Marla O'Brien is the Executive Director at the United Way of the Central and South Okanagan. Marla is a non-profit community development specialist with fundraising and public relations expertise. We'd like to recognize Marla for her hard work and dedication in making our community better.
We asked Marla the following questions:
What is your name?
Marla O'Brien
Where do you work?
United Way of the Central/South Okanagan Similkameen
Where can people find you or your business online?
http://www.unitedwaycso.com
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
Just search for me...I'll be there!
What do you always find yourself saying?
My favourite word right now is "authentic"
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Graydon Carter, editor of Vanity Fair
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Oscar for best screenwriting...but I guess I have to write a screenplay first!
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
My grandmother - not a historical figure, but someone who was instrumental in my history that I never had the chance to talk to as much as I wish I could have.
Who inspires you?
Kathy Lemay, author of "The Generosity Plan"
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- visit Europe
- visit New York
- stay on one of those over-the-ocean villas in Bora Bora
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Seventy-Four
What are you passionate about?
I love this community, and I'm passionate about helping it stay healthy and vibrant through philanthropy. Philanthropy really means "love of humankind" so every time anyone gives of their time, talent, or treasure, they are practicing philanthropy. And I believe this is the only way we can achieve the kind of society we want.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The day my husband and I renewed vows in Las Vegas in 2010. We did it casually in the morning in a little chapel with son, Jonah, there to witness, then spent the day hiking in Red Rock Canyon nearby, and finished with the three of us enjoying a wonderful dinner.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming the new Executive Director for the United Way!
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I would be trying to get them involved in the United Way, so I'd ask them what they think about the health of our community and how to help strengthen it.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Quail's Gate
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Beach time with a good book
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
That people didn't just think of it as holiday-land; even seasonal residents and new residents need to be involved in caring for the sustainability of our communities.
Also, I wish drivers would learn how to merge properly!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The obvious things - the lake, the weather. I love the size - big enough to have great amenities, but small enough so that you can know a lot of people and isn't too congested.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at WelcometoKelowna.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do. We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination using the links to the forms located on the left navigation, near the top of the page. Thank you, Kelowna!
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