Join the Team Anchor Text

Bailey Allen headshot
Scarlett Simpson Headshot
Deanna Keal

Join the Team

We are an inclusive and empowering work environment. Our tagline is “Empowered Women, Empowering Women” and we mean that at all levels: volunteers, guests, and staff. We work to empower one another, prioritize individual development and growth. Here at UP, we value holistic wellness for our guests, volunteers and staff. Authenticity is celebrated and encouraged. We want everyone to feel like they can be their true self at UP.

Job Openings

Day Shelter Staff

  • Amy Meredith

    Amy Meredith

    Executive Director

  • Julie Padgett, MSW

    Julie Padgett, MSW

    Operations Director

  • Deanna Keal

    Deanna Keal

    Development Director

  • Dawn Miller

    Dawn Miller

    Safety Manager

  • Bailey Allen

    Bailey Allen

    Grants Administrator

  • Ryan Knipple

    Ryan Knipple

    Shelter Manager

  • Scarlett Simpson

    Scarlett Simpson

    Case Manager

  • Stella Parsons

    Stella Parsons

    Client Support Specialist

  • Heather Ackerman

    Heather Ackerman

    Client Support Specialist

  • Sunshyne Estill

    Sunshyne Estill

    Case Manager

  • Tiffany Butts headshot

    Tiffany Butts

    Client Support Specialist

  • Quany

    Quany

    Security Guard

  • Noah Korth - Client Support Specialist

    Noah Korth

    Client Support Specialist

  • Elizabeth Schlenk - Client Support Specialist

    Elizabeth Schlenk

    Client Support Specialist

  • Whitney Bard

    Whitney Bard

    Case Manager

  • Chloe Aden - Fall Intern

    Chloe Aden

    Fall Intern

  • Angela

    Angela Ceccato

    Fall Intern

Board of Directors

  • Jennifer Kleier

    Jennifer Kleier

    CHAIR

    Partner, Karem & Kleier Law

  • Meghan Hayes

    Meghan Hayes

    TREASURER

    CFO, Koetter Group

  • Melissa Mitchell

    Melissa Mitchell

    SECRETARY

    VP at PNC private bank

  • Cecily Bell

    Cecily Bell

    SPACE COMMITTEE CHAIR

    River Housing LLC, Entrepreneur and rental property owner

  • Anju Asopa

    Anju Asopa

    Board Member

    IT Teach Leader- formerly Humana IT Associate Director

  • April Zik

    April Zik

    DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

    VP of Sponsorships, Kentucky Derby Festival

  •  George Rue

    George Rue

    Board Member

    Managing Director at Venture Forward Advisors

  • Melanie Green

    Melanie Green

    Director of Process Improvement at BrightSpring Health Services

  • Tracey Garnett

    Tracey Garnett

    Vice President Finance/Corporate Controller, Seven Counties Services

Founders Amy and Andrea sitting side by side smiling with their arms folded.

Our Founding Anchor Text

Co-founders Amy Meredith & Andrea Scott

Our Founders

In 2016, Founders Amy and Andrea identified a community need. During her work with formerly homeless women, Andrea learned that Louisville did not offer a daytime safe space for women and children experiencing homelessness. Often because of their experience with trauma, women avoid services if they feel their safety or well-being may be compromised. Women needed a women’s only safe space with access to showers, laundry, case managers, community resources and social services through a partnership of providers.

Andrea brought the idea to her friend Amy whose background was in business development. They began with a needs assessment, connected with community service providers, local leaders and women experiencing homelessness who were living on the streets and sleeping in emergency shelters. They were met with overwhelming support and in 2017, Uniting Partners for Women and Children was founded. They formed a board of directors, obtained 501c3 status, partnered with Christ Church Cathedral for space, and secured funding from Louisville Metro and Women 4 Women. On July 16, 2018, they opened their doors to the community for the first time.

Together, they founded Uniting Partners for Women and Children, a joint passion project to advocate for women and children in our community. In 2020, Andrea stepped down to stay home with her family and serve UP remotely during COVID-19. In 2021, she resigned and still passionately believes in UP.