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Diversity Leadership Society

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

Diversity Leadership Society

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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

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Diversity Leadership Society Council Co-chairs

Headshot of Dante Houston

Dante A. C. Houston, Centers for Independence

Headshot of Ashley Smith

Ashley Smith, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Photo of Tracie Sparks
Tracie Sparks, Community Volunteer

Diversity Leadership Society Council Members

Dionna Gavin, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, Inc.

Caleb Hutchins, Baird

Gyldnis King, Froedtert Health

Samantha Maldonado, Spectrum Nonprofit Services

Devon Norwood, Baird

Nikki Payne, Southeastern Wisconsin Planning Committee

Robert Sanders, Community Volunteer

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Happenings & Impact

Diversity Leadership Society Member Connect

Join the Diversity Leadership Society Council for a networking reception at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP.

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Diversity Leadership Society Reunion

Diversity Leadership Society presents a culturally enriching outdoor gathering designed to bring our community together.

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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.

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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.

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Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement

Our goal: 15,000 people will be ready to start stable careers having overcome key employment barriers by 2029.

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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.

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

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Changing the transportation landscape.

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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

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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 Nancy Clarkin at 414.269.1990 or via email.