Name
Erin Glaske
Age
37
Company/Organization
United Way of Southwest Michigan
What Does Your Company/Organization Do?
United Way of Southwest Michigan works in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to Create a united & Resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from Michigan Technological University
Accomplishments
I have proudly worked at United Way of Southwest Michigan for over seven years, during which time I’ve witnessed and helped guide significant organizational and community impact. Over the course of my tenure, I have: • Led more than 30 workplace campaigns to raise both critical funds and awareness for United Way’s mission, building strong relationships with local employers and employees. • Spearheaded multiple community events, including Pop Up Giving and Dine United, fostering greater community engagement and donor participation. • Co-managed the annual Rock the Boat cardboard boat races, which in 2025 experienced a notable increase in charitable giving.
What else do you hope to accomplish by the age of 40?
I hope to continue to travel and learn about other cultures. Recently having twins has slowed the momentum a bit but they already have their passports and I am eager to show them the world.
Current City
St. Joseph, MI
Place You Were Born
Sheridan, WY
What was your first job?
Technically, shoveling snow like most U.P. children but my first steady paycheck came from working at the local Movie Theater. What could be better than free popcorn and movies?
What’s the best advice you ever got?
“I just try to live every day as if I’ve deliberately come back to this one day, to enjoy it, as if it was the full final day of my extraordinary, ordinary life.” – About Time, Richard Curtis, 2013
Who inspires you most?
It’s not who, it’s a what – sharks, they don’t stop swimming no matter what
That one thing about you we’d be most surprised to learn.
I am pretty good at making up games. I have made a personalized board game for most of my friends.
What do you love to do in your downtime?
I love escaping into a good book or movie – themed movie marathons are my jam – but if I could travel all the time, I would. With my girls and husband of course!
What book are you reading now?
The Silmarillion – JRR Tolkien
Volunteer activity you love the most.
I love being a Girls on the Run Coach. Connecting with young girls and sharing how to embrace emotions all while promoting physical activity and growth is so rewarding.
What motivates you to give back to your community?
We are all sharing this ride together; all linked together in ways we can’t always see. Giving back is actually giving to ourselves.
What Superpower would you most love to have?
Do I have to pick one? Don’t misunderstand me…but a lot of vampires have speed, strength, immortality, so maybe that without the blood cravings?
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone?
I hope people think of me and smile. I have the luxury of small problems and I am not sure my impact will be large but I hope still significant to a handful of people.
What does the honor of being named to the 40 Under 40 most mean to you?
I honestly can’t believe I was selected for this. I am so grateful to be recognized for the work I have been doing at United Way for years. I look forward to continuing to be a part of this community and helping it thrive.
