Visionaries, advocates, leaders. These are just a few words to describe Orange County United Way’s 42-member Board of Directors.

The Board represents United Way in the community and brings a collective voice to the organization’s decision-making. They are charged with stewardship and accountability to maintain the trust of the community.

We were delighted to see one of our own, Martha Daniel, recognized for her influence and power to uplift others in Orange County and beyond in the inaugural “Women of Coast” feature from Coast Magazine.

To celebrate this recent achievement, we reached out to Mrs. Daniel, CEO and President of Information Management Resources, Inc., to talk about her “Women of Coast” recognition, giving back to the community and her favorite United Way memories.

You were recently recognized by Coast Magazine as one of six local “Women of Coast” for your influence in the community. How did it feel to be included in this group of amazing women?

It was indeed an honor to represent women of Orange County for such a prestigious award. Given that this was the first “Women of Coast” award event for Coast Magazine, it was even more special to be chosen in their first selection of women.

What advice would you give to young women who also want to make a difference in our local community? Where should they start?

Become active in areas that interest you by joining a variety of nonprofit organizations within the community such as Orange County United Way, WISEPlace, New Directions for Women, or the Boys and Girls Club. Think about your interests and passions and find nonprofits that align with that. Then it’s up to you to contact the organizations, volunteer to serve on their Board of Directors and participate in community events.

Martha Daniel, at an Orange County United Way Board Meeting – putting on the gloves to fight for education, health, housing and financial stability.

In addition to being a CEO, a pastor, an advocate for women and so much more, you also serve on Orange County United Way’s board of directors. What made you get involved with United Way?

I was actually a founding member of Orange County United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund in 2002 and I served on the organization’s Board of Directors back then. With changes in the direction of my company requiring me to spend more time in Washington D.C., I decided that it was not feasible to continue to serve after my last term.

Recently however, my travels are not as demanding and with the leadership of Sue Parks and my knowledge of United Way’s great mission and purpose, it was easy to say yes again.

I have always been an active participant in Orange County in support of several nonprofits to help develop and improve our community. Given that I was not serving on a board when Sue asked me to reconsider, the timing was excellent to get back in involved and join hands with Orange County United Way as a board member.

What Orange County United Way’s initiatives are you most passionate about? 

Homelessness and Education.

Share your favorite Orange County United Way memory/ story.

Singing at the Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast a few years ago with Sue Parks and several other influential women as my backup. I sang Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman”. It was a lot of fun!

Read the full “Women of Coast” feature to learn more about Martha Daniel and her many accomplishments.