DANBURY — United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut has announced a strategic leadership realignment as part of its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan.
This transformative realignment reflects UWCWC’s commitment to supporting households living at or below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold and ensuring equitable access to resources, programs, and opportunities across its 27-town service area.
“These strategic leadership realignments are a testament to our commitment to driving meaningful, measurable impact in our communities,” said Isabel Almeida, president and CEO of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. “As we embark on our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, these leaders will play a pivotal role in executing our vision of a community where every individual is healthy, safe, and economically secure.”
As part of the realignment, United Way has made four leadership appointments:
• Ashley Gaudiano is the new COO, overseeing development, marketing, community impact, advocacy, direct services, and grantmaking. Her leadership and innovative vision will play a critical role in strengthening operational excellence and driving UWCWC’s impact to deliver immediate support while advancing long-term solutions for the region’s most pressing needs.
• Lauren Scopaz Daunais will serve as senior vice president of collective action, where she will focus on building and enhancing a Cradle to Career collective action infrastructure at UWCWC. Her deep knowledge of such initiatives will ensure these efforts are strategically aligned to achieve sustainable, systemic change across the state.
• Tida Infahsaeng will transition to senior director of advocacy and partnerships, focusing on advancing long-term systems change and fostering strategic partnerships. Her expertise will be instrumental in shaping and advocating for policies that address the root causes of inequity, ensuring the voice of the community is represented at every level.
• Douglas Ordonez will lead as senior director of community impact, overseeing UWCWC’s initiatives to directly address the needs of ALICE households. He will focus on delivering effective, accessible, and sustainable programs that support economic stability and foster resilience.
