United Way of Odessa
Founded in 1951, the United Way of Odessa mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good.
The basic concept of the United Way is service.
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We fight for the Health, Education and Self-Sufficiency of every Ector County resident by funding local programs ranging in services from counseling and family training to early education development with state approved curriculum to the observement and support of our homeless and elderly community, allowing them to remain irrepressible and in their home.
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The United Way of Odessa supports programs in ten counties and forty three zip codes. Through the work of 19 funded programs, we ensure that individual lives and entire neighborhoods are being transformed and on the road to reaching their greatest potential. We are committed to creating lasting, positive change throughout our community.
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Each year, countless of United Way of Odessa volunteers, consisting of Board of Directors, students, and community leaders, work to address critical service needs in Ector County (identified by community surveys) by reviewing and recommending funding proposals for community service programs aligning with the United Way of Odessa's community investment focus points. Through the Community Impact Fund, United Way of Odessa provides financial and community outreach support for projects vital to Ector County.
Additionally, we work with agencies to identify overlapping areas of need and potential collaboration between agencies to eliminate duplication of services and encourage unity of direction and solutions. These agencies are also provided with Venture Grant opportunities, critical support, guidance, new donor and support opportunities and in-kind resources.
Meet the Team!
Meet the passionate individuals who drive our mission forward.
Christina Escobar
Executive Director
Christina is a visionary leader with a deep commitment to community empowerment and social change. Her strategic guidance and unwavering dedication inspire our team to achieve greater heights in our mission.
Edny Gonzalez
Finance & Accounting Facilitator
Edny's background in finance and accounting, combined with her innovative strategies and exceptional leadership, ensures the effective delivery of essential services to individuals in need of assistance.
Cristal Moreno
Lead Campaign Associate
Cristal brings extensive experience in campaign development and implementation. Her innovative approach and strong leadership ensure the effective delivery of essential services to those in need.
Ryan Richards
Campaign Associate
Ryan is committed to boosting our message and spreading the impact of our organization. With a background in accounting and customer service, she brings a unique blend of analytical skills and empathy to the team.
Katie Gambrel
Community Impact Director
Katie is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and mobilizing resources for community development. Her collaborative efforts strengthen our partnerships and expand our impact.
Board of Directors
Executive Board
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President
Crystale Castillo
JSA Architects
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President Elect
Julia Tarin
First Basin Credit Union
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Past President
Stephanie Cavazos
ATMOS Energy
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Secretary
Carol Cates
Odessa Regional Medical Center
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Treasurer
Ethan Baeza
Cardinal Financial
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Community Impact Chair
Jonathan Brisco
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Campaign Chair
Kristi Clemmer
Odessa College
Campaign Co Chair
Corporal Steve LeSueur
Odessa Police Department
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Lifetime Member
Stephanie Latimer
Sivalls, Inc.
Board of Directors
Mike Adkins
Ector County Independent School District
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Albert Anchondo
Sewell
Ethan Baeza
Cardinal Financial
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Bernadette Barragan
syGlass
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Jonathan Brisco
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Tim Brower
Ector County Independent School District
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Guadalupe Castaneda
Saulsbury
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Stephanie Cavazos
ATMOS Energy
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Carol Cates
Odessa Regional Medical Center​
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Cruz Castillo
JSA Architects
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Crystale Castillo
JSA Architects
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Kristi Clemmer
Odessa College​
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Miranda Crow
Atkins, Hollmann, Jones, Peacock, Lewis & Lyon
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Carla Hartwig
Odessa Chamber of Commerce
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Chris Jerez
Halliburton
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Stephanie Latimer
Sivalls, Inc.
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Corporal Steve LeSueur
Odessa Police Department
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Elma Reyes
Odessa College
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David Sanchez
City Bank
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Julia Tarin
First Basin Credit Union
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Kellie Wilks
Ector County Independent School District