Diversity Leadership Society   |   Emerging Leaders  |   LINC Pride United  |   Retire United  |   Technology United Women United

Each year, United Way's Emerging Leaders recognizes and honors community leaders in their 20s, 30s, and 40s who are dedicated to giving back, getting involved, and taking action for positive change. We celebrate the contributions of these inspiring individuals through our annual Philanthropic 5 and Philanthropic Youth awards. The Philanthropic Youth Award recognizes outstanding youth community leaders under 21 years old.

Meet our 2025 award winners: Mayra Alaniz; Betty Hill; Erik Kennedy; Tyler Odeneal; Tim Patterson; and Philanthropic Youth winner, Phin Clarkin.

Register for this event on August 5 at the Milwaukee Public Museum here.

If you would like to learn more about Emerging Leaders, please contact Kristen Hagen.

On May 1, Women United led a group of 38 volunteers to the Wisconsin State Capitol, to educate legislators on the vital work of United Way, Women United, and the Teen Mental Health: Empowering Minds initiative.

Properly funded mental wellness resources are essential to helping our youth manage stress, build healthy relationships, and lead productive lives.

Here's how you can help:

• Join our Mental Wellness Allies to receive resources, training, and opportunities to advocate for improved mental health outcomes.
• Use our Voter Voice platform to contact your elected officials and share your support for increased School-Based Mental Health Funding in the 2025-27 State Budget. Talking points and a pre-populated script that you can edit and send to your elected officials are included in the link.
• Activate your networks by inviting them to join United Way's mental health advocacy efforts.

If you would like to learn more about Women United, please contact Nancy Clarkin.

LINC kicked off summer in style with a LINC & Friends Social at Juneau Beer Garden! It was a beautiful, sunny day as young professionals from across the community came together to connect, relax, and celebrate the season.

Stay tuned for details about the next outing. Can't wait to do it again!

If you would like to learn more about LINC, please contact Kristen Hagen.

Pride United joined the annual Milwaukee Pride Parade for the first time this year! Thirteen Pride United Members joined Haus of Oge (a fashion brand from Pride United's Co-Chair, Micah Oge) on their Under the Sea themed float. It was a fun and enjoyable experience for all that attended. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Join us at Pride Homecoming on Friday, September 19. Register here.

If you would like to learn more about Pride United, please contact Diamond Herring-Rodgers.

This month, we celebrate three incredible volunteers whose dedication has helped shape Technology United for over a decade. Their leadership and ongoing support of United Way's mission and fundraising efforts are deeply appreciated.

• Nicole Conrad (member since 2011) currently serves on United Way's IT Committee and Campaign Cabinet.
• Scott Sievert (member since 2013) continues to lead the Tech for Good Marketplace program.
• Chad Steighner (member since 2013) serves on the CIO Advisory Board and is a lead fundraiser for the CIO Forum.

Thank you, Nicole, Scott, and Chad, for your years of outstanding service and commitment on the Technology United Council!

If you would like to learn more about Technology United, please contact Cassidy Korpela.

Seventy individuals joyously gathered at the Johnson Controls Volunteer Center at United Way on Thursday, June 12 to celebrate ten years of impact at the Diversity Leadership Society Reunion. The event raised money for United Way's Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement initiative.

Diversity Leadership Society founding members, council members, and community members reflected on the past and celebrated the future. Gevonchai Hudnall-Vogel, Racial Equity Impact Manager, moderated a fireside chat featuring the Benedict Center, Wisconsin Community Services, and Employ MKE. DJ Lolo added to the energy and joy felt in the room. Guests enjoyed BBQ style food crafted by Delectables by Donna Catering, a silent auction, and a wine and spirits pull.

Thank you to ManpowerGroup, Wellpoint Care Network, and Michelle and Cory Nettles for sponsoring the event!

If you would like to learn more about Diversity Leadership Society, please contact Diamond Herring-Rodgers.

Join Retire United on Saturday, July 19 for Fill the Bus, a community-wide school supply drive benefiting United Way's Backpack Coalition. Stop by one of two participating Walmart locations to donate much-needed supplies for local students – or sign up to volunteer!

Volunteer roles include handing out flyers, collecting donations, sorting supplies, and more – with options available for various accessibility needs. It's a great way to give back and support kids in our community as they gear up for a successful school year.

Learn more and sign up here.

If you would like to learn more about Retire United, please contact Alejandra Anastas.