(Shreveport, LA) – United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) announced Carole Graves as its new Vice President of Community Impact. Her responsibilities include volunteer management, grant writing, leading the marketing division, and overseeing UWNWLA programs and services, such as 211, SingleCare, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Graves has more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector from working with organizations like The Arc, Hearth, Inc., Vinfen, Eliot Community Human Services, and Seven Hills Foundation. She comes from Chicago, Illinois, where she served as Vice President of Operations at Community Support Services, Inc. Graves holds a Master of Business Administration degree in nonprofit management and marketing from Bryant University. She also attended Boston University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and public health.

“Carole is deeply committed to the community impact efforts that grow public awareness and harness volunteer labor to address the needs of our region,” said UWNWLA President & CEO LaToria “Tori” W. Thomas. “Her experience with nonprofit organizations speaks volumes of the passion she carries for serving her community, and I am confident that with her knowledge, she will help our organization mobilize and remain relevant to residents and their needs.”

Graves enjoys volunteering regularly in her community, including performing music for those in critical and long-term care settings. She founded Legato Music, an organization devoted to providing educational programs and therapeutic music to the elderly, sick, and disabled. Graves also holds a Master of Music degree from Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music.

“My cumulative experiences in nonprofit work have fostered my passion for working with organizations with a strong tradition of providing diverse and essential services that help elevate and empower those less fortunate,” said UWNWLA Vice President of Community Impact Carole Graves. “It is an honor to serve as part of the team and continue to grow programs that reach those who need it most.”

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