If there’s one thing that Linda Gorens-Levey is sure about, it’s that taking social action starts with having, and then being, a good role model. And although she takes advocacy very seriously, she finds time to have fun while giving back.
Linda, a partner at General Capital Group, has had a long relationship with United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. Since learning about United Way at her first job after graduate school, she’s respected the standards that agency partners are held to and has found that United Way’s values match her own.
“As I learned about the impact that the funds raised have had on the health, education, and financial stability of people in our community, I became one of United Way’s biggest champions,” she said.
But Linda is more than a champion for United Way. When asked how it felt to receive the Linda T. Mellowes Woman of the Year Award, Linda responded with characteristic grace: “I’m humbled, but it’s not about me. It’s about paying it forward.” In her soft-spoken sincerity, Linda not only honored the woman for whom the award is named, Linda T. Mellowes, but reflected the very spirit of community and service that defines both women.
“I adore Linda Mellowes, and I feel so fortunate to call her a friend and a mentor,” she said. “She has left an enduring legacy in Milwaukee. When I look at Linda, it’s really an honor to receive an award that’s named for her.”
Linda’s own legacy is one built on impact, not recognition. Through decades of service with United Way, she’s held numerous leadership roles, from chairing the Community Impact Committee to serving as a Co-Chair of Women United and a Co-Chair of United Way’s 2022 Annual Campaign. She’s also served on United Way’s Board of Directors and has been a member of its Executive Committee. Among her most cherished United Way events are the annual Women United Bruncheon, which she describes as both moving and motivating, Women United SPREE, and Project Homeless Connect.
“I didn’t start out as a community advocate,” she reflected. “My own leadership skills grew because of Ed Zore and Steve Roell’s mentorship through my United Way Board experience. That is part of the impact of philanthropy: it’s observing and learning about great leadership, and then having the responsibility of paying it forward.”
Linda’s values are deeply rooted in her family and beliefs, and she is guided by the ethical concept of “Tikkun Olam” or “repairing the world.” She believes in taking social action, acting with moral courage, and working towards justice, equity, and a more compassionate world. This philosophy isn’t just theoretical for Linda – it’s how she lives. When reflecting upon mentoring future leaders, raising her sons with her husband, Mike, or contributing her time and resources to inspiring causes, she leads with heart.
“My family is the most important thing to me,” she said. “My husband, my children, my sisters – they are my champions and my grounding force.”
Her love for her family spills into the causes she, and Women United, support, including United Way’s Teen Mental Wellness: Empowering Minds initiative. Her desire to see others succeed from a young age is imbued in the family-focused mentality that she learned from her parents, and that she and her husband instilled in their sons. The importance of her family extends well into the community that she serves.
It’s easy to see why Linda Gorens-Levey is this year’s Woman of the Year. She embodies the spirit of Women United and is a significant role model. Most important, she is a person defined by quiet strength, unwavering purpose, and heartfelt generosity.
Help us congratulate Linda at this year’s Women United Bruncheon on Tuesday, May 13 at The Pfister Hotel. Registration is closing soon, reserve your spot today.
Pictured: top & top-left, Linda Gorens-Levey; mid-right, Linda at the DC Court of Appeals with her sister and friend after the Women’s March; bottom left, Linda with her family.
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