Face of Change: Tristan Babin

1. What is your role with United Way? What do you do in this role? 

Externally I serve on the Plaquemines Leadership Council where we discuss the issues facing the parish and what United Way can do to help. At the refinery, I serve on our United Way Steering Committee, where I help plan, organize, and carry out our yearly and month-long fundraising campaign.

2. How long have you been involved with United Way?

I have been involved with United Way since the beginning of my career in 2013. First, with United Way of St. Charles and now with United Way of Southeast Louisiana.

3. What motivates you to give/advocate/or volunteer?

Having spent the majority of my career in local government, I have seen firsthand what the United Way can do for the less fortunate. I’ve been by their side as they have organized volunteers to make home repairs, built ramps for the disabled, and sent children to summer camp. These acts have given me a clear understanding of why it’s so important that we give and offer ourselves as volunteers to United Way. I’m just lucky to be working for a company that feels the same way.

4. What is one thing about United Way that you think people should know? 

It’s difficult to capture all that the United Way does because their portfolio is both large and diverse, but I would always recommend that someone ask a staffer or a partner agency about their services. It’s shocking to find out that just a few streets away where you sleep at night, there is probably someone in need of food, shelter, or some other critical service. I would bet that the United Way has been there to help them.

5. What’s your favorite karaoke song? 

I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness

6. What’s the #1 thing on your bucket list? 

My bucket list is sorted by geographic location, so I am not sure what number one would be, but I am going with family and friends to Northern Ireland, and we are doing a Game of Thrones tour which is exciting!