Emerging Leaders
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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

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Emerging Leaders

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Leaders in their 20s, 30s, or 40s who connect socially, develop professionally, and serve collectively, embracing causes around education.

Emerging Leaders are the next generation of professionals who want to make a difference in our community. 

Changing Lives

This network has always been a champion of students, specifically around literacy. Their Emerging Readers program was a staple of the group for many years. 

Beginning in 2023, their larger focus is on supporting the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership. This priority is all about transforming schools into places where educators, local community members, families, and students work together to strengthen conditions for student learning and healthy development. 

Member Benefits

You can be part of creating lasting change in our community for so many in need. In addition, you can:

  • Grow your professional network, build new relationships, and partner with likeminded philanthropists and community leaders. 
  • Attend special events like:
    • Philanthropic 5 Awards, which recognizes community leaders that have made extraordinary commitments of leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
    • Leadership Panels, which offers networking opportunities for local professionals while engaging in conversations on important topics.
    • Day of Action, a global volunteer event that occurs annually where thousands of people in more than 400 communities across the world volunteer with their local United Way.   

 

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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Emerging Leader Council Co-chairs

Lindsey Ashenden Professional Photo

Lindsey Ashenden, ManpowerGroup

Professional Photo of Alex Lackore

Alex Lackore, EY

Professional Photo of Josh Smith

Joshua Smith, A.O. Smith Corporation

Emerging Leader Council Members

Thomas Carini, Deloitte LLP

Christopher Eichner, Froedtert Health

Sarah Erdmann, Quarles

Maricha Harris, Dominican Center

Nathan Imfeld, Foley & Lardner LLP

Brian Jacobs, Baird

Dana Johnson, Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel 

Ginger Lazovik, Falk Ruvin Gallagher – Keller Williams

Emily Mason, Northwestern Mutual 

Allison Parra, Baird

Kelsey Schanke, Godfrey & Kahn S.C.

Zach St. Martin, WEC Energy Group

Jacqueline Whelan, Chorus Community Health Plans

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Happenings & Impact

2024 P5 Awards

Philanthropic 5 Awards

Nominate a leader in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who is making extraordinary commitments to our local nonprofit community.

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image of volunteers with the words Day of Action

Day of Action

Join United Way's Emerging Leaders to celebrate the annual nation-wide volunteer event.

Read More.

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Related Blogs

2024 Philanthropic 5 Awards

Meet the 2024 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2024 award winners: Dr. Victor Amaya, Alejandra Anastas, Graham Anderson, Alexis Outlaw, Tristen Shorter, and Philanthropic Youth winner, Drea McAlister

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Photos of group of 2023 Philanthropic 5 award honorees

Meet the 2023 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2023 award winners: Ayrton Bryan, DeShanda Clark, Robyn Ludtke, Sharlen Moore, Micah Ogé, and Philanthropic Youth winner Deisy España.

Read More.

Photos of group of 2022 Philanthropic 5 award honorees

Meet the 2022 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2022 award winners: Katie Cummings, Marquayla Ellison, Rachel Hunter, Angela Pecoraro, Nick Welle, and Philanthropic Youth winner Amira Adams.

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Picture of Margy Stratton with a student and a book.

Helping Children Cultivate a Lifelong Love of Books

Margy Stratton founded Emerging Readers, a program to connect kids with books.

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Meet the 2021 Philanthropic 5

Meet our 2021 award winners: ​​​​​​​Mark Boergers, Caitlin Cullen, Clintel Hasan, James Madlom, Bob Van Himbergen, and Philanthropic Youth winner Anya Ramos.

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Meet the 2020 Philanthropic 5

Help us celebrate these individuals at our awards event on Thursday, August 8.

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Meet the 2019 Philanthropic 5

Help us celebrate these individuals at our awards event on Thursday, August 8.

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Meet the 2018 Philanthropic 5 Winners!

Each year, United Way's Emerging Leaders honor five community leaders and one Philanthropic Youth winner for their commitment to the community through the Philanthropic Five awards.

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It’s Never too Early – or too Late – to Start Volunteering!

Jason Parry and his family have made a summer tradition of volunteering at United Way's annual Day of Action.

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Meet United Way Board Chair Cory Nettles

Cory Nettles, founder and managing director at Generation Growth Capital, Inc., was recently named chairman of the board for United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and will serve a two-year term. Cory, who has been involved with United Way for his entire professional life, took a moment to share his passion with us.

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*Fall* in Love with Your Community in October!

Fall is officially here! Grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte and come do some good with United Way this month.

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Teen Nonprofit Leader Encourages a Love of Writing in Kids

Katie Eder discovered her passion for creative writing at a young age. Now, she runs a nonprofit to empower kids to write, edit, and publish their own stories.

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Go Do Good in August!

Summer is in full swing! Here are some fun ways to Live United in August.

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Congratulations to our 2016 P5 Winners!

Meet the winners of the 2016 Philanthropic 5 (P5) Awards.

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Congratulations to our 2015 PY Award Winner!

United Way has nominated Gopika SenthilKumar, recent graduate of Brookfield Central High School, to receive the inaugural 2015 Philanthropic Youth (PY) award.

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Once You Learn to Read, You Will Be Forever Free

Last year when I discovered the Emerging Readers Program at United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, I knew I needed to be a part of it.

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Congratulations to our 2015 P5 Winners!

Meet the winners of the 2015 Philanthropic 5 (P5) Awards.

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Day of Action Sets a Worldwide Example

Over 100 volunteers and families from the 4-county region helped make an impact towards improving academic success during United Way’s Day of Action on June 19, 2015.

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2014 P5 Winners: Meet Derek

Meet Derek who’s passion and advocacy for people in the community runs deep. “A true example of the impact behind giving of time, talent and treasure.”

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2014 P5 Winners: Meet Griselda

This year, United Way honored five outstanding community leaders for their commitment to making Milwaukee a better place. Each week, we’d like you to get to know each one better, starting with Griselda.

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Congratulations to our 2014 P5 Winners

Meet the 2014 Philanthropic 5 Award Winners!

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Career Advice from the 2014 P5 Award Winners

What's the best advice each of the 2014 P5 winners have received? What would they like to share with the next generation?

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2008 P5 Winner Q&A

Catch up with past Philanthropic 5 Winners

Read More.


 

Get Involved

For more information about joining the Emerging Leader program, please contact Kristen Hagen via email or at 414.263.8190.