Tina Rucci

Advocacy Manager

Inspiration: “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it; if only we’re brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman

What working in this community means to me: “I work in this community because I believe everyone deserves to live a life where they can thrive. It is important to me to work at an organization that shares that belief and actively works to make it a reality.”

Tina has been with United Way since September 2021. She is part of the Advocacy and External Engagement Team, which is within the larger Community Impact department. Tina is responsible for advocating at the Minnesota Legislature on behalf of United Way’s nonprofit partners.

Prior to joining the United Way, Tina worked on health policy at the Wilder Foundation managing This Is Medicaid Coalition. Previously, she ran a homeless shelter in Dakota County. She received her undergraduate degree in sociology and anthropology at UW-Stout and her master’s in peace and justice studies from University of San Diego.

Tina calls Minneapolis home. She has a little dog named Evee, and enjoys reading, hiking, cooking and trying all the amazing restaurants the Twin Cities has to offer.