United Way of Greater St. Louis strengthened because of dedicated leaders and donors who believe in the power of community.
Meet one of those leaders, Laura Ellenhorn, Principal of St. Louis Civic Engagement at Edward Jones. Laura’s commitment to giving back is rooted in values she learned early in life—showing up for others and strengthening the bonds that hold communities together.
In this Q&A, Laura shares what first drew her to United Way, why she continues to support its mission, and how her involvement has deepened over time. Her story is a powerful reminder that lasting change begins with consistent care and collective action.
How did you first become involved with United Way of Greater St. Louis?
I first got involved with United Way because it felt familiar to me—it reflected how I was raised.
I grew up in a small town where taking care of people wasn’t a program or a strategy; it was just what you did. My parents modeled that every day. If someone needed help, you showed up. You took a shift at the church picnic. You helped raise money for a family going through a hard time. You went to funerals, brought food, checked in, and made sure no one felt alone. There was a deep understanding that we belong to one another—and that when something happens, you step in.
When I started at Edward Jones, I learned about United Way and immediately recognized that same spirit, just at a larger scale. United Way does for our broader community what I saw growing up—bringing people together, pooling resources, and making sure support reaches those who need it most. I loved the idea of extending my reach beyond what I could do on my own and having a collective impact alongside others who genuinely care.
For me, United Way has always been about people—showing up, standing with one another, and making sure care and opportunity are shared. It’s a continuation of the values I learned early on, expressed through a community that believes, like I do, that we’re better when we take care of each other.
What inspired you to become a donor and continue your support over the years?
What inspired me to become a donor—and to continue over the years—is that it started in a very personal and manageable way, and then deepened as I learned more.
I started small, giving in a way that was meaningful for me at the time. It felt important to participate, to be part of something bigger than myself, even if my contribution was modest. Over time, I became more involved, including serving on an allocations committee, which really changed my understanding. I saw firsthand the level of need in our community and how United Way agencies were meeting people where they were—helping families stabilize, find opportunity, and move forward with dignity.
I also had important conversations with mentors along the way—people who helped me reflect on the responsibility we have when we’re in a position to give, and the opportunity for real, sustained impact when we do it thoughtfully and collectively through United Way. Those conversations stayed with me.
As a family, our financial support has grown over time as our understanding has grown. We continue to give because we believe in doing our part—showing up consistently, contributing alongside others, and helping ensure that care and opportunity are there for people when they need it most.
Is there a particular impact area—like basic needs, youth and early childhood success, financial mobility, health and well-being, or community stability and crisis response—that especially resonates with you the most and why?
The United Way impact area that resonates most with me is the connection between health and financial stability, because you simply cannot build long-term security without addressing both.
The data clearly shows that health and wealth are deeply intertwined: healthier people are more able to work, save, and plan for the future, and financial stability supports access to health care, nutritious food, and stress-reducing resources that contribute to better health outcomes. Research has found that people with low incomes tend to have poorer health outcomes and greater risk of disease, while those with more economic resources enjoy longer, healthier lives with fewer chronic conditions.
United Way’s work reflects this reality — mobilizing resources so families can access both health services and financial support — because addressing one without the other limits true progress. It’s why I believe focusing on health as intentionally as financial security makes the greatest difference in helping individuals and families thrive over the long term.
You serve in several different roles with United Way. Can you tell us about the ways you’re involved and what you enjoy the most about each?
I’m involved with United Way in several ways, and each role matters to me for different reasons.
As a board member and Executive Committee member, I feel a deep sense of responsibility and pride. It’s about stewardship and oversight of an extraordinary organization that serves the entire St. Louis metro area. There truly is no other organization like United Way in its ability to see the whole community, coordinate across systems, and mobilize resources at scale. Helping ensure it remains strong, effective, and trusted is meaningful work.
As a donor, it’s very personal. It’s satisfying to know I’m doing my part — contributing alongside others to support families and communities in tangible, lasting ways.
As a de Tocqueville member, I feel humbled. It’s a privilege to be part of a group that can do more collectively than any of us could do alone, and I value the opportunity to engage in learning sessions that deepen our understanding of the community and the impact we can have together.
And as a mentor through the Women’s Leadership group, I’m especially proud. Supporting others as they build connections, grow in confidence, and become the best versions of themselves feels like one of the most rewarding ways to give back.
Each role reflects a different expression of the same commitment — showing up, taking responsibility, and helping strengthen the community we all share.
What have you learned or experienced through your work with United Way that has been most meaningful or surprising?
I was surprised by how much of United Way’s impact comes from steady, behind-the-scenes work rather than high-profile moments. The most meaningful progress happens because United Way is there year after year — funding prevention, strengthening agencies, and helping families avoid crisis altogether. It reinforced for me that real change is built through consistency and trust, not just urgency.
What would you say to someone who’s considering becoming more involved or giving at a leadership level for the first time?
Say yes and lean in. United Way is an amazing experience — and if you let it, it may just change how you see your community, your responsibility, and your own capacity to make a difference.
Laura’s story reminds us that creating lasting change is not about one-time actions—it’s about showing up consistently and working together to strengthen the community we all share. At United Way of Greater St. Louis, every gift, every hour volunteered, and every voice advocating for others makes a difference. If Laura’s commitment inspires you, we invite you to join us in building a region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Learn more about how you can become a Leadership Giver.
