Employee Spotlight: Janice Sauers
Meet Janice Sauers, corporate engagement manager on our Donor Relations team. In this role, she focuses on building strong relationships and driving fundraising efforts. Outside of work, Janice loves the outdoors and spending quality time with her daughter.
Learn more about Janice in her full spotlight below.
What’s your role at United Way and what’s your favorite part of the job?
As corporate engagement manager and growth specialist in the Donor Relations department, my role focuses on fundraising and building strong relationships with our corporate partners. My favorite part of the job is the relationship building—both with my coworkers and with our partners. I’m constantly learning about the agencies we support and the companies we collaborate with.
What’s a moment or accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Two moments stand out for me. Personally, becoming a mom and watching my daughter grow into a young adult will always be my proudest accomplishment. Professionally, I’m especially proud of launching our Champion School District initiative. It’s a meaningful recognition of students and school staff who go above and beyond in service to their communities by collaborating with United Way. Helping schools and students get involved and seeing the difference they can have by working together has been very rewarding.
What’s one thing your coworkers may not know about you?
I started my career in elementary education then shifted to broadcast journalism. Before joining the nonprofit world, I had a variety of roles — including two years as an on-air DJ! I hosted a midday radio show in State College and even had the chance to meet big names like Run DMC, Weezer and Good Charlotte.
When you’re not at work, where can we usually find you?
If it’s up to me and I have free time, you’ll usually find me enjoying the outdoors! I love hiking, fishing, biking and just being in nature. But if I’m being honest, most of the time I’m in the car, driving my daughter to pole vault practice or one of her many other activities. So, the real answer? Probably in the car!
What’s an item you would bring with you to a deserted island?
Aside from family or pets, I’d bring a really good book and something comfy to sit on. One of my favorite things about being outdoors is listening to the birds and truly disconnecting.