United Way of Greater Atlanta Invests in Transformative Innovation with Appointment of Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Atlanta, Georgia – March 22, 2024 United Way of Greater Atlanta announced today the appointment of Sanjay Parekh as Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) to lead a new facet of the organization called UWGA Labs. The UWGA Labs initiative is designed to identify and nurture consumer-centric social ventures that are both aligned with the organization’s mission and can lead to greater community investment. This strategic move signals a new era for the more than 120-year-old organization in its journey toward transformative growth and sustainable community impact. “EIRs are commonplace in startup and venture capital communities, they are rare in the non-profit sector,” says United Way of Greater Atlanta President and CEO Milton J. Little, Jr. “This appointment demonstrates our commitment to find new ways to foster innovative solutions to address persistent social challenges in Greater Atlanta, including experimenting with proven concepts in the for-profit world. Parekh’s track record of innovation and strategic vision perfectly complement our desire to reinvent the ways in which we fundraise and operate.” United Way of Greater Atlanta has remained steadfast in its mission to break down barriers to opportunity, particularly for children born into low-income households. Recognizing the evolving landscape of philanthropy and community development, United Way of Greater Atlanta is embarking on a transformation journey aimed at fostering innovative solutions that will reach a new generation of donors in bold ways. “United Way of Greater Atlanta’s willingness to think outside of the box is refreshing and one of the main drivers for me to join the organization,” says United Way of Greater Atlanta’s EIR Parekh. “The entire team is enthusiastic about having another approach to solving the challenges that face Greater Atlanta and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.” Parekh’s track record of innovation and strategic vision are valuable assets to propel the organization forward. His role will involve scouting and advising on venture concepts to identify growth opportunities aligned with United Way of Greater Atlanta’s mission. He brings a wealth of entrepreneurial expertise and leadership experience to his role as EIR, and with a background as a startup founder and senior executive in high-growth corporations, he is well-positioned to drive United Way of Greater Atlanta’s vision of creating sustainable revenue streams while maximizing social impact. As the newly appointed EIR, Sanjay Parekh will lead the launch of UWGA Labs. Through UWGA Labs, Parekh will leverage his entrepreneurial vision to incubate and scale new ventures for the organization, ultimately empowering children, families, and communities throughout Greater Atlanta. With Parekh’s innovative leadership driving forward initiatives like UWGA Labs, Peter Laugharn, president and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, highlights the transformative impact of strategic investments made by United Way of Greater Atlanta. “I have seen firsthand the transformative power of strategic and innovative investments through the work of the United Way of Greater Atlanta,” said Peter Laugharn, president and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. “Their philanthropic efforts continue to evolve into increasingly dynamic catalysts for change.” About United Way of Greater Atlanta United Way of Greater Atlanta engages and brings together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families, and individuals in the community. The organization unites with more than 200 programs in 13 counties through the Child Well-Being Mission Fund to create an equitable future for all. For more information, visit: unitedwayatlanta.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram.