Project LEAD
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United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

Fall Project Lead Cohort Participants

Project LEAD

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In Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, too many people are left out of our public conversations. United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is changing this with Project LEAD—Leadership Effectiveness And Diversity.

This in-depth seven-week training program prepares community members for leadership roles on nonprofit boards and committees, with an emphasis on recruiting participants from underrepresented board populations (women, racially and ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+, and young professionals). 

  • Learn the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards
  • Understand what is expected of individual board members
  • Broaden your professional networks
  • Influence decisions impacting our community

Participants will have an opportunity to be connected to agencies with a mission that corresponds to the participant’s personal interests. The program’s goal is to introduce each participant to a nonprofit board within six months of program completion.

2023 Fall Dates

Orientation: Tuesday, September 5, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Introduction & Photo Session

Session 1: Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Non Profit Boards 101 & Board Diversity

Session 2: Tuesday, September 19, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Advocacy 

Session 3: Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Resource Development 

Session 4: Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Governance & Work Time

Session 5: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Financial Management & Work Time - Agency Tour Diverse & Resilient (2439 N Holton St)

Session 6:   Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Pathway to a Board / Other Ways to Make Impact

Session 7: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 4:30-6:30 p.m. - Finding the Right Fit

Graduation: Tuesday, October 31, 2023 • 4:30-6:00 p.m. - Celebration & Ceremony

 

Fall Applications has Closed.

Testimonials From Alumni

Photo of Patrick Chaves

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I am so thankful I attended the Project LEAD course. It taught me a wealth of information about non-profits and the boards that oversee them, especially in our Milwaukee community. Project LEAD was also an amazing opportunity to expand my network to other likeminded professionals who care about the community.”

- Patrick Chaves, Wisconsin Center District

Photo of Decorah Gordan

 

 

 

 

 

 

"As a currently active board member and leader in the Labor Movement, Project LEAD provided me with a greater perspective, ownership of my roles and tools that I did not know were needed in my passion to make a difference. This opportunity opened so many doors for me and all others that will benefit from my work within the Labor Movement and the community."

- Decorah Gordon, We Energies / IBEW LU 2150

Photo of Joanna Fraczek

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Project LEAD was an incredibly rewarding and empowering experience. With the education provided by the top community leaders, I gained a sense of preparedness for meaningful and competent service on nonprofit boards. Additionally, I’m grateful for the new professional connections and bonds I formed." 

- Joanna Fraczek, Assistant City Attorney, City of Milwaukee

Photo of Roslyn Kinchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Project LEAD was an amazing experience! The presenters and panelists offered extremely relevant advice on selecting an organization whose mission syncs with your passions. They also emphasized the importance of understanding all aspects of the commitment you are making prior to joining a non-profit board. Project LEAD prepared me to be a more effective board member."

- Roslyn Kinchen, Rockwell Automation

2023 Fall Class

Shana Anderson, Wisconsin Community Services
Angela Beadle, CBRE  
Stephanie Budnik, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC)
Elizabeth Charewicz, Johnson Controls, Inc.
Patrick Chaves, Wisconsin Center District
Amanda Clark, Dominican Center
Frances Delzer, CORE El Centro
Treanna Evans, Molson Coors
Joanna Fraczek, City of Milwaukee, CAO
Phylece Gilbert, Boys and Girls Club of Milwaukee

Christian Golden, Student at Marquette University
Michael Gonzalez, Cudahy Health Department
Decorah Gordan, We Energies / IBEW LU 2150 
April Heding, Milwaukee Public Schools 
Erica Hornburg, Molson Coors Beverage Company
Stephen Jansen, St. Charles Youth and Family Services
Roslyn Kinchen, Rockwell Automation
Monique Liston, UBUNTU Research and Evaluation
Taylore McBride, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee | Widening Equity LLC

Donna McKonly, Entrepreneur, CESA#1, and Springhealth
Jim McLaughlin, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
Katy Murphy, Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers
Madison Olig, Literacy Services 
William Robbins, International Justice Mission
Britney Roberson, Froedtert Health
Sarah Stepanski, Community Leader 
Jamal Watkins, City of Milwaukee

Thank You To Our 2023 Sponsor

Questions?

For more information, contact Diamond Herring-Rodgers via email.