Authenticity and advocacy are two of Emily Brunkalla’s foundational pillars.
She is authentic in her role as Manager of Donor Experience at United Way of Greater Cleveland, where she specializes in donor services, engages with corporate community partners, and leads the Campaign Leader Summit, an event designed to educate and inspire United Way advocates in the community as they manage their respective United Way workplace campaigns.
Emily is also authentic in how she embraces her identity as a woman living with alopecia. She always strives to be a positive role model, advocating for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities and empowering all to have the confidence and courage to live authentically.
That desire to be a changemaker in her personal and professional life led Emily to join The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club when she moved to Greater Cleveland in 2021. Now, she is being recognized for her work as a recipient of the organization’s 2024 Movers and Shakers Award.
The award celebrates the top 25 under 35 young professionals who have shown excellence in their work, civic engagement, and philanthropic efforts. Since 2006, The Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club has recognized 350 young professionals through the annual award.
“I am committed to working to lift our most vulnerable community members, to give them a voice, and to break down barriers in our community, I’m proud that my role at United Way and involvement with the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club are helping me to accomplish that.”
“I am humbled by the platform to represent the causes I support, and the 20/30 Club has been integral as I build relationships within Cleveland,” Emily said. “I am also very proud to represent young professionals who have had a nontraditional career path.”
Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Baldwin Wallace University, Emily followed her heart and made a career change from working as a travel agent to accepting a position as a fundraiser at United Way.
“I made a very intentional choice to follow my heart and do this vital work,” Emily said. “I am committed to working to lift our most vulnerable community members, to give them a voice, and to break down barriers in our community. My youngest sister, Elise, who happens to have Down syndrome, has always inspired me, and I use that inspiration daily as I work towards the mission to make Cleveland greater for all.
“I’m proud that my role at United Way and involvement with the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club are helping me to accomplish that. I’m not just living in Cleveland – I’m thriving in Cleveland.”
Emily received her award at the 18th Annual Movers & Shakers Ceremony on March 7 at The Union Club of Cleveland.
To learn more about alopecia, visit the National Alopecia Areata Foundation’s website.
