Meet Heidi
Heidi Svee comes to us from the Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse, where she spent the last two years as Executive Director. Born and raised in the La Crosse area, Heidi now lives in Onalaska with her three children, Alexis (17), Devon (11) and Roman (7). Being a single mom, Heidi has, at times, needed to utilize community services that are funded by Great Rivers United Way. She credits those experiences as having a large influence in shaping who she has become as a woman, mom, and community advocate.
In addition to her job and family responsibilities, Heidi enjoys being involved in the community. She is a current member of Rotary La Crosse, La Crosse Voices of Men Steering Committee, and Association of Fundraising Professionals. Over the past few years, she has also been involved with the Greater La Crosse Diversity Council, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, La Crosse Global Initiatives, Onalaska Show Choir Parent Support Group, and The Center LGBTQ Leadership Advisory Committee.
When asked why she enjoys development and fundraising, Heidi said, “I look at it as building and sustaining important relationships with folks from all walks of life. I love hearing why a person supports, or doesn’t support, a certain cause. I like putting a face to poverty; by sharing my story it is always my goal show donors and volunteers that there can be hope and a bright future for the person on the receiving end of their generosity. In a small way, the work I do allows me to give back to the community that has given my family so much in our time of need.”
15 Questions for Heidi
- What are you most excited about in your new position? So many things! Being part of a fabulous team, meeting with folks to hear their stories, and having the opportunity to share those stories with business leaders and their teams.
- Favorite color? I have 4! Olive green, millennial pink, plum, and royal blue.
- Number of children? 3 actual children – Alexis, 17; Devon, 11; and Roman, 7; PLUS two fur babies, Iggy, 4 (rescue, lab, and short haired pointer mix); and Shadow 1.5 (fluffy black cat that we are fostering).
- Least favorite household chore? LAUNDRY… it’s never ending… and I always forget that I washed a load so it gets stinky, and I have to rewash it.
- Latest tidbit you’ve learned about United Way? That a woman, Anita Froegel, was the first campaign chair to raise $1 million!
- Favorite recreational activity? Walking our dog, and pilates and barre at the Y.
- Genre of music? I enjoy a lot of different kinds of music, but my favorites are late 60’s/early 70’s, 90’s alternative & 90’s hip hop.
- Most likely to order on a menu? Dessert!
- Favorite book? F.I.E.R.C.E., written by my friend and local author, Carolyn Bostrack.
- Most looking forward to in the 1st United Way campaign? I’ve heard the food trucks are pretty stellar!
- Role model? I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum, which sometimes caused struggles and hardship in my life. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate my parents much more – their strong work ethic, honesty, and compassion for others.
- Favorite place to visit? I love going to the campground where my parents have had a permanent site for 38 years – it’s in a valley, surrounded by beautiful bluffs, diverse wildlife, and natural springs.
- Guilty pleasure? Shopping, and the “Love & Hip Hop” series on VH1.
- Memorable moment in the new job thus far? Everyone in the office has been so incredibly kind, helpful, and welcoming – I feel like I’ve been a part of this team for years!
- Favorite thing about our community? I love the beauty of our community found both in the natural landscape and the hearts of so many caring community members.