We introduced the Local Legend series in our June 2017 newsletter. Our idea of a local legend is a person you should know in the Salt Lake City area. This person is not only well connected around the town but also has the inside scoop and does their part to positively impact the community.
We are honored to name Lindsey Kneuven as our July 2017 local legend. Lindsey Knueven formerly worked as Cotopaxi's Chief Impact Officer. She is now the Head of Impact at Pluralsight. Lindsey has flipped pancakes with Governor Herbert and serves on the board of the Utah Community Foundation. She formerly directed global grantmaking, strategic planning, and large-scale employee engagement programs for a portfolio of corporations at Silicon Valley Community Foundation. She has extensive experience in international development and nonprofit management, having spent a number of years working in East Africa to develop and implement a primary school literacy model with Nuru International. She has been active in international and domestic poverty alleviation initiatives for 15 years.
Lindsey answered a few questions about her Salt Lake City experience and how young professionals can contribute to the community.
1. How long have you lived in Salt Lake City? What brought you here? I relocated to Salt Lake just over 2 years ago to take on the role of Chief Impact Officer at Cotopaxi, a Utah-based outdoor gear company with a social mission. I had never been to Utah before and did not know what to expect with the move. The richness of community here coupled with the incredible outdoor opportunities have been a wonderful discovery.
2. Describe how the role you play as a member of various boards and committees impacts Salt Lake City. I serve on a variety of boards and committees that are designed to elevate and cultivate effective philanthropy in Utah and beyond. My involvement with the Community Foundation of Utah, Lieutenant Governor's Commission on Community Engagement, Westminster Social Impact Accelerator, Utah Open Source Foundation, the homelessness response, and other initiatives supports the development of more sophisticated resources and education for community members looking to enact social and environmental change through the generosity of time and financial contributions. These organizations focus on empowering organizations and individuals to effectively apply their diverse resources to achieve the change they seek in the world.
3. How can young professionals work to alleviate poverty and homelessness in our area? Get involved! Join a board, transfer your skills to build capacity among nonprofits and service providers that you feel are achieving great outcomes, be a part of the conversations around homelessness, create a donor advised fund and develop yourself as a young philanthropist, read and engage your friends in discussions around these important topics, encourage your companies to give and volunteer, and engage your networks in creative service, education and giving initiatives that are designed to address the root cause of issues that you are passionate about.
4. What is your favorite thing about Salt Lake City? Salt Lake City is experiencing a renaissance. I believe we have the rare opportunity to truly shape the future of this city and state, creating a brighter, more equitable future. The compassionate culture that exists here is a incredible asset and one that we can maximize for the collective good.
5. What do you most look forward to about Salt Lake’s future? There's an incredible community of artisans and creators in Salt Lake. The city also boasts a thriving tech and startup ecosystem. It's a very favorable place to build a business and find great talent.
6. What do you wish more people knew about Salt Lake City? There's an incredible community of artisans and creators in Salt Lake. The city also boasts a thriving tech and startup ecosystem. It's a very favorable place to build a business and find great talent.
7. Name your favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City. HSL is on the top of my list. I also love the fine crew at Beltex Meats - they have the best meats for summer BBQs and Traeger-made-masterpieces under the stars.
8. You are known as having a passion for the outdoors. What is your favorite Utah outdoor adventure? There are too many adventures to list! It has been incredible to learn to ski on the best snow on earth! The Uintas and Southern Utah both have an overwhelming variety of beautiful, wild places. One of my favorite hikes to take out-of-state visitors on is the 17 lakes loop in the Uintas. Solving social issues is hard work that requires skill, tenacity, hope, humility and compassion! The world is facing complex challenges and we need bright minds, innovation, and collaboration to effect meaningful, sustainable change. We need people who are eager to learn and apply their skills with persistence to chip away at big, complex problems. I encourage you to research issues that you are passionate about, get engaged, and know that even the smallest of acts are meaningful. Discover the beauty and power that lies in random acts of kindness. Voice your ideas, pursue a purpose-driven life, and explore all of the amazing, creative ways you can apply your unique skills and qualities to strengthening our global community.
9. What would you tell someone who is on the fence about moving to the Salt Lake City area. Salt Lake is a gem with beautiful outdoor adventures at every turn and a strong community. It's a place that invites you to contribute and help build the future.
10. What advice would you give to young professionals about getting more involved in our community. Solving social issues is hard work that requires skill, tenacity, hope, humility and compassion! The world is facing complex challenges and we need bright minds, innovation, and collaboration to effect meaningful, sustainable change. We need people who are eager to learn and apply their skills with persistence to chip away at big, complex problems. I encourage you to research issues that you are passionate about, get engaged, and know that even the smallest of acts are meaningful. Discover the beauty and power that lies in random acts of kindness. Voice your ideas, pursue a purpose-driven life, and explore all of the amazing, creative ways you can apply your unique skills and qualities to strengthening our global community.