility and community-driven change, Ingrid will share her vision for United Way’s next chapter, ensuring continued progress for Central Texas families. Celebrating Our Sponsors A Night United is made possible thanks to the generosity of our incredible sponsors, whose commitment to driving meaningful change in our community is inspiring. We are deeply grateful for their support: Presenting Sponsor ⭐ Texas Mutual Insurance Company Changemaker Sponsor ⭐ H-E-B Uniter Sponsors ⭐ ABC Home & Commercial Services ⭐ Corridor Title ⭐ Ed & Rebecca Latson ⭐ Vanessa & Matt Luckie Convener Sponsors ⭐ Deloitte ⭐ Latham & Watkins These organizations are true partners in progress, helping to ensure that every child and family in our region has access to education, health and financial stability opportunities. A Night of Impact and Inspiration With anticipated attendance of more than 400 community leaders, the evening will feature remarks from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Event Co-Chairs Jeremiah Bentley and Malini Rajput, United Way Board Chair Kristin Marcum, and both our outgoing and incoming CEOs. Additionally, […]

United Way for Greater Austin Welcomes Ingrid K. Taylor as New CEO Austin, Texas – Following an extensive national search, United Way for Greater Austin is proud to announce Ingrid Taylor as its new Chief Executive Officer.  “I am honored to join United Way for Greater Austin and continue the work United Way does best and uniquely, which is to expand access to affordable, high-quality early care and education, and connect mothers and families to social services that improve their health,” Taylor said. “Driving meaningful change is always a result of collective effort, and I am eager to collaborate with our team, partners and community members to create lasting impact. Together, we can ensure every child, family and individual in Central Texas has the opportunity to thrive.” Taylor’s extensive experience includes more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership with roles at Ascension Texas and The University of Texas at Austin, as well as the Texas Comptroller’s Office and the United States Senate. She also served as an elected member of the Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees for four years.  Taylor has degrees from The University of Texas at Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is married to James S. Taylor, a partner at Vianovo, and they have lived in Austin for 30 years. They have two grown children, both of whom also live in Austin. “Ingrid (Taylor) brings a wealth of leadership experience, a proven track record of impact and a deep […]