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Meet Meghan Cowan: our new addition to StepUp Wilmington’s Board of Directors. As a graduate of UNCW and her 8+ year career at Live Oak Bank, her roots were set in our community long ago.

“I was drawn to StepUp’s mission because of its direct impact on the city of Wilmington and the people who live here. There is a deep sense of purpose derived from meaningful work…The mission is personal as I’ve witnessed my own father struggle with unemployment for years and experienced the reverberating effects.”

Since beginning her tenure, Meghan has been involved with the creation of StepUp’s Board of Young Professionals where she acts as the “board liaison” and the implementation of the 10,000 Lives campaign, our biggest initiative to date.

“I am most excited about the 10,000 Lives campaign and helping drive change in our community by equipping participants with the tools necessary to secure employment and achieve financial stability. From a financial perspective, StepUp’s numbers are particularly exciting and compelling. One job impacts ten lives and every dollar contributed is quadrupled in social return.”

When asked about what she is most looking forward to during this new venture, she said, “StepUp participants experience real life change. Becoming a board member was about legacy building, as StepUp is helping participants build their own legacies and redefine their futures. I am honored to bare witness to their stories and contribute my time and money to the organization supporting them.”