Image of 2024 Diversity Leadership Co-Chairs

Diversity Leadership Society

Leaders working to close the gaps for our community's diverse populations ensuring every family has the opportunity to thrive.

Changing Lives

Diversity Leadership Society knows that change doesn’t happen alone. Together, they are supporting United Way’s Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement initiative. The goal is simple: Everyone deserves permanent employment with a livable wage at a workplace where they are treated with dignity and have opportunities for advancement.

The initiative is centered on three strategies: education, transportation, and involvement in the justice system.

Member Benefits

Over 700 members of Diversity Leadership Society raise over $3 million annually. You can be part of creating lasting change in our community for so many in need. In addition, you can:

Connect with dedicated, passionate individuals working together for systemic change.
Build new relationships and grow your professional network.
Attend Diversity Leadership Society special events, all focused on creating awareness and elevating the work in our community.
Celebrate powerful leaders with the Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award. The award recognizes an outstanding African American nonprofit executive who has provided exemplary leadership in the community.

Become a Member Today

If your employer runs a United Way workplace campaign, please give $1,200+ through your workplace. All other donors click “Donate Now & Join” to open a new page and start your online donation. You will need to create a username and password so you can make your gift today.

Donate Now & Join

Already a leadership donor, sign up to be a member now.

Council Members

Open All Close All

Diversity Leadership Society Council Co-chairs

Headshot of Dante Houston

Dante A. C. Houston, Center for Independence

Headshot of Ashley Smith

Ashley Smith, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Photo of Tracie Sparks
Tracie Sparks, Kunik

Diversity Leadership Society Council Members

Dionna Gavin, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, Inc.

Caleb Hutchins, Baird

Njeri Jackson, Medical College of Wisconsin

Gyldnis King, Froedtert Health

Samantha Maldonado, Chaska Consulting

Greg Marshall, CI Design

Devon Norwood, Baird

Nikki Payne, Southeastern Wisconsin Planning Committee

Robert Sanders, Medical College of Wisconsin

Johnathan Viard, Northwestern Mutual

Please wait while we gather your results.

Happenings & Impact

Diversity Leadership Society members attending a 2023 Mix & Mingle event.

Celebrating Ten Years of Diversity Leadership Society

In 2025, Diversity Leadership Society will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

Learn More

Photo of Michelle Nettles, Linda McFerrin, and Cory Nettles

Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award

This award annually recognizes an outstanding African American nonprofit executive who has provided exemplary leadership in the community.

Learn More

teacher working with a group of young students

Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement

Supports programs that reduce barriers for individuals to have the opportunity to start stable careers.

Learn More

Please wait while we gather your results.

Related Blogs

Dr. Jeanette Mitchell has been named the 2024 Linda McFerrin Award

Dr. Jeanette Mitchell Has Been Named the 2024 Recipient of the Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award

The Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding African American nonprofit executive who has provided exemplary leadership in the community.

Christy Brown is the 2023 recipient of the Linda McFerrin Award

Christy Brown is the 2023 Recipient of the Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award

The award recognizes an outstanding African American nonprofit executive who has provided exemplary leadership in the community.

2023 Community Campaign

United Way’s 2023 Community Campaign runs now through December with a fundraising goal of $57 million.

Racial Equity and the Racial Equity Fund

The discussion surrounding racial equity is an important one and is a topic that everyone should be educated on. But what does racial equity mean?

Vibrant illustration of Black and Brown individuals profiles.

Third Cohort of Racial Equity Fund Investments Announced

Meet the Black- and Brown-led partner agencies selected to receive the third round of grants for Racial Equity Fund Investments.

Danae D. Davis is the 2022 Recipient of the Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award

The award recognizes an outstanding African American nonprofit executive who has provided exemplary leadership in the community.

Grantees Announced for Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement Initiative

See the 2022 grantees for funding

Image of 2022 Campaign Cochairs with $57 million fundraising goal

2022 Community Campaign

United Way’s 2022 Community Campaign runs now through December with a fundraising goal of $57 million.

Second Cohort of 2022 Racial Equity Fund Investments Announced

Meet the Black- and Brown-led partner agencies selected to receive the second round of grants.

2022 Racial Equity Fund Investments Announced

Meet the 11 Black- and Brown-led partner agencies selected to receive the first round of grants.

Q&A with Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas has been named the 2021 Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award honoree. Thomas is the regional CEO and southeast Wisconsin chapter executive at American Red Cross.

Women United Holiday Shopping Guide 2021

Support the favorite local women owned businesses of our Women United council members as you do your holiday shopping this year!

Diversity Leadership Society Holiday Shopping Blog 2021

Diversity Leadership Society council members share the Black owned businesses you should support this holiday season!

Pride United Holiday Shopping Guide 2021

Pride United council members share the local Queer owned businesses where they’ll be shopping this holiday season.

Image of 2021 Campaign Cochairs with 55 point 5 million fundraising goal

2021 Community Campaign

Learn how you can give, advocate, and volunteer to turn hope into lasting change.

Image of a DoorDash car with a Hunger Task Force volunteer loading boxes into the trunk.

New United Way partnership safely connects students and seniors with essential food.

United Way, DoorDash, and Hunger Task Force come together for "Stockbox DoorDash" initiative.

Angela F. Williams named president & CEO of United Way Worldwide

Williams brings decades of nonprofit experience to the role.

Policy Win! Right to Counsel for tenants facing eviction has been approved.

The City of Milwaukee Common Council voted to approve $1.8m in funding.

2021 Summer investments for youth announced

$1 million dollars in summer educational programing.

United Way expands funding for free tax prep

Sites in Mequon, Waukesha, Greenfield, and more got the boost they needed to meet the growing need.

See your impact! Social Development Commission’s free tax preparation services.

Check out these great photos and learn how your donation supports financial stability in our community.

Deanna couldn’t find enough books for kids of color...so she wrote her own!

Join United Way and Deanna Singh for a family book reading.

United Way Announces Community Initiatives Supported by MacKenzie Scott Donation

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County today announced key community initiatives that will be supported by a generous $25 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Q&A with Angela Adams, winner of the Linda McFerrin African American Nonprofit Leadership Award

Known for her ability to deliver results that matter, we asked Angela a few questions.

Meet the Annual Meeting award winners!

Join United Way for our virtual Annual Meeting on February 24.

Deanna Singh on how to talk to kids about race

It's important to talk to kids about race early and often, but many parents don't know where to begin.

Changing the transportation landscape.

Meet one of our Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement grantees.

Gerry Coon on Pride, racial justice, and a hopeful future

A Q&A with Diverse & Resilient’s Executive Director

For DeVona Wright Cottrell, mentorship is key

Meet our new Diversity Leadership Society Co-chair DeVona Wright Cottrell!

Chef Deborah trusted her gut and lives her dreams

Local business owner talks mentorship, healthy eating, and the importance of a supportive community.

Shop local, shop diverse: check out these Black-owned businesses

Feel good about where your dollar is going by checking out these local, diverse businesses.

Milwaukee Named My Brother’s Keeper Alliance “Community to Watch”

By implementing strategies that enhance self-esteem, belonging, and brotherhood, Milwaukee can transform into the nation’s greatest city for boys and young men of color.

Celebrating Black History 365 Days a Year

Black History Month does not end for me on February 28 -- I try to celebrate it 365 days a year.

Three things I’ve learned about leadership

The recipient of the 2018 Linda McFerrin Award for African American Non-Profit Leadership is Vincent Lyles, former president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee from 2011 to 2018.

The Color of Health

With bills being due, babies crying, work deadlines, and all the other hurdles we constantly overcome in life, health sometime can feel like a burden rather than the beautiful opportunity to nurture ourselves.

4 Elements of a Righteous Black Man

Shannon Reed Jr. is back to discuss the four elements young black men should consider on their path to becoming their best selves: finances, education, health, and love.

What is it Like to be a Young Man of Color in the Central City?

Shannon Reed Jr. reflects on his personal experiences as a young man of color in Milwaukee for Boys & Men of Color Week.

Get Involved

For questions or more information about joining the Diversity Leadership Society, please contact Diamond Herring-Rodgers at 414.263.8152 or via email.