Staff Spotlight: April Ryan
We are pleased to introduce our newest staff member, April Ryan. April is the Executive Assistant who helps support our President & CEO, Kristi Long. Keep reading to learn more about her role, what she likes to do in her free time and how she connects to the programs we offer at United Way of Lake County (UWLC)!
When did you start working at UWLC?
I started working at United Way of Lake County on February 1st, 2021.
What are your title and role?
I am the Executive Assistant at UWLC. I help support our President & CEO – Kristi Long, as well as Diana Nielander with Women United.
What made you want to be a part of this organization?
I felt a connection with the mission at UWLC, and I really appreciate all the tremendous work that they do, and the great programs that they offer. It is a wonderful feeling to know that my contributions at UWLC will ultimately help others in the community obtain much-needed resources.
Which of UWLC’s programs do you connect to most and why?
As a former educator, I connect most with UWLC’s Success By 6 program. There is a huge need for early education programming that helps prepare students for success as they start Kindergarten. I truly believe that Success By 6 will do that for so many children within the community.
I also am an avid reader and lover of books, so I can really connect with the Reading Success program as well. I think it is crucial that kids develop literacy skills to not only benefit them in their future endeavors but also to hopefully help them develop a life-long love of reading as well!
What is your favorite part of your job here?
The staff and volunteers – everyone has been so kind and welcoming! It truly feels like a family working here. I am excited to interact with the community and get to know them more as well.
When you are not at work, what kinds of things do you do with your time?
Outside of work, I love spending time with family and friends. I am a huge animal lover and my husband and I have had our own little “zoo” of pet kids over the years! Currently, we are Mom & Dad to our sweet and sassy bunny named Waffles and our cool and surprisingly cuddly lizard named Gary! I also love to read and going to bookstores is equivalent to a trip to the candy store for me! When I have time, cooking is something I enjoy as well.
Thank you for joining us for another #FamiliarFacesFriday. To meet more people on staff, click here.
