As the leader of United Way of Racine County in southeast Wisconsin, Rodney Prunty is driven and refueled by the people he meets, and the way that community changework transforms their lives for better. He credits his mother for instilling in him a sense of always aspiring for a better world. Along with United Way Worldwide’s Darlene Slaughter and United Way of Greater St. Louis’s Wray Clay, Rodney will be leading a workshop Friday morning at Upswell, then leading a focus group to kick off the afternoon lineup for Friday at Upswell. Here’s a little bit more about Rodney before you join him in LA next week.

Q: Who are you, what drives you, what are you working on, and why are you inspired to make the world a better place?

RP: I am the president of United Way of Racine County. I am driven by results and moving the needle in the right direction. Right now, I’m working on expanding our community school model in my local school district to provide equitable solutions for children, families, and neighborhoods. My inspiration to make change is constantly refueled by all of the phenomenal people I have met over the years whose lives have improved as a result of our work. Seeing positive change happen firsthand is powerful and inspiring.

Q: What’s your favorite way to relax?

RP: Working out at the gym 3-4 times a week. It is a fantastic stress reducer and increases my mental acuity.

Q: What drew you to a career in the social sector?

RP: I credit my mother, who taught me to see the world as it should be, not as it is. That mindset has always acted as the catalyst for me to drive change.

Q: If you could invite any group or individual to Upswell, who would it be and why?

RP: More people from the business community. They a play a large role in what we’re trying to accomplish.