OFFICE TEAM.

President & CEO: Laura Ospina-Knight

Since joining UWPC in 2019, Laura Ospina-Knight has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission. She began as Campaign Manager & Senior Associate, later transitioning to Director of Development, serving as Vice President, and finally gaining the role of President & CEO. In each role, she has driven expansion, cultivated vital partnerships, and spearheaded transformative initiatives that have directly benefited Pasco County residents. Her leadership has been pivotal in launching key programs such as the Fighting Human Trafficking Program, Homeless Prevention Program, and the COVID-19 relief response, which allocated $2.4 million to support struggling businesses and residents. Most recently, she played a crucial role in developing UWPC’s Hurricane Relief Initiative.

Beyond program development, Ospina-Knight has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fundraising and community engagement, such as introducing the annual Pull for Pasco Clay Shoot. She is a passionate advocate for survivors of human trafficking, working closely with local, state, and federal legislators to influence policy and secure essential resources. She has also strengthened relationships with the Pasco Board of County Commissioners and collaborated with Pasco County Health and Human Services to enhance support for lower income families and homeless populations. Transparency and community involvement remain at the core of her leadership, ensuring that stakeholders are informed about funding allocation and program updates.

Before her tenure at UWPC, Ospina-Knight served as Marketing Coordinator for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, and as Assistant Director of Marketing and Business Development for Simon Property Group. She holds degrees in Marketing and Operations Management from Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration.

She actively serves on the boards of Leadership Pasco, the Rotary Club of New Port Richey, and Vincent House Pasco.

laurak@unitedwaypasco.org

Director of Finance: Rosanna Medrano

With over nine years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Rosanna Medrano has dedicated her career to managing the accounting side of various organizations. Currently, she is a key team member at United Way, where she oversees financial operations, including overhead revenue and expenses, federal and local grant management, and United Way-raised funding toward community partners. She ensures accurate reporting and financial management.

Prior to joining United Way, Rosanna worked at a nonprofit organization in New York City focused on senior services, where her primary responsibilities included grant management and financial oversight. Her extensive experience in handling grants has equipped her with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of nonprofit funding mechanisms.

Rosanna holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Berkeley College, where she developed a strong foundation in financial management and organizational skills. Passionate about making a positive impact, Rosanna is committed to supporting the financial health and sustainability of United Way of Pasco County.

RosannaM@unitedwaypasco.org

Community Impact & Allocations Manager: Diana Claussen

Diana Claussen brings over 20 years of public service experience to her role as Community Impact and Allocations Manager at United Way of Pasco County. A recipient of the FTIA State of Florida Award for community service, Diana is passionate about human services, homelessness, public safety, and animal rescues. Diana has a strong background in Emergency Services and Operations. She served in the Texas Department of State Health Services during pandemic outbreaks and as a Community Affairs Specialist for the Dallas Police Department. She also volunteered as a Community Emergency Response Team member, assisting FEMA after disasters.

In Florida, Diana led the Pinellas County Mobile Medical Unit during COVID-19 and recently directed United Way of Pasco County's Disaster Relief Program for the 2024 hurricanes. She currently manages the VITA program, offering free tax preparation for residents. She handles logistics, scheduling, financial budgeting, equipment, volunteer coordination and training. The second half of each year, Diana commits to conducting the Community Impact Grant Allocations process which entails interviewing Pasco agencies eligible for United Way grant funding, and distributing out designated funds.

dianac@unitedwaypasco.org

Executive Assistant: Kimberly Kirk

Formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kimberly Kirk has worked in the education and administration field for over twenty-five years, as well as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry in Kalamazoo, MI. Upon moving to Georgia, Kimberly changed her profession to the field of education and administration, beginning at Emory University in the Human Resources Department as an Administrative Assistant in Atlanta, GA. She then served as the Campus Operations Coordinator at The University of Phoenix in Alpharetta, GA.

After a brief retirement of relocating to Tampa, FL, Miss Kim began serving as the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO of United Way of Pasco. Miss Kim handles communication correspondence to the nonprofit and president; coordinates events and meetings for the office; controls the distribution of health and human service information to the public; and distributes resources in times of disaster. She is instrumental at providing case management for the Publix Employees financial assistance fund, and Duke Energy Share the Light Fund.

She can currently be reached at executiveassistant@unitedwaypasco.org.

Senior Associate of Strategic Partnerships: Lynzie Thompson

Lynzie Thompson stepped into the role of Senior Associate of Strategic Partnerships at United Way of Pasco County after serving as Victim Advocate for the organization’s Fighting Human Trafficking Program. A Pasco County native, Lynzie brings four years of nonprofit experience in crisis intervention and victim services, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She is credentialed through the National Advocate Credentialing Program, with certifications in supporting victims of sex crimes, human trafficking, and individuals with disabilities.

Now expanding her focus to include development and fundraising initiatives, Lynzie is helping grow community partnerships and support for United Way’s mission-driven work. Despite this transition, she remains committed to the fight against human trafficking and continues to be available for calls and assistance from survivors in need.

Lynzie’s advocacy background includes empowerment-based support, safety planning, crisis counseling, transportation coordination, emergency accommodations, and detailed reporting for program evaluation.

lynziet@unitedwaypasco.org

Senior Associate of Strategic Partnerships: Marissa Kurt

At United Way, Marissa Kurt, M.A. in Communication and Public Relations, serves as the Senior Associate of Strategic Partnerships, where she cultivates relationships with over 50 local businesses to maximize community giving and deliver mission-driven presentations. She was pivotal in creating the Pull for Pasco fundraiser, the Light Up the Night human trafficking awareness event, and hands-on volunteer service. Marissa launched the organization’s first Holiday Meal Drives and Toy Drive. She spearheads impactful collaborations with high school United Way clubs and corporate volunteer programs.

In addition, Marissa develops compelling marketing materials to inspire action, crafts grant proposals ranging from small and private to big federal grants, and authors high-level communications such as presidential letters, press releases, and media pitches.

Marissa previously played a key role in Philadelphia, where she mentored start-ups in marketing strategies, produced video content, designed an internship program, and led event coordination. Her background also includes corporate recruiting and coordinating work visas. She interned at the Vatican’s press office in Rome and an international diplomacy club in Tokyo. She brings a unique blend of creativity and strategy to every initiative she leads.

marissak@unitedwaypasco.org

Bookeeper: Yuliia Skorobohatova

Yullia Skorobohatova is the bookkeeper at United Way of Pasco. Yullia manages accounts payable function, reconciles transactions, processes expense reports, and assists with month-end closing activities. She will maintain accurate financial records and prepare financial reports and analysis.

A graduate of Donetsk National University, she began her career in 2005 in Kyiv, Ukraine, advancing to Chief Accountant in a distribution company. She also gained experience at a Ukrainian law firm, managing accounts for over 20 companies. After relocating to the USA due to the war in Ukraine, Yullia completed accounting training at the New York School. Committed to career growth, she is enthusiastic about her role and eager to understand non-profit accounting, making her a valuable team member.

Assistant for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program: Andrea Toro

Andrea Toro earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of South Florida in 2023. At United Way of Pasco, Andrea has been instrumental at resource management and distribution for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. She oversees inventory and corresponds scheduling to site leaders. Andrea’s exceptional graphic design skills came in handy with designing VITA promotional materials, fundraising event materials, and reports and pamphlets. She is currently writing grants for the organization, and will lead the 2025 Annual Report and campaign materials.

Andrea's professional journey includes working as a substitute teacher, where she supported students of all ages and abilities, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. She also brings valuable experience in IT support, adept at resolving complex technical issues with exceptional customer service. Certified in Google Data Analytics, Andrea excels in strategic planning and data analysis.