Meet the UWDWC Staff

Karen Hill: Major Gifts Officer

E-mail Karen! or 630.645.6354

Karen joined the United Way team just over a year ago. Prior to United Way, she was the Development Director at People’s Resource Center in DuPage County, spent three years working in Thailand with families who fled Burma and worked in New York City as a Job Developer and Grant Writer for a Welfare-to-Work Program. Karen holds a Master’s of Science degree from DePaul University in Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of St. Thomas. Karen’s passion for work in the non-profit field is inspired by knowing her work helps provide struggling families basic needs and opportunities for a brighter future. She loves to connect people who want to make a difference in our community with opportunities to do so! Fun Facts: Karen ran the New York City Marathon and enjoys yoga, knitting and spending time with her family.

Esther Hicks: Director of Comunity Investment

E-mail Esther! or 630.645.6333

Esther has been with United Way for more than three years, starting her career as a program manager. Prior to United Way, Esther worked with Monroe County United Ministries in Bloomington, Indiana as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, DC. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in political science and German; Master’s in Public Affairs from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a concentration in non-profit management. Her passion for the non-profit field comes from her strong belief in human services’ ability to improve communities and the efficiency with which we can improve lives. Fun Facts: Esther enjoys vegan baking and running local 5ks!

Laura Olson: Fundraising Manager

E-mail Laura! or 630.645.6312

Laura has been with United Way for more than four years. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from University of Wisconsin at Madison and has experience with the Chicago Youth Centers. Laura’s passion for the non-profit field was instilled as part of her upbringing. “I think it’s important because we are all blessed at different levels in life. When you are able to give back, it speak to who we are as individuals as well as who we are as a society.” Fun Facts: Laura likes to decorate cakes for special occasions and has traveled to Japan twice.

Jennifer Near: Fundraising Manager

E-mail Jennifer! or 630.645.6301

Jennifer has been with United Way for just over a year and works on corporate campaigns and grants. Her past experiences include working for Make-A-Wish, the American Diabetes Association, Believe in Books Literacy Foundation and ActionAid, an international non-profit working on poverty reduction and the fulfillment of human rights. She holds a BA in International Development from Tulane University and a Master’s in Human Rights from the University of Sydney in Australia. United Way was a natural choice for Jennifer as she was particularly impressed by the organization’s impact assessment, the ability of our work to serve local communities’ needs. Fun Facts: Even though she grew up on a horse farm in a small New Hampshire town, Jennifer loves to travel and is thrilled to be in the great city of Chicago.

Rick Pesavento: Fundraising Manager

E-mail Rick!or 630.645.6341

Rick has been with United Way for two years and previously specialized in small business sales and general management. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree with Marquette University and his Masters of Science degree from Benedictine University. Fun Facts: Rick enjoys golfing and spending time at the horse stables with his wife and kids.