Considering Unpaid Board Service?

Non-profit organizations, regardless of their size or focus, rely on a dedicated Board of Directors to guide and support their mission. These organizations span various sectors, including social services, education, healthcare, environmental protection, and cultural initiatives. Serving on a Board is both a significant responsibility and a profound honor.

Determining where you might serve involves understanding your passions, skills, and the needs of the organization. What can you expect from this role? It includes strategic planning, governance, fundraising, and advocacy. Why consider serving? It offers a chance to make a meaningful impact, develop leadership skills, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Let's dive into this important topic and explore your interests. What areas are you passionate about?

About Arlene Kaukus
Arlene Kaukus, MBA '87,  is a lifelong learner and passionate advocate for women.

While serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Way she along with her dear friend and colleague, Gail Johnstone, then President and Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, envisioned the creation of a Women’s Foundation that would work to eliminate barriers that women face.  That vision, and the women that became early champions of the vision, resulted in the WNY Women’s Foundation.

Arlene is a lifelong resident of Buffalo, New York.  She is the mother of four accomplished and powerful women.  Grandmother of 4.  Reese, is Arlene’s senior Doberman-mix rescue.  And she also shares her home with Chumbo, her grand-dog.

Arlene holds two Master’s Degrees:  one in Social Work and the other an MBA.  She has held Executive leadership roles in organizations including serving as the President/CEO of United Way for 8 years.  Since 2010, Arlene has served as the Director of the UB Career Design Center-which she hopes each of you have accessed.  More recently, Arlene has moved to a new opportunity as the Director of Alumni and industry Engagement at UB in the Division of Advancement with the Office of Alumni Engagement.  

As a lifelong learner, Arlene completed her certification in Executive and Leadership Coaching and loves helping people to design amazing lives that challenge, foster individual growth and make the world a better place for all.