UWNNM Adopts Collective Leadership Model
In 2024, under the leadership of our Board of Directors, United Way of Northern New Mexico created our first Executive Leadership Team adopting a model of “Collective Leadership”. Katie Shonck (Harvard Law School, Program for Negotiation) defines collective leadership as “a group of people with diverse skills and experience that come together to work toward goals that they develop jointly.” This model of leadership is different from traditional leadership - where “one person makes key decisions after consulting with others, in collective leadership, the group empowers the person or people with the most relevant expertise to tackle particular problems and implement solutions”.
United Way Northern New Mexico New Leadership Team
Since 2017, United Way of Northern New Mexico has been on a resilient quest to address staffing challenges and ensure sustainability. Traditionally, the executive director handled most of the workload, supported by part-time staff and contractors with specific tasks. This placed immense pressure on the director as the sole point of accountability. Our new model of shared leadership transforms this dynamic by distributing responsibilities among experienced individuals, each bringing their expertise and informed recommendations to the table. This approach alleviates strain and empowers our organization to thrive and innovate together.
United Way of Northern New Mexico's work spans fundraising, grantmaking, business administration, event planning, and program implementation for community change. Given our limited budget, supporting a large full-time staff wasn't feasible. However, assembling a team of proven leaders who commit to specific responsibilities on a part-time basis made perfect sense.
Our knowledgeable, experienced, and dynamic team uses a collaborative management approach. While each member handles specific operational needs, our strength lies in working together. The strength of our communities is rooted in our history, resilience, diverse cultures, and shared desire for a better future. We believe in the power of collective effort—truly, we are better together.
Our team members are proven leaders from our communities, committed to our mission and guided by compassion. Local nonprofits are more robust when United Way is strong.
Cindy Padilla
Executive Director
Cindy started with UWNNM in 2019, left in the fall of 2021 to be more active in her parents' caregiving and healthcare, and returned in 2023. Cindy is a native of northern New Mexico growing up in Santa Fe and living in the beautiful Española Valley for the past 10 years. As a social worker by training and spending her professional career in government, Cindy has since worked for nonprofit organizations (national and local) for 10 years. Her passion is helping others realize their full potential supporting their work, personal growth, and quality of life.
Donna Milanovich
Director of Corporate and Community Engagement
Following a long career as a professional musician, university instructor, and later the Executive Director of the Chicago Philharmonic, Donna moved to White Rock two years ago with her husband, George Srajer, after he began a position at LANL with the Scorpius project. As part of the UWNNM grants review committee, Donna was “so impressed by the rigor and assessment process of the grant review conducted by UWNNM, and she was often moved to tears by the inspirational stories told and dedicated nonprofit workers met and the impact they had.'' Donna quickly knew United Way Northern New Mexico would be the conduit to making healthier communities in Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties. Donna was then asked to be part of the Executive Leadership team as Director of Corporate Engagement and Strategic Planning.
Faith Maxwell
Collective Impact Director
My work and education experiences are deeply rooted in a passion for community enrichment and advocacy, with a focus on creating healthier and more supportive environments for individuals of all ages. This commitment to inclusivity and ensuring access to opportunities for often-forgotten members of society has been a guiding principle throughout my life. I am inspired by the resilience and potential of the communities I serve and believe in the power of collective action. Currently, as part of the Collective Impact Team at United Way, I advocate for young adults, adults, and children, working to ensure they have the support and resources needed to thrive. My dedication to fostering inclusive environments continues to drive my efforts in creating positive change.
Jeremy Varela
Marketing and Grant-making Manager
After being encouraged to join United Way in 2013, Jeremy's involvement transformed his professional outlook, leading him to dedicate his marketing and business expertise to nonprofits. Since then, he has worked intermittently with United Way of Northern New Mexico and also contributes his time to Las Cumbres Community Services. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Jeremy founded Secret City Kitchen, which he has since sold, yet his entrepreneurial drive continues to shine as he rebuilds the United Way of Northern New Mexico website and streamlines the agency’s systems. "What truly inspires me about my work is the nonprofits," Jeremy shares. "Meeting the incredible individuals who pour their hearts and souls into serving others motivates me to strengthen United Way of Northern New Mexico as a vital resource for many nonprofits."