Daniel Amodeo-Chavez recently moved from sunny San Diego to join United Way of Thurston County's (UWTC) team as the new Community Impact Manager. With a background in social work and urban studies focusing on urban sustainability and food justice, Daniel brings over three years of experience in nonprofit management and community partnerships.
Passionate about strategic initiatives that address community needs, Daniel thrives on collaboration and loves getting everyone talking and working together to create meaningful impact. After working at a smaller nonprofit, Daniel saw UWTC as the perfect place to align his values and goals. He said, "Specifically, with UWTC, I think Chris and Zach are doing something exciting with their approach to the issues in Thurston County by strategically addressing the pipelines of poverty. This is the approach I have wanted to work with for a long time. Plus, from our initial conversations, it was clear that we share a passion for helping others and could work well together. So, all that made it easy to want to join this team and help develop the next chapter."
Daniel embraces his inner nerd outside work with a love for Dungeons and Dragons, video games, and road trips with his family. Exploring new places with his wife and kids—finding hidden gems like cozy cafes or cool spots—brings him immense joy.
When it comes to inspiration, Daniel draws from a variety of sources, from Joe Strummer of The Clash to the 12th Doctor from Doctor Who. Both figures embody a commitment to justice, kindness, and the belief that the future is unwritten—a philosophy Daniel carries with him as he works to make a difference in Thurston County.
Daniel is excited to be on the UWTC team and looks forward to helping shape the next chapter of impactful community work!