Dora Lima joined as the Financial Wellness Coordinator at United Way in January 2023 and leads the Financial Wellness at Work program. In her role, she supports the workforce across participating companies by providing one-on-one financial coaching focused on personal finance and navigating unexpected financial challenges. In addition to financial coaching, Dora helps employees access and navigate community resources for non-financial needs, connecting them to support services that address broader life challenges.
A key part of Dora’s work is building and maintaining strong relationships and rapport with the five sites she supports. She partners closely with staff and leadership at each location to understand their unique needs and tailor programming that feels accessible, relevant, and supportive to each workforce. Dora also maintains a close working relationship with TFED Credit Union, the program’s partner for the small dollar loan component, helping ensure participants can access responsible lending options when needed.
In 2025, Dora was selected to participate in the Financial Wellness at Work Virtual Training Institute as a panelist for a session on Resource Coordination, Financial Education, and Working with Financial Institution Partners. The interactive session brought together practitioners in small groups to explore real-world strategies and answer guided questions. Dora shared insights from her on-the-ground work, highlighting how strong partnerships and coordinated resources strengthen outcomes for employees.
Recently, Dora traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to attend the AFCPE (Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education) conference, a national conference focused on financial counseling and financial education. The conference provided valuable professional development, new insights, and best practices that Dora brings back into her work. It was also a meaningful opportunity to connect with peers from across the country and reflect on the impact of financial wellness work.
Raised in New Bedford, Dora is proud to be part of UWGNB’s mission to strengthen communities and support working families throughout the region. She values being relatable and approachable, helping people feel comfortable, understood, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges.