When I applied and was accepted for the opportunity to become a 2026 Bank of America Student Leader, I had high expectations for myself, such as furthering my career readiness skills, networking, and so on. I went into my United Way of the Piedmont internship with the mentality of becoming a better individual and came out with a new perspective I did not necessarily expect: a different way of viewing my Upstate community, Bank of America, and my own future. After a three-day summit and five-week internship, I now have an even stronger viewpoint that success is not only measured by earning good grades or "climbing the corporate ladder." It is about achieving peace and having the strength to go above and beyond. Every class, leadership role, and new experience has strengthened my confidence and reminded me that growth comes with intentionality and hands-on practice. From the first day of the Student Leaders Summit to every day as an intern at United Way of the Piedmont, I made a promise to myself to show up with a smile and an open mind. Every conversation, meeting, and event became an opportunity to learn. That mindset introduced me to people whose experiences, careers, and perspectives were incredibly inspiring. I met nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and fellow Student Leaders who not only encouraged me but also positively challenged me to think differently about leadership and service. My role at the United Way of the Piedmont was a grant writer intern. I learned how to research, report, and write grants, while also having the privilege to gain insight on community development, finance, brand exposure, and donor networks. As a Business Administration student at Winthrop University, I continue to explore careers centered around operations, healthcare management, and community partnerships. I am passionate about creating environments centered around impactful missions. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that leadership begins with people. Whether I have been working in customer service, participating in campus organizations, or volunteering in my community, I have found that navigating setbacks and being able to pivot are two great learning experiences that are natural and needed in all sectors of life. I enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds because every conversation taught me something new. Those interactions have helped me become a better community advocate and teammate. Looking ahead, I know there is still so much to learn. I hope to keep serving through leadership positions and professional experiences that allow me to make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve.  When I reflect on my past, I see growth. When I look at my present, I see opportunities. When I think about my future, I see purpose. I have a bright future in front of me and look forward to the opportunities ahead.

For the second year in a row, United Way of the Piedmont partner AFL has raised the bar for workplace giving in the region. The company's 2026 “Imagine That” campaign raised $1.7 million that will benefit numerous local charities . AFL is the first company in United Way of the Piedmont's history to raise more than $1 million in a single workplace campaign—first in 2025 and —again in 2026. In 2025, employee gifts and a corporate match together made this milestone possible. In 2026, employee gifts alone exceeded $1 million. Gifts from associates at all AFL locations were matched by AFL’s Community Outreach program, which provides grants, sponsorships, associate engagement projects, disaster relief and more. This year's AFL campaign focused on food insecurity among children. In Spartanburg County, 42% of households cannot afford basic needs like housing, food, childcare, and transportation. Rising costs are making it harder for families to stretch every dollar. United Way of the Piedmont connects the people, programs, and resources that make lasting change possible across Spartanburg County and our region. By funding local programs that address needs like food insecurity, United Way helps build stability for working families to get ahead. “We’re so grateful to AFL for investing boldly in our community and beyond,” shared Paige Stephenson, United Way of the Piedmont President & CEO. “Our neighbors and their children are more secure because of this generosity.” United Way also recognized AFL President & CEO Jaxon Lang with the Chairman’s Award for his visionary, community-focused leadership at the annual United in Leadership Breakfast in June. About AFL Founded in 1984, AFL is a global manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, broadband, data center, AI and industrial markets. With products in over 130 countries, AFL specializes in fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission/compression and substation accessories, connectivity solutions, fusion splicers, and test and inspection equipment. Guided by Customer-Focused and Community-Centered values and a strong commitment to safety, the company operates manufacturing facilities worldwide and provides a comprehensive portfolio of services and solutions supporting network infrastructure, data centers, service providers, wireless and power grid modernization. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com .