This month, Emerging Leaders is highlighting our long-time member, Zach St. Martin, of WEC Energy Group. Zach has been on the Emerging Leaders council for five years, serving as a co-chair from 2022-2023. He began supporting United Way as a Campaign Coordinator in 2019 and has served on a Great Rivers Conference panel, inspiring other United Ways to create Emerging Leader Groups.

Zach helps whenever he is able – from hosting council meetings, planning the 2023 Executive Panel, forging connections, and plugging United Way wherever he goes.

On why he stays engaged, Zach said:

"Being part of Emerging Leaders, I have met some incredible people that are working on solutions to hard problems facing our communities. When we are able to recognize and highlight those individuals and I hear their stories about the impact they are having, it motivates me to continue doing my part to help our community."

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

Thank you to all of those who attended the 2024 Pride United Homecoming! Together we raised $12,500 in proceeds to support Safe & Stable Homes.

Special thanks to Amber Bricco, owner of the event's venue, Denizen MKE. Amber was recognized as Pride Homecoming Royalty for her dedication and commitment to ensuring our event was a success.

Thank you to our sponsors and vendors who supported the event.

Are you looking for something fun to do on November 10? Join Ubuntu MKE for Flavors of Africa + Diaspora, which will also be supporting Safe & Stable Homes through Pride United.

Please contact Diamond Herring-Rodgers to learn more about Pride United.

Attention Technology Leaders – the 2025 Technology United CIO Forum is happening on Friday, March 14, 2025!

This half-day experience includes panel discussions and a roundtable with CIOs and CISOs about key technological trends and strategies as well as the opportunity to make valuable connections during networking sessions.

CIO Forum is open to all Technology United members and their guests. There are also Sponsorship Opportunities available here.

Check out the CIO Forum webpage for more details and to register.

Those interested can reach out to the Technology United Engagement Manager, Cassidy Korpela.

Every year, United Way's goal for the Holiday Giving Tree remains the same: to share gifts with our neighbors that may otherwise go without. Last year with your help, we were able to match over 7,300 wishes.

Help bring joy again this holiday season to local children, adults and seniors. Register to receive ten gift tags to share (and shop!) with friends and family or make a financial donation of $30 to fill a single wish.

If you're interested in learning more about Retire United, please reach out to Bev Arrowood.

In 2025, Diversity Leadership Society will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary!

Inaugural member, Greg Marshall (pictured fourth from left in this 2019 photo), shares what this network's mission means to him:

"Every time I'm in the room (or a virtual meeting) with my Diversity Leadership Society council members, I feel immense pride. I truly believe that when I look back on my career, initiatives like Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement will stand out as the most significant.

"I've mentored young men trying to support themselves and their families, many of whom face significant challenges because of past felonies. We remove barriers and create pathways for people with justice system experiences, helping them find new opportunities and rebuild their lives."

Read Greg's full note and learn more in this blog.

Please contact Diamond Herring-Rodgers to learn more about Diversity Leadership Society.