Nora Freyman serves as Chief Marketing Officer at United Way of Greater Kansas City, a position she’s held since March 2022.
United Way is proud to have women serving in four of our five C-Suite executive level positions.
Each shared responses to the same four questions during this Women’s History Month.
United Way: Share a person or place that inspires you and why.
Nora: There are so many women who inspire me and who have shaped the woman I am today. I credit so much of my strong work ethic and creativity to my first “real boss”, Joni Cobb, founder and former CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs. I started at Pipeline as an intern and Joni believed in me so much more than I could have ever believed in myself. She taught me how to be a strong leader in a primarily male-dominated industry, be entrepreneurial in my thinking and leadership and to be more creative in my approach in everything I do. Because of her belief in me, I’ve grown so much- both professionally and personally.
United Way: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Nora: My dad started his own business and ran it for over 45 years before he retired. I watched him work incredibly hard, make sacrifices and be an excellent role model in our community. From him, I learned that I have to make one brave choice each day. It will be hard and uncomfortable but I have to do it, because I am worth it. I can confirm that every day I choose to use this advice, it is hard and uncomfortable- but absolutely worth it.
United Way: What’s the most meaningful part of your role at United Way?
Nora: What makes me excited to come to work every day is our role in amplifying the incredible work happening in our community. Through marketing efforts, spreading the word about incredible individuals, leaders, organizations, donors and so many more keeps me in this work. Whether it is on a bus tour or at a donor event, I learn something new about the impact we are making, together, as a community. I feel incredibly privileged to wake up every day feeling so passionate to do this work, alongside our amazing team, as we serve 1 in 3 Kansas Citians every year.
United Way: How would you encourage other women aspiring to serve in leadership roles?
Nora: During a professional development session, Chantell Garrett shared an idea that continues to resonate with me. Organizations and companies have their own board of directors to hold them accountable, so we all as individuals should have our own, a personal board of directors, if you will. This idea of gathering a group of people who fully support you, can help you through hard decisions and guide you to ensure you are upholding your values and beliefs though growth is such an important concept. While I haven’t formally done this, I rely heavily on a group of close knit people who know my values and beliefs and hold me accountable to upholding them every time I reach out. I would highly encourage other women aspiring to serve in leadership roles to develop your own set of values and beliefs and then to build your personal board of directors. You deserve it.
