Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Alwes.
Hi Alison, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always wanted to be helpful to others – by connecting people with resources, with organizations and with each other. If I can connect someone to another who has similar interests, or who has expertise that could benefit their organization, I am going to do it. I believe that everyone has something to offer, and the more we can talk, the more opportunities we can create for everyone to thrive
Before moving in-house to work at a nonprofit, I worked with public relations and marketing agencies. I loved the excitement of agency work for the start of my career and it taught me a tremendous amount. Eventually, I was ready to use what I learned and focus them in on my immediate community and it has been an honor to do so.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No road is ever smooth – and I know, I drive around a 12-county coverage area often! But the bumpiness that we endure helps guide us to where we need to be. I’ve had my ups and downs with my career but it’s gotten me to where I am so I try to take it in stride. The biggest struggles that I’ve faced reminded me that I need to be true to myself and my own purpose. If my professional work doesn’t jive with my own believes and passions, I need to trust my gut to step away.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My background is in public relations and marketing working in crisis management, brand development, media relations, and more. I have had the honor to use that experience to now serve as the Director of Marketing and Engagement at United Way of Northeast Georgia for the last three years. Every day I am more inspired to serve our neighbors, our nonprofits, and our region. Working at a small organization, I have the chance to work on so many things. Not only do I help craft and share our message, I also help create and design materialsThough design work may not be my sweet spot, I enjoy having the space to be creative and try new things.
Overall though, personally and professionally, my goal is to help people feel connected. I always want people to know that there is someone in their corner and ready to help. With that in mind, I’m probably known for my willingness to sit down and dream up new ideas and make direct connections. I pride myself on being up for coffee with anyone and talking through ideas. And that goes for wanting to meet a new friend or build business connections. It’s so fun getting to know more people in your community.
When I lived in Atlanta, I was very active with a variety of groups so when I moved to Athens, I set out to do the same. I wasn’t familiar with the city so it took me a little while to get acquainted with everything and once I did, I fell in love with it all. It’s hard to come to a new city – or to reengage where you live – and I always hope I can make that easier for others.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
As a kid, I was a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I loved to wear my Michael Jordan basketball jersey with my overalls, sneakers, and backwards Atlanta Braves baseball cap. I loved riding my bike around the neighborhood and meeting up with my friends at the tennis courts for hours I was also a kid who made an appointment with my principal when I was in second grade because I didn’t think I was learning enough in my class and I needed to be switched to a new classroom where the teacher was kinder and more engaged. (I was in a new class by the next day.). I was the first to go to bed and the first to get up at a sleepover, so I spent a lot of time chatting with my friends’ parents, which I loved. I was a competitive tennis player and I loved playing doubles for my high school team. It was a way to be a part of a team in a sport more prone to individual play. I grew up in a home that instilled in me a sense of openness, honesty, and generosity. I like to think I was a kid with a lot of spunk who also understood boundaries and rules – and when to break them. I hope that some of that kid’s personality still lives in me now.
Contact Info:
- Website: unitedwaynega.org
- Instagram: alison.alwes
- Facebook: Facebook.com/unitedwaynega
Image Credits
Jason Thrasher, Thrasher Photo
