Thank you to Cat Connell, Associate at K&L Gates and United Way Emerging Leaders Committee member, for contributing this guest blog on our recent Speaker Series!

Emerging Leaders gathered on Thursday, January 18 at the offices of long-time Seattle law firm K&L Gates to hear from two of its successful partners and committed philanthropists.  Technology transactions partner Shannan Frisbie and litigation partner Theo Angelis shared their advice about how young professionals can have long, interesting and rewarding careers while maintaining focus on giving back to the community.

The latest installment of the monthly Emerging Leaders Speakers kicked off with some amazing appetizers and drinks and the opportunity to network with new and veteran members of the Emerging Leaders program.  It was great to hear attendees trade stories about particular Emerging Leaders volunteer events they’d helped out with, or upcoming events they couldn’t wait to go to, like the Ethan and Angela Stowell dinner at Bramling Cross!

The Speaker Series program kicked off with an inspired introduction to one of United Way’s premier event tackling homelessness – the Community Resource Exchange.  Lauren McGowan, Senior Director of Ending Homelessness at United Way of King County, spoke briefly about the amazing impact the event has on our homeless population and how attendees could get involved – super inspiring!

I moderated the panel with Shannan and Theo, and our conversation touched on everything from what keeps the two attorneys engaged and excited about their work to the ways in which philanthropy, particularly a partnership with United Way, has enriched their careers.  It was clear that these two people were truly committed to using their influence to make positive and lasting impacts on the community.  United Way staffers commented after the presentation that they had never had so many inquiries about how to get involved in upcoming Emerging Leaders events!

A great night of connecting and learning – can’t wait to see what’s up next!