Emerging Leaders

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

Open All Close All

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, Marcus Hotels & Resorts

Ginger Lazovik, Falk Ruvin Gallagher – Keller Williams

Emily Mason, Northwestern Mutual

Allison Parra, Baird

Kelsey Schanke, Godfrey & Kahn S.C.

Zach St. Martin, We Energies

Jacqueline Whelan, Children's Wisconsin

Please wait while we gather your results.

Happenings & Impact

Philanthropic 5 Awards

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

Day of Action

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

image of microphone and people sitting on chairs

Leadership Panels

Join Emerging Leaders to learn how Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership is strengthening neighbors families, students, and the community.

Please wait while we gather your results.

Related Blogs

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet the 2020 Philanthropic 5

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

Meet the 2019 Philanthropic 5

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

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.

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.

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.