Megan Prenger has been the executive director at Callaway County United Way (CCUW) for almost six years.
When she first started at CCUW, she was working on the marketing side in Jefferson City. But she really wanted to come back and work where she grew up.
"When I saw this position, it caught my eye," Prenger said. "I was living in Callaway County, but I was working in Jefferson City because I was going to college there. But I really wanted to come back home to the people I know, to what I grew up with and be able to work here. So I applied, and luckily, I got the job."
Prenger graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City where she earned a degree in marketing.
She is the only paid employee at the CCUW, so she helps with all the fundraising for 11 different agencies here in town. Prenger and those affiliated agencies set a goal every year and do their best to meet those goals.
"I have an amazing board that is really supportive," Prenger said. "They help me through the process, and I have 11 agencies that are also amazing that help with it. They help me, and I help them. I can't commend them enough because they do such amazing stuff here in the community."
Though her work keeps her busy, Prenger is also a part of the Woman's Networking Group and Community Organizations Active in Disaster. And since she makes volunteering a part of her agencies' requirements to be a part of CCUW, she volunteers with them as much as she can.
"I love Callaway County," Prenger said. "I love being here; I love the people in it. I'm constantly learning something about Callaway County. And I've made so many amazing relationships, professional and personal."
She likes to stay active and is constantly on the move with her three children: Brennan, 17, Brogan, 9, and Jade, 3. She has been married to Nathan Prenger for 5 years now, but they've been together for 10 and have known each other since grade school.
Prenger loves to go hunting with her husband, as they are interested in the outdoors. She also enjoys traveling when she can and gardening, like her dad. Right now, her goal is to put in a garden and grow some grass at their new house. Though it frustrates her when her dogs play in the "yard" and bring back muddy paw prints all over her porch, she still remains positive and laughs it off.
That's her big thing with Prenger's life staying positive. She tries to keep positive energy around her, smile every day and be in a good mood.
"I try not to just better myself, but the community as well," she said. "That's why I took on nonprofit (work). I love helping people; I like to do things that make my heart happy, and helping people and knowing I was a part of that is amazing."
Prenger tries to do whatever she can to do better, to learn more and be there for her family, friends and community.