Partner Spotlight: Sonja Gholston-Byrd

“United Way is a global organization that works to build stronger, more equitable communities by connecting donors, volunteers, unions, community leaders, and partners to address complex challenges,” says Sonja. “The breadth and depth of the help provided to so many of our neighbors is incredible. Across two states and 16 counties, we invest more than $1 million per week to ensure that people can live into their possibilities each and every day.”

Overseeing the organization’s largest labor liaison department in the country, Sonja and her team are tasked with connecting union members and workers facing financial hardship with 211 agency resources and direct assistance. “We encourage unions, labor leaders, and union members to contribute to and support United Way’s annual campaign,” says Sonja. “By participating on workforce development boards and community social services organizations, they engage with leaders of apprenticeship programs throughout the region and help create pathways to livable wage jobs and union apprentice programs.”

Social services support is provided to Missouri Works Initiative program participants by United Way of Greater Saint Louis Labor in partnership with MWI, including assistance with transportation. “We provide resources for long-term, permanent vehicle ownership in addition to short-term ride-sharing services through Lyft. Our mentorship program aims to assist graduates in overcoming obstacles to entry and successful retention in the construction trades while UWGSL Labor provides direct assistance to students who are struggling financially with basic needs,” shares Sonja. “Additionally, we host the Labor and Learn event, which gives students a chance to get in touch with AFL-CIO-recognized consistency groups and other union diversity-focused organizations.”

In addition to providing participants with the connections they need financially, the United Way of Greater St. Louis sponsors the Mentoring Program, which is intended to assist graduates in overcoming obstacles in obtaining employment and retention in the construction trades. “We connect men and women with trade expertise with recent graduates of the program,” says Sonja. The mentoring program addresses topics connected with work and job performance and staff of United Way Labor select and screen mentors, who are at least level 5 apprentices or retirees. “For several months following graduation, we continue to coordinate and monitor the mentoring pairing connection to ensure it remains strong and effective,” shares Sonja. These valuable mentoring relationships help participants navigate the workplace culture and expectations while inspiring the hope and confidence that are necessary for success.