Meg Slater Recognized for Decades of Service at Middlesex United Way

Middletown, CT - Middlesex United Way honored outgoing Board Chair Meg Slater with a Community Service Award at its 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday. Presented as a surprise by the organization's President & CEO Shawonda S. Swain, the award recognizes Meg's extraordinary dedication, leadership, and impact throughout her tenure with the organization.

Meg Slater’s journey with Middlesex United Way began in 2006 when she organized workplace campaigns for United Way at her firm, Wright-Pierce. Since then, her contributions have been transformative. She was instrumental in founding the Young Leaders Society (now Emerging Leaders Society/ELS) in 2011 and held pivotal roles, including several stints as Chair. She also led the Women’s Initiative (now Women United) in 2021. As a board member since 2015, Meg has served in numerous capacities, including Campaign Co-chair from 2018 to 2020 and Board Chair from 2023 to 2025.

A promotional video produced by Middlesex United Way in 2009 was played ahead of the award presentation. It detailed Meg's deep connection to Middlesex United Way’s mission. Having once relied on United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline as a single parent living in Middletown City Housing, Meg’s experience inspired her to give back to the community that supported her. During her remarks, Middlesex United Way President & CEO Shawonda S. Swain described Meg's leadership philosophy and how she often asked those involved with the organization to "think about your why" — encouraging fellow members to reflect on the reasons behind their commitment to volunteerism and service.

In addition to her volunteer work with United Way, Meg is an accomplished marketing manager at Wright-Pierce, an award-winning engineering firm specializing in drinking water, wastewater, and civil infrastructure services. She oversees marketing efforts across multiple states, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York. She also actively participates in the Middletown Refugee Resettlement Coalition and the Middletown Racial Justice Coalition.

Middlesex United Way's incoming Board Chair Gary Wallace said of Meg's leadership, "Your smile coming into every room provided enough positive energy for all of us."

Middlesex United Way is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives and creating positive change within the community. Middlesex United Way’s Community Impact Council, made up of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, awarded more than $300,000 to 18 local agencies as part of the 2024-2025 grant cycle. Middlesex United Way also actively supports Connecticut’s 2-1-1 Helpline that connects callers with vital resources related to housing, employment, and mental health services. To learn more about Middlesex United Way’s work, you can visit the organization’s website: MiddlesexUnitedWay.org.