The Diversity Leadership Society’s annual Linda McFerrin Award was established in 2018 by United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Board Chair Cory Nettles and his wife Michelle. The award recognizes an outstanding African American nonprofit executive who has provided exemplary leadership in the community.
Like Linda, individuals honored through this award have made extraordinary strides in leadership, volunteerism, mentoring, and philanthropy in greater Milwaukee and Waukesha’s nonprofit community. Award winners are publicly announced on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and recognized at United Way’s Annual Meeting, which is held in February.
The recipient of this annual award will be chosen by United Way’s Diversity Leadership Society and a $5,000 grant will be made by United Way to the organization they represent.
Criteria:
- Rock star nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to advancing their organization and the community.
- Lives and works in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, or Waukesha county.
- Has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment to philanthropy.
About Linda McFerrin
Linda dedicated 42 years to United Way, holding 11 different positions, and retired as the Vice President of Resource Development. Linda modestly credits her personal success to the strong support of her family, leadership at United Way, volunteers, staff/loaned executives, company ambassadors, members of organized labor, and individuals that contribute to the United Way campaign. In 2015, United Way credited Linda with overseeing the merger of the campaign teams from United Way in Waukesha County and United Way of Greater Milwaukee, combining best practices and increasing efficiencies with an aim of raising even more dollars to invest in the community.
Linda has one son, Dominic. Dominic and his wife, Dionna, have three children. Linda said she has channeled most of her life into raising her son and helping United Way succeed.