Dona Ponepinto
President & CEO
United Way of Pierce County
1501 Pacific Ave, Suite 400
Tacoma, WA 98402
253-272-4263 (Main)
donap@uwpc.org
Shawn Paton Named Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Pierce County
October 2, 2024 – Pierce County, Wash. — United Way of Pierce County proudly announces the promotion of Shawn Paton to Vice President of Community Impact. In this vital role, Shawn will spearhead efforts to unite the community in breaking the cycle of poverty through collaboration with key partners such as the Center for Strong Families, South Sound 211, Growing Resilience in Tacoma (GRIT), and a wide reaching network of public and private organizations.
A lifelong Pacific Northwesterner, Shawn’s journey with United Way spans 28 years, during which she has made significant strides in advancing the organization's bold goal to move 15,000 households from poverty to self-sufficiency by 2028. With a bachelor’s degree in business management and deep roots in the community, Shawn brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her new position.
Her passion stems from her lived experience as a single mother, having faced the challenges of being an ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) household. She intimately understands the struggles many families endure and is driven by a mission to create a community where every family has the opportunity to thrive.
"Shawn’s dedication and insight make her an invaluable asset to both United Way and the broader Pierce County community," said Dona Ponepinto, President and CEO. "As Vice President of Community Impact, she will play a critical role in leading our efforts to lift thousands of families out of poverty by 2028."
In her new role, Shawn will lead the impact team and work closely with community stakeholders to advance equity and co-create solutions alongside Pierce County residents—many of whom have faced long-standing systemic barriers. Her leadership will be instrumental in transforming lives and creating a brighter future for all.
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About United Way of Pierce County United Way of Pierce County has served our community since 1921. Our history is rooted in partnerships—bringing people from different walks of life together to improve conditions for children, families and individuals. While that will never change, our role as a community fundraiser has shifted as the United Way movement has sharpened our focus to solve critical community issues preventing people from meeting their full potential. Today we are leading change by breaking the cycle of poverty in Pierce County.
UNITED, WE WILL LIFT 15,000 FAMILIES OUT OF POVERTY BY 2028.
Learn more at https://www.uwpc.org/