Together, with 800 corporate partners, 3,400 volunteers, and more than 20,000 donors, United Way of Southeast Louisiana is fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. The Face of Change series highlights individuals within this mosaic of impact, their unique contributions to our community, and motivations for supporting United Way. This month, meet Patty Riddlebarger, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Entergy.
What is your role with United Way? What do you do in this role?
I currently participate as a volunteer on the Public Policy Advocacy Committee, supporting advocacy efforts to increase local, state, and federal support for investments in evidence-based programs that advance early learning and help put families on the path to economic self-sufficiency. My team at Entergy also leads the effort to raise about $2 million annually for United Way organizations in communities where our employees live and work.
What is one thing about United Way that you think people should know?
That there is no single organization that touches the lives of those in need, while simultaneously contributing to the overall quality of life for the entire community, like United Way.
What motivates you to give/advocate/or volunteer?
I believe that we are all called on to be the change that we want to see in the world. Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wiesel said it best when he said that the opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference. We each have a responsibility to do whatever is in our power to help those in need.
How long have you been involved with United Way?
I’ve been involved with United Way for my entire professional career. My first job after college was with United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, where I helped launch their Tocqueville Society. Since moving to Louisiana, I have served as chair of Success by Six, chair of the Women’s Leadership Council (now Women United), and I serve on the national advisory board for the ALICE Project.
What’s the #1 thing on your bucket list?
Travel the world.