Director of Engagement
Emily Neal joined the United Way team in December 2023 as the Director of Engagement. In this role, she connects supporters and volunteers with United Way’s mission and vision, strengthening the donor engagement experience. She manages the Women United affinity group, and is also staff lead for the annual Power of the Purse event.
Emily previously worked for the University of Illinois in student recruitment and employer relations, with a large focus on programming and campus outreach. She also has extensive strategic communications experience, with a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota.
Emily and her husband Derek have two children, Milo and Summer. They are very serious Fighting Illini fans who never miss a game.