40 Under 40 Alumni Spotlight: Brandi VanAntwerp, 2016

Then: Development director, Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri Inc.
Now: President/CEO, United Way Ozarks Region

For nearly two decades, Brandi VanAntwerp has worked to improve housing and health care, and provide support for youth and families, largely through grant writing and philanthropy.

VanAntwerp, 45, moved into her current leadership role in June 2024, which partners with nonprofits across the region. She says her job is to help the helpers.

“There is a lot of great work being done in our community with nonprofits,” she says.

After Habitat for Humanity, VanAntwerp was in leadership positions with CoxHealth Foundation and FosterAdopt Connect Inc. She has worked at nonprofits that benefited from United Way funding.

“I’ve written grant applications, done performance reporting, done the process of applying,” she says.

She says vetting by United Way sharpens the work, noting committees “ask really great questions and really challenge the nonprofits to be at their best.”

Advice to young professionals? Be empathetic, ask questions, be available.