Emery Ivery

I’ve spent 32 years working in the United Way organization, including 15 here with United Way Suncoast. I believe in the work we do here at the United Way, and I’m driven each and every day to serve our community and families that need our help. Growing up on the east side of Cleveland, I understand what hard-working families experience trying to make ends meet. Through my own experience and through my many years of service to this community, I’ve witnessed and felt struggle. But I’ve also witnessed how the love of family and friends lifts people up, how faith and resiliency keeps families going, and how the support through organizations like United Way Suncoast really helps families overcome barriers. While you might hear about the challenges facing our ALICE families, those hard-working parents and children who stand just one unexpected expense away from dire struggles, you often don’t hear about the love that still flourishes in these homes, the care that courses through our underserved neighborhoods and the strength of the bonds that unite these families. I’m inspired by these scenes and determined to create even more opportunities in my role with United Way Suncoast.